Safety (4th in the Global Peace Index 2025), Vienna among the most liveable cities, a median full-time income of EUR 55,678, and a job-based route for non-EU citizens: what Austria offers and how to prepare.
In brief
Austria is a calm, orderly and very liveable base: 4th in the Global Peace Index 2025, Vienna 2nd in Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living ranking, a median full-time gross income of EUR 55,678 a year (Statistik Austria, 2024) and an average rent of EUR 10.5 per m2 including running costs (Q2 2026, national average). For citizens of countries outside the EU the main legal route is the Red-White-Red Card, which is tied to a job: it is issued for 24 months, and after 21 months of work it can be exchanged for the Plus version. The move suits specialists and families who value order, nature and a stable public system. The main preparation is the points system and German. Checked on 7 November 2026 from search summaries; the details of your own case should be confirmed with the migration authorities.
What moving to Austria gives you
- Safety and calm. Austria is 4th in the Global Peace Index 2025, one place above Switzerland in the same list. For a family with children or someone who wants to walk home late without thinking about it, this is a real daily benefit.
- One of the most liveable capitals. In Mercer's 2024 Quality of Living ranking Zurich was 1st, Vienna 2nd and Geneva 3rd, and Vienna had held the top place for years before that. A 2025 edition was not found, so the 2024 results are quoted with their year.
- Solid incomes. Statistik Austria reports a 2024 median gross annual income of EUR 38,043 for all employees and EUR 55,678 for people who worked the whole year full-time, 8.1% more than in 2023.
- Rents that are manageable by Western European standards. The national average rent was EUR 10.5 per m2 including running costs and EUR 7.9 without them in the second quarter of 2026. This is a country-wide figure, not a Vienna figure, so check the districts you like.
- A day-to-day budget you can plan. Numbeo, as quoted by Expatica on 1 June 2026, gives about EUR 1,127 a month for a single person in Vienna without rent and about EUR 1,164 for a one-bedroom flat in the centre.
- A clear route for skilled newcomers. The Red-White-Red Card is a points-based job route, with a path to the Plus card and to bringing the family.
What to prepare for
- The route is built around a job. For non-EU citizens the Red-White-Red Card needs a job offer from an Austrian employer. The practical fix is to start with the employer search or with the shortage occupation lists, and to collect diplomas and certified translations early.
- The points system. For shortage occupations and key workers the sources name 55 out of 90 points, awarded for qualifications, work experience, language and age. The fix is to count your points before you apply and to take a German course early, because language earns points.
- The salary threshold. One consultancy names about EUR 3,465 gross per month in 2026 for key workers outside the shortage list, while another page shows other figures. Check the current number on the official migration portal before you negotiate.
- German. Daily life, official letters and the job market work much better in German. Plan a course in your first months and look at employers with international teams while you learn.
- Making friends. Expat surveys report that Austria is strong on quality of life and weaker on social integration. The fix is simple: clubs, hiking and sports groups, language courses and the Russian-speaking and international communities in Vienna.
- Employer-bound status at the start. The first card is tied to one employer for 24 months. A plan with a stable employer and a contract that covers this period removes the risk.
Who it suits
- Specialists with a qualification that Austria needs, and people already offered a job.
- Families who want safety, good public services and nature close to the city.
- People who like Vienna's culture and a structured daily life.
- Entrepreneurs and remote workers can use it as a base, but the permit route for them differs from the job route: check it separately.
Who may prefer another country
- If you need to start in the first weeks without a job offer, a country with a remote-work visa or a residence route through property may be quicker. See the comparison of countries that give residence through property.
- If you want a sunny coast and a low-cost start, southern Europe or the Caucasus may fit better. Use the self-test for choosing a country.
- If German is out of reach for you for now, an English-speaking environment may be easier at the beginning.
Your first 90 days
- Before you go: confirm your route with the migration authorities, collect diplomas, translations and apostilles, and start a German course online.
- Month 1: registration at your address, health cover and a bank account. Our first 30 days in Austria checklist goes step by step, and the bank account guide explains the documents.
- Month 2: find a longer rental, settle into the neighbourhood and test the daily commute. See health insurance and doctors after moving.
- Month 3: decide with facts. Compare your real monthly budget with the plan and with the cost of living comparison, and think about taxes with tax residency when relocating. A trial stay is a good way to test the move before you commit.
- Family: if you move with a partner or children, the sources say that a spouse, a registered partner and unmarried children under 18 can apply for the Plus card. School choices are covered in schools and education when relocating.
How a property purchase fits
Most newcomers rent first and buy after the first year, once they know the neighbourhood. When you decide to buy, start with what you can buy in Austria for EUR 150,000-700,000, the best areas to buy and prices and buying costs. If you like the mountains, read about holiday homes and ski property in the Alps and the yield and investment article. A property purchase does not give you a residence permit by itself, so build your route first and the purchase second.
Where to go next
The decision framework is in should you move abroad: pros and cons and how to decide. If Switzerland is on your shortlist too, read should you move to Switzerland. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
FAQ
Is Austria easy to move to for non-EU citizens? It is clear and structured, and it is built around work. The main route is the Red-White-Red Card with a job offer and points, so the first step is the employer and the points count, not the property.
How much does it cost to live in Vienna? Numbeo, quoted on 1 June 2026, gives about EUR 1,127 a month for a single person without rent and about EUR 1,164 for a one-bedroom flat in the centre. The national average rent in the second quarter of 2026 was EUR 10.5 per m2 including running costs.
Do I need German? You can start with English in an international company, but daily life improves a lot with German and the points system rewards it, so a course in the first months is a good investment.
Can my family come with me? According to the sources, a spouse, a registered partner and unmarried children under 18 can apply for the Plus card. Confirm the conditions for your own case.
Is it better to rent or buy first? Rent first for a year, learn the districts and the commute, then use the buying articles above. A purchase does not replace a residence route.