Tag Archives: Vienna

Fragomen 5 Best Expat Cities in Austria

The 5 Best Expat Cities in Austria

Are you considering a move to Austria? We are sharing the five best expat cities in Austria along with the latest updates in terms of immigration requirements and timelines.

Dreaming of experiencing the picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and high quality of life? We’re here to guide you through the immigration process and help you discover the best places for expats in the country.

№1. Innsbruck (Tyrol)

Nestled in the heart of Tyrol, Innsbruck captures the essence of Austria’s natural beauty and charm. But what sets this city apart is its efficient immigration offices, renowned for their streamlined processes, excellent communication, and relatively short processing times. If you’re worried about the bureaucracy involved in obtaining your immigration documents, fear not! In Innsbruck, appointments are granted with impressive swiftness, usually within 1-2 days of reaching out to schedule one. Once you’ve filed your application, the processing times typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, ensuring you’ll be ready to embark on your Austrian adventure in no time.

Innsbruck Austria City View
Schwaz Austria view from the mountain

№2. Schwaz (Tyrol)

Another gem in Tyrol, Schwaz boasts not only breathtaking scenery but also immigration offices that prioritize efficiency, open communication, and prompt updates on your case status. Much like Innsbruck, you’ll find it easy to engage directly with the officers at the immigration authority, giving you peace of mind throughout the application process. With processing times aligning closely with those in Innsbruck—around 4 to 8 weeks—you’ll soon be savoring the tranquil beauty of Schwaz, knowing that your paperwork is in good hands.

№2. Schwaz (Tyrol)

Another gem in Tyrol, Schwaz boasts not only breathtaking scenery but also immigration offices that prioritize efficiency, open communication, and prompt updates on your case status. Much like Innsbruck, you’ll find it easy to engage directly with the officers at the immigration authority, giving you peace of mind throughout the application process. With processing times aligning closely with those in Innsbruck—around 4 to 8 weeks—you’ll soon be savoring the tranquil beauty of Schwaz, knowing that your paperwork is in good hands.

Schwaz Austria view from the mountain

№3. Graz (Styria)

Graz, the capital of Styria, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its immigration authority over the past few years. Today, it stands as one of the most efficient places to file residence permit applications in Austria. With processing times averaging between 5 and 7 weeks, the authorities in Graz understand the importance of timely decision-making.

However, it’s worth noting that there is one potential drawback for candidates wishing to relocate with dependents. Dependent permits in Graz are typically approved only after the principal applicant’s application has been processed and the principal has commenced work in Austria. This is important to know for anyone planning to relocate with their family.

Graz Austria sunrise view over the city
Vöcklabruck Austria view of the church tower in spring

№4. Vöcklabruck (Upper Austria) 

If you’re seeking a more intimate expat experience, Vöcklabruck in Upper Austria might be your ideal destination. With immigration authorities handling a lower caseload compared to larger cities, they can devote more attention to each application, ensuring efficient and timely processing. Furthermore, the direct contact you can establish with the caseworker at the immigration authority is a significant advantage, allowing for quick and effective communication.

Expect your application to be processed relatively swiftly, usually within 4 to 8 weeks, meaning you’ll soon be embracing the warm hospitality and serene beauty of Vöcklabruck.

№4. Vöcklabruck (Upper Austria) 

If you’re seeking a more intimate expat experience, Vöcklabruck in Upper Austria might be your ideal destination. With immigration authorities handling a lower caseload compared to larger cities, they can devote more attention to each application, ensuring efficient and timely processing. Furthermore, the direct contact you can establish with the caseworker at the immigration authority is a significant advantage, allowing for quick and effective communication.

Expect your application to be processed relatively swiftly, usually within 4 to 8 weeks, meaning you’ll soon be embracing the warm hospitality and serene beauty of Vöcklabruck.

Vöcklabruck Austria view of the church tower in spring

№5. Vienna

Vienna, the vibrant capital of Austria, has long been renowned for its cultural offerings and historical significance. However, when it came to immigration processes, it fell behind other cities due to its previously notorious long processing times.

Vienna view of a city square and a horse-drawn carriage

The immigration authority in Vienna has taken significant steps to address these concerns, striving to upgrade its image and improve its efficiency. While not yet achieving the remarkable processing times of its counterparts, Vienna has made impressive strides, making the application process faster and more accessible. With processing times now ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, it won’t be long before Vienna earns a spot among the top four cities for expats in Austria.

№5. Vienna

Vienna, the vibrant capital of Austria, has long been renowned for its cultural offerings and historical significance. However, when it came to immigration processes, it fell behind other cities due to its previously notorious long processing times.

The immigration authority in Vienna has taken significant steps to address these concerns, striving to upgrade its image and improve its efficiency. While not yet achieving the remarkable processing times of its counterparts, Vienna has made impressive strides, making the application process faster and more accessible. With processing times now ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, it won’t be long before Vienna earns a spot among the top four cities for expats in Austria.

Vienna view of a city square and a horse-drawn carriage

With this overview of the best expat cities in Austria, you’re well-equipped to make informed decisions and start your immigration journey with confidence.

Innsbruck and Schwaz offer seamless processes, scenic splendor, and efficient communication, making them ideal choices for those craving an alpine paradise. Graz presents abundant opportunities for growth, though the dependent permit procedure may require additional consideration. If you desire a more intimate experience, Vöcklabruck’s personal touch and prompt processing times will not disappoint. Finally, Vienna, the cultural powerhouse, has made significant strides in streamlining its immigration procedures, promising a brighter future for expats seeking to call this majestic city their home.

Embrace the beauty, embrace the opportunities, and embark on your Austrian adventure! The best expat cities in Austria are waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Fragomen,

Immigration Law & Visa Services

Fragomen offers English-speaking Immigration Law services. They are the largest exclusive immigration and visa service provider in the world. With a team of German and English-speaking experts, as well as an additional 19 language capabilities, they are ready to serve clients from all backgrounds and nationalities. Whether you are driven by lifestyle reasons or looking for new opportunities, Fragomen is here to provide comprehensive solutions and a smooth immigration experience for you and your family throughout the world’s 170 countries.

Vienna City Guide

City Guide for Expats in Vibrant Vienna | Wien, Wien, nur du allein

Whether you’ve lived here for years or have just started thinking about moving here, expats in Vienna love the city for many aspects. Read our City Guide for Expats in Vibrant Vienna and learn everything there is to know.

 

Facts about Vienna

 

Vienna is both the capital and an independent province of Austria. About 1.9 min. people live here, which means a good fifth of the total population of Austria.

Since Vienna already played an important role in international diplomacy at the Congress of Vienna, it is still an important meeting place of more than 30 international organizations, such as OPEC, the IAEA and the OSCE. The so-called Viennese Schmäh, i.e. Viennese charm, also characterizes the city and makes it something special, attracting about 7.5 million tourists every year. Classicism, art and clichés are attributes to reckon with when you move here.

Expat Vienna City Guide

Vienna’s cityscape is characterized by coffeehouses, historic buildings and many green spaces. Its artistic and intellectual heritage was shaped by residents such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Moreover, you cannot get past the most famous Viennese: Sissi, the well-known empress of Austria who lived in the 19th century, shapes the city and you continuously walk past buildings and places that are connected with her.

What are some highlights of Vienna?

Vienna has so much to offer in terms of culture, cuisine and modern city life that it is really difficult to make a selection that does justice to everything. However, we want to introduce you to the most important highlights:

  • Of course, you have to see St. Stephen’s Cathedral. It is considered the landmark of Vienna, and is also called the national shrine.
  • Schönbrunn Palace, built in its present form in the 18th century as a summer residence for Archduchess Maria Theresa, has been located in Vienna’s 13th district, Hietzing, since 1892.
  • The Hofburg zu Wien was the residence of the Habsburgs in Vienna from the 13th century until 1918. Since the end of 1946 it has been the official residence of the Austrian Federal President. and houses most of the Austrian National Library as well as various museums and the Federal Monuments Office.
  • The Vienna Prater is an extensive, about 6 km², largely public area in the 2nd district of Vienna.
  • The Museums Quartier Wien (MQ) is one of the largest cultural areas in the world. A flair that matches the urban lifestyle of the visitors: Preserve the old, experience the new and enjoy it all together. On the edge of old Vienna, it combines culture, cafes and restaurants.
  • The Leopold Museum is a unique treasure trove of Viennese Modernism, the Wiener Werkstätte and Expressionism.

What other places or activities should not be missed?

  • Vienna’s Naschmarkt is not only the city’s largest market, but also the most exotic. Vendors offer a wide range of products from Indian curry to fresh pasta and live carp to sushi. Meanwhile, many of the classic market stalls have been transformed into small restaurants.
  • Another Viennese tradition, although not quite cheap, is a ride on a Fiaker. Fiaker are historical horse-drawn carriages that drive the guest through the city and give you a tour of the sights.
Vienna view of a city square and a horse-drawn carriage

There are, of course, numerous other highlights that make Vienna unique. Usually it is best to get get a feel for the city yourself, because after all, everyone sets their own priorities when it comes to deciding which city to live in. However we are confident that expats in Vienna will definitely enjoy this cosmopolitan, attractive city that has a lot to offer.

What is living in Vienna like?

The average rent in Vienna ranges from 14.25 € to 21.23 € per square meter.

The 17th district is the most popular residential district for the Viennese. The burgeoning area with many new construction projects is in demand. The 15th district has become an absolute trendy neighbourhood in recent years with new pubs, good public transport connections and many new apartments.

Especially for young people, Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus is exciting. In the Sonnwendviertel, you can find start-up companies right next to modern apartment buildings. Expats in Vienna also like Floridsdorf, a large and diverse district particularly popular with families: it is both urban and rural.

Vienna City Public Transport

How is the public transport system in Vienna?

Vienna’s subway network consists of five lines, while the S-Bahn has ten lines available for transportation. In addition, there are about a hundred bus lines that make daily life easier. Vienna Airport is a hub for flights, especially to Eastern Europe and the Middle East. From there, 77 airlines fly to 68 countries worldwide with 217 destinations. So in terms of connectivity, Vienna is well equipped, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to reach a destination.

What are some traditional dishes in Vienna?

What makes Vienna so special? Viennese cuisine, of course, unsurpassed in its diversity and with its influences from the former countries of the Habsburg monarchy. Traditional dishes are manyfold from Wiener Schnitzel to goulash, along with a really good – let’s call it that – “everyday gastronomy”: the Viennese Beisl. 

A Beisl is a typical Viennese eatery. Down-to-earth, cozy and homey, it holds its own in a booming restaurant scene and offers genuine Viennese cuisine. The term Beisl probably comes from Yiddish – from “bajiss” (house). The classic Viennese Beisl has a spacious bar, where wine is chilled and beer is tapped. The Beisl is definitely worth a visit if you want to try the following dishes:

  • Wiener Schnitzel
  • Sachertorte
  • Viennese apple strudel
  • Kaiserschmarrn
  • Pancakes
  • beef soups
  • Classic Tafelspitz
  • Butterschnitzel

These are all dishes of traditional Viennese cuisine that you should definitely try.

Those who prefer international cuisine will of course also find what they are looking for in Vienna. Virtually every district of the city has both a Beisl and restaurants with international cuisine. Ask the locals for tips!

Vienna is a city with world flair. Expats in Vienna will not only find good professional conditions, but also a metropolis that combines modernity with history and tradition. The only thing you have to get used to is the Viennese “Schmäh”! Have fun exploring!

Looking for an English-speaking service in Vienna? Browse through our categories or contact us through our Concierge Services! We are here to help you simplify your life as an expat in Vienna.