Vienna, Austria

Name: Vienna
Address: Vienna, Austria

You + Vienna

One of the world's most liveable cities, offering imperial grandeur, exceptional public services, and a high quality of life. Austria's immigration policy is opening up this year. Vienna has a warm-summer humid continental climate (summers avg 26°C, winters avg 1°C).

For daily life, you'll need A2 German.

What people love

Ranked #2 most liveable city globally (2026 EIU), after years at #1
Incredible public services, healthcare, transport, parks
Beautiful imperial architecture, museums, music scene

What's hard

German essential for daily life and work
Austrians can seem reserved and formal
Bureaucracy is thorough (read: slow)

Visa Pathways

Austria's immigration policy is opening up this year. Austria offers several visa pathways for immigrants. Here are the most common options.

Red-White-Red Card

Points-based system for very highly qualified workers

Eligibility:70 points minimum (Very Highly Qualified), 55 points minimum (Shortage Occupations/Other Key Workers)

Salary:€49K+

Processing time:~8 weeks

Path to PR:Yes

Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

For workers in listed shortage occupations

Eligibility:55 points minimum, Occupation on shortage list

Processing time:~8 weeks

Path to PR:Yes

See other visa pathways

EU Blue Card~8 weeks

Start-up Founders~12 weeks

Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierende~8 weeks

Niederlassungsbewilligung (Residence Permit - No Gainful Employment)~12 weeks

Red-White-Red Card - Special Cases (Investor)~12 weeks

Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with official sources or a licensed immigration consultant.

Language for Vienna

If you want to settle permanently, you'll need A1 German for permanent residency. It generally takes 2-3 months to reach this level with consistent study.