Emigration to Austria: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Austria is one of the most attractive countries for emigration due to its stable economy, high standard of living and wide opportunities for professional development. Learn more about the algorithm of actions for moving to Austria in 2025, as well as useful tips for successful adaptation

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Austria has hosted about a hundred thousand Ukrainians on its territory. To this day, the country continues to assist our citizens. Austria has introduced simplified conditions for obtaining protection, as well as financial support. We are going to tell you about the rules of moving to Austria, employment, healthcare and other nuances of living in this country.

You can learn more about the cost of living in Austria here.

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Entry rules for Ukrainians in Austria

Ukrainian citizens can freely travel to Austria without a visa if their stay does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. However, for longer stays or to receive social assistance, it is necessary to apply for temporary protection status, which is currently valid until March 4, 2026.

To enter Austria, you must have a biometric passport, which must be valid for at least six months after leaving the country if the purpose of the trip is tourism. At the same time, Ukrainians arriving as refugees can use any identity document. It is important to note that Austrian border guards may require a biometric passport if a Ukrainian arrives from other countries, such as Turkey or the United States, rather than Ukraine.

For tourists, it is a prerequisite to have health insurance that covers the costs in case of illness or accident. Refugees can cross the border without insurance, but it is recommended to take it out for the first 90 days of their stay.

If your passport is about to expire, you should contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria at 1180 Wien, Naaffgasse 23, where you can extend the document. If you are traveling with a child without a passport, you must also visit the embassy to enter the child's data and paste his or her photo into the passport of the parents or legal representatives.

Moving to Austria by car

There are two possible routes to Austria by car from Ukraine: through Slovakia or Hungary. Regardless of the route chosen, drivers need to have a set of mandatory documents with them. This includes a passport, a national driver's license with a specified expiration date, a vehicle registration certificate, a Ukrainian vehicle identification mark and national license plates.

A key condition for entering the country by car is the availability of an international insurance policy, the Green Card. This document confirms that the vehicle has the necessary insurance coverage that meets the Austrian car insurance requirements. If the car is registered in Ukraine and is used only for temporary trips, the Green Card will be sufficient.

You can apply for an insurance policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal - it's fast and convenient. Insurance packages are offered from 15 days to 1 year for various types of vehicles: cars, trucks, trailers, semi-trailers, motorcycles, and scooters.

Ensure peace of mind when traveling - apply for a Green Card at Visit Ukraine right now!

In case of a long stay or permanent residence in Austria, the car owner is obliged to conclude a contract for a local motor vehicle liability policy. This rule applies to all residents of the country, regardless of their citizenship.

Car insurance in Austria includes a mandatory Haftpflichtversicherung policy that covers damage to third parties. Additionally, you can take out a hull insurance policy that protects your own vehicle from damage. The absence of a local insurance policy can lead to fines and legal consequences for a driver planning a long stay in the country.

You can learn more about toll roads and driving rules in Austria here.

Moving to Austria for Ukrainians: stages of preparation

A high standard of living, stable economy, and high-quality healthcare make Austria an ideal place for immigration. However, the relocation process requires careful preparation.

The first stage. Choosing an emigration option

First of all, you need to determine the grounds for legal stay. For example, for official employment, you need to obtain a work visa or EU Blue Card. To enter an Austrian university, you need to obtain a student visa. If the family already lives in Austria, it is possible to move under the family reunification program.

Visit Ukraine specialists will help you determine the best option for relocation according to your circumstances and prepare the necessary documents.

We recommend that you take out a health insurance policy before your trip. You can order insurance through Visit Ukraine! We will help you choose the best option for your status.

The second stage. Preparation of documents and visa issues

If you plan to stay in Austria for a long period of time, you need to obtain an appropriate visa or residence permit.

The national visa D is suitable for a long stay of more than 90 days. Red-White-Red Card - for qualified specialists who have found a job in Austria. EU Blue Card - for highly paid specialists with higher education.

To move to Austria, you need to collect the following documents:

- Foreign passport;

- A completed visa application form;

- Proof of financial solvency (bank statements, employment contract, scholarship, etc.);

- Rental agreement or proof of residence in Austria;

- Health insurance (can be arranged through Visit Ukraine);

- Proof of the purpose of the trip (employment contract, study invitation, business plan, etc.).

Documents for a visa are submitted at the Austrian Consulate in Ukraine or through visa centers. The application process takes from 4 to 12 weeks. To avoid mistakes, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists for advice.

The third stage. Preparing for the move

Austria is a country with a high cost of living, so it is important to calculate your budget in advance. Renting an apartment in Vienna costs from 700 euros per month. Food and transportation will cost about 300-500 euros per month.

The fourth stage. Registration upon arrival

After obtaining a visa and arriving in Austria, you need to arrange legal residence:

1. Registration of residence (Meldezettel) - must be submitted to the local municipality within three days after arrival;

2. Obtaining a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) - depending on the type of visa, it is submitted at the place of residence;

3. Obtaining health insurance is mandatory, and you can get support from Visit Ukraine in choosing insurance.

To make your move comfortable and safe, contact Visit Ukraine for support - we will help you at all stages of your move!

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Temporary protection in Austria for Ukrainians

Austria has officially extended the temporary protection status for Ukrainian citizens until March 4, 2026. If you are already registered and have an “Ausweis für Vertriebene” document, an updated identification document will be automatically sent to your registered address. If you change your place of residence, you need to update your registration (Meldezettel) to ensure that you receive all official documents.

If you have not yet applied for temporary protection, please contact the police registration offices at the relevant municipal offices. After registration, you will receive a Blue Card, a document confirming your right to reside in Austria.

Temporary protection status allows you to travel to EU countries for up to 90 days and to visit Ukraine for a short time without losing your right to reside. If you decide to return to Ukraine permanently, you need to go through the procedure of deregistration with the authorities where you were issued the status.

Residence permit for Ukrainians in Austria

Austria offers foreigners various opportunities for temporary and permanent residence, depending on the purpose of their stay. For a legal stay of more than 180 days, you need to obtain one of two types of permits: Aufenthaltserlaubnis (right to stay) or Niederlassungsbewilligung (right to reside).

Main types of residence permits in Austria

According to the Federal Residence and Settlement Act (NAG), there are 12 main types of permits:

1. Red-White-Red-Card - an immigration program for highly qualified specialists and their families;

2. Red-White-Red-Card plus - issued to holders of the first type of card or “Blue Card” if they have worked in Austria for at least 21 months in the last 2 years. It allows changing the place of work without additional restrictions;

3. Blue Card EU - available to specialists who have received a job offer from an Austrian employer;

4. Niederlassungsbewilligung - a permit that gives the right to temporarily reside and work in the country;

5. Niederlassungsbewilligung ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit - residence permit without the right to work;

6. Niederlassungsbewilligung Angehöriger - is issued to family members of an Austrian citizen without the possibility of employment;

7. Daueraufenthalt EU - permanent residence permit after 5 years of stay in the country with the right to work;

8. Familienangehöriger - a permit for close relatives of Austrian citizens, which gives the right to live and work;

9. Niederlassungsbewilligung Künstler - is intended for representatives of creative professions;

10. Niederlassungsbewilligung Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit - temporary work permit for persons who are not subject to the law on employment of foreigners (e.g., domestic staff of diplomats);

11. Niederlassungsbewilligung Forscher - is issued for scientists working in research institutions in Austria;

12. Aufenthaltsbewilligung - temporary residence permit for students, business travelers and other categories of persons.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Austria

Foreigners who have been granted a residence permit in Austria can enjoy a number of benefits:

- Legal access to the labor market (for certain types of permits);

- Social and health insurance;

- The right to start and run a business;

- Free movement within the EU;

- Possibility to transport family members;

- Free education for children

.

Integration agreement and language requirements

In order to obtain a residence permit, foreigners must complete an integration agreement consisting of two modules:

- Module 1 - learning German up to A1 level

- Module 2 - raising the language level to B1 and learning the basics of Austrian law

Not all permits require completion of both modules. For example, for students it is enough to complete only the first stage.

In order to avoid difficulties in the process of obtaining a residence permit in Austria, it is important to familiarize yourself with the requirements and prepare all the necessary documents in advance. Legal experts can help you to prepare the application and supporting documentation correctly, which will significantly increase the chances of successful obtaining of the permit.

Permanent residence permit in Austria

Ukrainian refugees in Austria will have the opportunity to apply for a new temporary residence permit with the right to work and the possibility of further extension. Starting from October 1, 2024, they will be able to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus (RWR+), which opens up more opportunities for integration and employment in Austria.

As of today, temporary protection for Ukrainians has been extended until March 2026. People who have this status use an ID card of an immigrant (“blue card”). However, the RWR+ will allow its holders to live and work in Austria without the need to obtain additional work permits. This document is issued for a year with the possibility of extension for another three years, and after five years of residence with it, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit in the EU.

As explained by the Austrian authorities, holders of the “Red-White-Red Card Plus” will receive the following benefits:

- Official employment without the need to obtain a separate permit;

- The possibility to stay in Austria after the expiration of temporary protection;

- The prospect of family reunification;

- Possibility of further transition to permanent residence in the EU after 5 years.

It is important to note that RWR+ holders will not be able to receive social assistance. At the same time, they will retain their right to reside as displaced persons (“blue card”). If the Austrian government approves the extension of the temporary protection status after April 3, 2025, Ukrainians who do not switch to RWR+ will be able to receive an updated “blue card”.

To qualify for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, an applicant must meet several basic requirements:

- Have a valid residence permit as a displaced person (“blue card”);

- Present a valid foreign passport;

- Be officially employed in Austria with full insurance for at least 12 months in the last two years;

- Have a German language proficiency of A1 (CEFR), which can only be confirmed by certificates from ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe Institute or Telc GmbH;

- Have a minimum income of €1,218 per month for a single person or €1,921 for a married couple.

To help Ukrainians check their eligibility, a special online assistant has been launched, available in German, English and Russian. Appointments for the RWR+ card will open on September 2, 2024, and the application process will begin on October 1.

Financial assistance for Ukrainians in Austria

Austria offers comprehensive support to Ukrainian immigrants, including housing, financial assistance and health insurance.

Refugees can get a place in organized accommodation centers, which cover all housing and food costs. If refugees live in private housing, they can apply for basic assistance from local authorities. The rent subsidy is up to EUR 165 for a single person and up to EUR 330 for a family of two per month. To receive compensation, you must provide a lease agreement or a document confirming your residence.

IDPs can receive additional financial assistance:

1. Meals - financial compensation or free meals in organized centers;

2. Subsidy for school supplies - up to 200 euros per child per year;

3. Clothing subsidy - 150 euros per person per year;

4. Pocket money - up to 40 euros per month;

5. Financial assistance for accommodation - 260 euros for adults and 145 euros for children per month.

If the application is submitted before the 15th day of the month, payments are accrued for the entire month, and if after the 15th day - only half of the amount.

Due to inflation, the family allowance will increase by 4.6% from 2025. The increase applies to:

- Family allowance;

- Allowance for several children;

- Child tax deduction;

- Childcare allowance;

- Assistance for the start of education.

The income threshold for receiving family allowance will also be increased to EUR 17,212 per year (in 2024 it was EUR 16,455). For the first time, the Austrian Ministry of Family Affairs is adapting this threshold to the inflation rate.

Changes in the conditions for social housing and benefits

Starting in 2025, the Austrian authorities plan to reduce financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees who own cars. This decision was made by the Federal-State Coordination Council for Basic Social Security. Under the new regulations, car owners may lose the right to social benefits and public housing.

The government explains this move by saying that car maintenance requires financial resources, including insurance, fuel, and maintenance. This may indicate sufficient financial capacity, which reduces the need for state support.

In addition, Ukrainians who arrive in Austria in 2022 by their cars will have to register, pay customs duties and a special tax.

However, this innovation will not apply equally in all regions. For example, the authorities of Vienna refused to introduce this rule, while in other states the decision will be made by local administrations.

Currently, there are about 37 thousand Ukrainian refugees in Austria who receive social benefits and are provided with public housing.

Medical services in Austria

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Austria are entitled to free medical care and medicines. Registration in the healthcare system is carried out when applying for social services, after which the applicant is assigned an insurance number.

The Austrian healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, as the country spends more than 11.5% of GDP on healthcare. It is regularly ranked among the top ten most developed healthcare systems by the WHO and is ranked fourth in the CEOWORLD Health Index.

Healthcare in Austria is financed through the social insurance system. Most people are registered automatically when they are employed, and insurance contributions are deducted from their salary. For self-employed people, there is a separate insurance program, where registration is mandatory and the amount of contributions depends on income.

Medical care usually begins with an initial appointment with a general practitioner, who, if necessary, makes a referral to a specialist. Appointments are made by phone or online.

If you are planning to travel abroad, it is important to take out an insurance policy, as this is a guarantee of a safe and peaceful stay outside Ukraine. Visit Ukraine recommends taking care of health insurance in advance to avoid unforeseen expenses and ensure quality medical care if necessary.

Work in Austria for Ukrainians

The Austrian Federal Council has adopted significant amendments to the law on the employment of foreigners, which open up new prospects for Ukrainian immigrants. One of the key innovations is the possibility of obtaining the “Red-White-Red Card Plus” (RWR+), which grants full rights to live and work in Austria without restrictions on industry or region.

RWR+ holders receive several important benefits: unrestricted access to the labor market, the possibility of long-term residence in the country, the right to family reunification, and the prospect of obtaining a permanent residence permit in the EU after five years. This card allows its holders to integrate into society without the need for additional permits.

Conditions for obtaining RWR+

To obtain RWR+, an applicant must meet certain criteria:

- At least 12 months of official employment in Austria within the last two years;

- Health insurance and stable employment;

- Valid passport and “blue card” of a displaced person;

- Minimum income level: 1,218 euros for a single person, 1,921 euros for a married couple, plus 188 euros for each child;

- German language proficiency at the A1 level (confirmed by a certificate from ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe Institute or Telc GmbH);

- Availability of housing that meets the minimum accommodation requirements.

The RWR+ program started on October 1, 2024. For persons who have been living in the country for more than two years and have fulfilled all integration requirements, the card is valid for three years. For those who have been in Austria for less than two years, it is issued for a period of one year with the possibility of extension.

Although the RWR+ makes it impossible to access social assistance, Blue Card holders can maintain their current status. The period of stay in Austria under the temporary protection program is counted towards the total length of residence, which affects the possibility of obtaining permanent residence and citizenship.

Despite these changes, many Ukrainians face difficulties in finding employment. The main barriers remain the language barrier, confirmation of qualification documents and competition in the labor market.

Employment contract in Austria

An employment contract in Austria may be concluded in writing or orally. If the contract is concluded orally, the employer is obliged to issue the employee a “Dienstzettel” (employment card), which contains the main terms of employment: the name of the company, the date of commencement of work, the procedure for terminating the contract, the working schedule and the amount of salary.

Salary in Austria

There is no statutory minimum wage in Austria. Remuneration is determined by the agreement between the employee and the employer, as well as by collective bargaining agreements that regulate the terms of remuneration. Most employees receive their 13th and 14th paychecks in the form of vacation and Christmas bonuses, which are stipulated in collective agreements.

Employment of Ukrainians in Austria

According to a study commissioned by the Austrian Employment Service (AMS), only 30% of Ukrainians living in Austria are officially employed. This amounts to approximately 21,184 people. Another 6,016 Ukrainian refugees are registered with the Employment Service as job seekers.

Ukrainians in Austria are mainly employed in the areas of accommodation and catering, as well as in trade. More than a third of them are employed in Vienna.

AMS Director General Johannes Kopf expressed concern about the low employment rate of Ukrainians and called for more people to register as job seekers. He noted: “It is gratifying that the employment rates of Ukrainians in Austria have recently increased again, but we still cannot be satisfied with an employment rate of only around 30%.”

As of February 2025, Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine Arad Benkö reported that about 30% of Ukrainian refugees in Austria are employed. He also noted that many of those who are employed have learned German, which has facilitated their integration and entry into the labor market.

In order to properly prepare a package of documents and protect your rights during employment, it is recommended to contact experts. The Visit Ukraine portal can help you get professional legal assistance, check the reliability of the employer, obtain diplomas for work abroad, and solve related organizational issues related to the move.

Can Ukrainians obtain Austrian citizenship?

Austria has a “right of blood” principle (jus sanguinis), which means that a child automatically acquires citizenship if at least one of the parents is an Austrian citizen. This rule applies to children born both within the country and abroad. At the same time, being born in Austria does not give the right to citizenship if the child's parents are not Austrian citizens.

Foreigners can obtain an Austrian passport through naturalization by meeting certain conditions. First, you need to obtain a residence permit, which can be issued based on business, employment, family reunification, or a special program for financially independent persons. After five years of residence in the country, the holder of a residence permit can apply for permanent resident status. After six years of residence in Austria and if special conditions are met, it is possible to apply for citizenship and obtain an Austrian passport.

Do you need help with paperwork? Visit Ukraine is your reliable partner in visa and migration issues. Contact our lawyers and we will help you at every stage of your move!

Conditions for obtaining Austrian citizenship by naturalization

To obtain Austrian citizenship by naturalization, several requirements must be met. First, the applicant must be a permanent resident of the country and have a center of vital interests - this can be employment, business, real estate ownership, or family. At the same time, staying outside Austria cannot exceed 183 days per year. It is also necessary to confirm financial solvency, i.e. the availability of a stable income for yourself and your family. One of the prerequisites is the successful completion of an exam in the German language, history and culture of the country. In addition, the applicant must have a clean criminal record both in Austria and abroad, and no tax arrears.

Required period of residence for Ukrainians in Austria for citizenship

The length of residence in the country affects the possibility of applying for citizenship. The minimum period of naturalization is 6 years, but only for persons with a German B2 level and high integration into society, as well as for spouses of Austrian citizens who have been married for more than 5 years. In general, the standard period is 10 years, of which at least 5 years must be spent in permanent residence. A simplified naturalization procedure is provided for persons who have lived in Austria for more than 15 years. After 30 years of permanent residence, the tests are no longer required.

Austrian citizenship by investment

Austria offers the possibility of obtaining citizenship through investment, but this process involves certain conditions and stages. Investors and their families do not receive an Austrian passport immediately. First, they are granted a residence permit based on a special contribution to the country's economy. After two years from the date of investment, they can apply for Austrian citizenship.

To participate in the program, you must invest at least 10 million euros in the Austrian economy. Investments must be direct, for example, in the development of enterprises or the creation of new jobs. Passive investments, such as the purchase of real estate, are not considered as grounds for citizenship.

One of the key advantages of the program is that there are no requirements for passing a language exam or permanent residence in the country.

Dual citizenship in Austria

Austrian law generally does not allow dual citizenship. To obtain an Austrian passport, you must officially renounce your previous citizenship. However, there are exceptions in which you can retain your second citizenship. This is possible in cases of obtaining citizenship for special merits in sports, science or culture, as well as for investments. Children of Austrian citizens born abroad can also have two citizenships.

Thus, emigration to Austria from Ukraine requires compliance with a clear algorithm of actions, from submitting documents to legalizing your stay. All these actions require careful analysis and preparation, which is not always possible for ordinary citizens without appropriate qualifications to complete.

Therefore, we advise you to contact the migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform, who will help you with emigration to Austria, take care of the process of submitting documents to various structures and obtaining appropriate decisions.

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide professional advice to Ukrainians on any migration issues. To get a professional consultation, choose a specialist profile, country, and a convenient format of cooperation. Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp - they will help you choose the best option for your situation. Contact our specialists to make your migration to Austria go quickly and without any problems.

We remind you! The Swiss authorities are simplifying employment for Ukrainians with S status. New measures abolish the need to obtain permission from the cantons and much more. Learn more about the changes in our article.

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