Life in Austria

Online platforms

Main resources for finding accommodation in Austria:

• Willhaben.at – the largest classifieds portal, including apartments and rooms.
• ImmobilienScout24.at – a popular platform for finding rental and purchase properties.
• ImmoWelt.at – website with a large database of apartments and houses throughout the country.
• WG-Gesucht.de – for finding rooms in shared apartments (WG).

These services allow you to filter ads by price, area, size, and furnishings.

Ukrainian communities

Ukrainians in Austria actively use Facebook groups (“Ukrainer in Wien”, “Ukrainer in Österreich”) and Telegram chats to find offers directly from owners or get recommendations. However, even in such cases, we recommend drawing up an official contract.

Required documents

To sign a rental agreement, you will usually need:

• passport or ID;
• proof of income (salary statement or contract);
• sometimes an extract from your previous place of residence (Mietzahlungsbestätigung).

Landlords are very careful about the financial solvency of tenants, so it is important to have these documents in advance. In some cases, especially if you do not have a local employment contract, you may be asked for a guarantor (Bürge) — a person who will sign a guarantee.

What to look for in the contract

When signing the contract, you should carefully check:

• whether utilities (Betriebskosten) are included in the price, as you will have to pay separately for electricity, internet, and often heating;
• how rent increases are specified – many contracts include a clause on indexation to inflation;
• what are the conditions for early termination – usually you need to give 3 months' notice;
• in older buildings (Altbau), there may be special rules regarding repairs and maintenance of the apartment.

Legal support

If you are unsure about the terms of the contract, Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you check the document, explain Austrian rules, and protect your interests.

Types of stores

Austria is one of the countries with high food prices, but the quality and selection are usually very good. For Ukrainians who have moved here, the shopping system is quite convenient, especially after you get used to local stores and rules.

Where to buy groceries

• Billa and Spar are large supermarkets with a wide range of products, including imported goods and ready meals.
• Hofer (Aldi) and Lidl are discount stores with lower prices, suitable for regular shopping.
• Penny is also a relatively affordable chain with basic goods.
• Denn’s Biomarkt and other organic markets are specialty stores for organic products.
• Farmers' markets (Wochenmarkt) are held weekly in cities, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade cheeses, and meat directly from farmers.

Cost of food

Austria is one of the most expensive countries in the EU, but the quality of food is high. Average food costs:

• for one person — 300–400 EUR/month,
• for a couple — 600–800 EUR,
• for a family with a child — 900–1200 EUR.

Price examples:

• Bread — 2–2.5 EUR
• Milk (1 liter) — 1.3–1.5 EUR
• Chicken (1 kg) — 8–10 EUR
• Eggs (10 pieces) — 3–4 EUR
• Apples (1 kg) — 2–3 EUR

How to save

The following will help you save:

• discounts after 6 p.m. (often 30% off products with a short shelf life);
• discount cards (e.g., Vorteilscard at Billa);
• shopping at Hofer or Lidl stores.

More about the cost of living in Austria here.

Public transport

Austria has a modern and well-organized transport system that is convenient to use both in cities and for traveling around the country. If you live in Vienna, Graz, or Salzburg, you can easily get by without a car: public transport runs on time and covers all areas. In smaller towns and villages, a car is a great advantage, especially for commuting to work or shopping.

There are different operators in Austria depending on the region:

• Wiener Linien — Vienna (metro, trams, buses)
• ÖBB — Austrian Federal Railways (trains throughout the country)
• Postbus and regional companies — buses between cities and villages

A single ticket in the city costs around €2.40–2.60, a day pass starts at €5, and a monthly pass in Vienna costs €51. Students, schoolchildren, and some categories of migrants are eligible for discounted tickets, so it is worth checking the conditions on the carrier's website.

Mobile apps are convenient to use — they show routes, schedules, and allow you to buy tickets. For example, in Vienna, there is WienMobil, and for trains throughout the country, there is ÖBB Scotty.

Trains are a fast and comfortable way to travel between cities. For example, the trip from Vienna to Salzburg takes about 2.5 hours. Prices depend on when you book: a ticket can cost anywhere from €20 to over €50 if you buy it at the last minute. Children under 6 travel free, and those under 15 get a discount.

Austrian cities are very bike-friendly, with separate bike lanes, bike parking, and rental systems. In Vienna, there is Citybike Wien, where an annual subscription costs around €29, and the first 60 minutes of each trip are free.

Car

Having your own car in Austria is convenient for trips to the suburbs, mountains, and small towns. However, maintaining a car is not cheap. A liter of gasoline costs €1.60–1.80, and diesel is slightly cheaper. Most parking spaces in cities are paid: in the center, an hour costs €2–4, and there are often time restrictions.

💡 Civil liability insurance is mandatory for cars. If you are entering the country with Ukrainian license plates, you will need an international green card.

You can purchase a Green Card online at Visit Ukraine in just a few minutes — it is valid in Austria and throughout the EU.

Do Ukrainians need local car insurance in Austria: rules for 2026.

Banks that work with foreigners

Austria has a stable and well-organized banking system, and even newcomers can easily open a bank account if they know the basic requirements. Ukrainians most often use the services of large banks such as:

• Erste Bank,
• Bank Austria (UniCredit),
• Raiffeisen,
• BAWAG P.S.K..

These institutions have English-speaking staff, online accounts, and mobile apps, and in large cities, employees often have experience working with foreign clients. Both residents and students with long-term stays can open an account.

Online banks

Online solutions are becoming increasingly popular: N26 (a German bank available to Austrian residents), Revolut, Wise. They allow you to quickly open an account and get a card without visiting a branch.

Please note that to open an account with N26, you must already have an address in the EU and verify your identity online.

Required documents

To open an account, you will need:

• passport or ID;
• proof of address in Austria (Meldezettel);
• in some cases — proof of income (contract or certificate of enrollment).

For more information about financial and migration opportunities, follow the link.

Currency and payments

The main currency is the euro. All payments, including rent and utility bills, can be conveniently made via online banking. Cash is used less frequently than cards.

Legal support

If you are unsure which bank to open an account with or what documents are required, Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you with the paperwork and explain all the terms and conditions.

Austria has very good mobile coverage, fast internet, and many tariff options for both short-term and long-term stays.

Major mobile operators

• A1 Telekom Austria is the largest operator with the widest coverage, including remote regions.
• Magenta (T-Mobile) offers modern tariffs, good internet speeds, and attractive package deals.
• Drei (3) often offers promotional packages and large amounts of mobile internet.

A prepaid SIM card (Wertkarte) costs 10–15 EUR. A basic package with 10–15 GB of internet and minutes for calls costs 15–20 EUR/month. All operators provide very stable coverage, even in mountainous areas.

Contract or prepaid?

• Prepaid (Wertkarte) — ideal for the first few months. You buy a SIM card from an operator's store, supermarket, or post office, register it with your passport, and can use it without any long-term commitments.
• Contract (Vertrag) — advantageous for long-term stays. These tariffs are cheaper than prepaid and often offer unlimited internet, but to sign a contract you need:

- an Austrian address (Meldezettel registration),

- sometimes proof of income or a bank account at a local bank.

Newcomers usually use a prepaid plan for the first few months and then switch to a contract plan once they have a permanent place of residence and a bank account.

Home internet

The most popular fixed internet providers in Austria are:

• A1
• Magenta
• Drei (3)

Internet speeds in cities are high, ranging from 100 to 250 Mbit/s, and many areas already have fiber optic connections. The standard monthly fee is 30–40 EUR. Apartment buildings often already have technical connections, so you only need to sign a contract for yourself.

Tips for saving

• Service packages — providers offer combined tariffs (mobile internet + home internet + TV). This is more cost-effective than purchasing services separately.
• Promotional rates — discounts or additional internet volume are available for the first 3–6 months after connection.
• Wi-Fi in public places — many cafes, libraries, and public spaces offer free internet, so you can save on mobile data during your first few weeks.

Kindergartens

For Ukrainian families who have moved to Austria with small children, it is important to know that the kindergarten system here is well developed and helps children get used to their new country more quickly. Kindergartens (Kindergarten) usually accept children from 1–2 years old to 6 years old. Attending the last year before school, when the child turns five, is compulsory and free in state kindergartens — this is preparation for primary school.

For younger children, kindergarten is paid, but the cost depends on the region and family income, averaging 150–350 euros per month; in Vienna, part of the cost is covered by the municipality, and parents pay mainly for meals.

Children can attend kindergarten for half a day or stay for the whole day, where meals, play, and educational activities are provided. The kindergarten program is aimed at developing language, social skills, creativity, and preparing children for school. If a child does not know German, teachers work to help them gradually learn the language through games and communication, and there are special language classes for older children.

Enrollment in kindergarten is done through the municipality (Magistrat or Gemeinde). For private kindergartens, proof of income may also be required to determine the fee.

The following documents are required for kindergartens:

• Document proving the identity of the child and one of the parents
• Registration of residence (Meldezettel)
• Vaccination certificate (Impfpass or medical certificate)
• Proof of residence status in Austria
• For private kindergartens, proof of income is required to calculate the fees.

Schools

Education begins with primary school (Volksschule), which children attend from the age of six for four years. These schools focus on basic subjects: reading, writing, math, and thinking skills. If your kid doesn't speak German yet, they'll be put in a support program right away. In big cities, there are special language classes called Deutschförderklassen, where kids work on the language a few times a week. This allows the child to understand the teacher more quickly, improve their vocabulary, and gradually integrate into the class.

After four years of primary school, you and the teachers decide on the next step. There is the Mittelschule, a secondary school with a practical approach to learning, and the Gymnasium, a secondary school with in-depth language and academic studies that prepares students for university. Children who attend Mittelschule can transfer to vocational training after the age of 14 to obtain a specific qualification. If you choose a Gymnasium, education continues until the age of 18 and opens the way to higher education.

State schools in Austria are free. Instruction is in German, but preparatory language classes (Deutschförderklassen) are available for foreign children.

Private and international schools cost from 7,000 EUR/year and up.

The following documents are required for school:

• Child's document (passport or birth certificate).
• Registration of residence (Meldezettel).
• Medical document (Impfpass).
• Confirmation of residence status.
• If the child has previously attended school, a report card or certificate from the previous school.
• For private or international schools, there is often an interview, an entrance exam, and previous report cards must be submitted.

Adaptation

Newly arrived children receive support with integration: language courses, homework help, and adaptation programs. Parents should submit documents to the school in advance through the municipal education office.

Clubs and leisure activities

Austria has a well-developed system of extracurricular education: music schools, sports clubs, art studios. Many municipalities offer subsidies for clubs for children from low-income families.

How the healthcare system works

In Austria, healthcare is based on a compulsory health insurance system that covers almost all residents of the country. The main body administering this system is the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK). Once you are officially employed, start studying, or obtain a status that entitles you to state insurance, you are automatically registered in the system and issued an insurance number. Insurance contributions are deducted from your salary or paid by your employer, students, or entrepreneurs according to specific schemes.

What the system covers:

• visits to a general practitioner (Hausarzt),
• consultations with specialists, if referred,
• treatment and hospitalization in public hospitals,
• part of the cost of prescription drugs.

In most cases, treatment in public clinics does not require separate payment — patients may pay small amounts for prescription drugs, special examinations, or additional services.

How to choose a doctor:

The first point of contact is always the family doctor (Hausarzt). They conduct an examination, provide basic treatment and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist. In large cities, you can choose your own doctor from a list, while in smaller towns you are assigned to a specific practice.

Private insurance

Newcomers, tourists, and those who are not officially employed or enrolled in education must take out private insurance. This allows you to use private clinics and provides full access to medical services until you are registered in the public system.

Cost of insurance: from 1.5 to 3 EUR/day depending on the program.

Who is it for

• tourists and newcomers without official employment;
• students on short-term programs;
• those who want access to private clinics and faster consultations.

How to apply

The easiest option is to purchase medical insurance online. Through Visit Ukraine, you can purchase insurance in just a few minutes to guarantee assistance even before registering with the Austrian system.

Fines and rules

Austria has a strict system of fines. The most common are:

• speeding — from 30 to 200 EUR, and in serious cases over 1000 EUR;
• incorrect parking — from 25 EUR;
• traveling without a ticket on public transport — 105 EUR on the spot.
• Inspectors work without warning, so it is important to always have a valid ticket.

Language courses

To integrate quickly, it is extremely important to start learning the language. Integration courses in German (Integrationskurse) are offered in most cities, and part of the cost is covered by the state. You can register through the AMS (employment service) or the Volkshochschule (universities) network. The courses are designed not only to teach the language but also to help you understand life in Austria: they explain basic laws, traditions, and the rights and obligations of newcomers. Knowledge of German in everyday life opens up many more opportunities, from communicating with doctors and teachers to finding a better job.

Leisure and integration

Austria has a lot to offer in terms of leisure and cultural integration. Even in the first few months after moving, you can visit free museum days, open-air concerts, open-air cinemas, parks, and festivals. Every large city has community and cultural centers for Ukrainians where you can get advice on documents, psychological support, or just socialize.

Tips for the first few months

In the first few months after your arrival, it is important to resolve a few basic issues. First of all, register your address (Meldezettel) — without this, it will be difficult to open a bank account, access public healthcare, or enroll your children in kindergarten. Next, take care of mobile phone and internet services so that you can stay connected and have access to online services. Don't put off opening a bank account — most payments in Austria are made by card only. And, of course, sign up for language courses as soon as possible — this is the key to feeling more confident and becoming part of the local community faster.

✅ Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in Austria

Moving to Austria opens up many opportunities, but it takes time to sort out everyday issues.

On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can:

• Get medical insurance online
• Order a Green Card for a car with Ukrainian registration
• Get legal advice on renting, banks, and documents
• Buy air, bus, or train tickets
• Learn more about moving, documents, and integration in Austria

We are here to support you in any country 💙

Austria is a country with a high level of road safety and strict requirements for drivers. Violations of the rules are often punishable by severe fines, and compliance with traffic rules is strictly monitored by automatic cameras, police, and municipalities.

General rules that everyone should know

• Drive on the right-hand side.
• Dipped headlights are mandatory in tunnels, in poor visibility, at night, and recommended during the day.
• Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Phone use is prohibited unless there is a hands-free or Bluetooth system.
• Children under 14 years old or under 150 cm in height must sit in a car seat or booster seat.
• Be sure to have in the car:

- reflective vest

- first aid kit

- an emergency stop sign;

- a spare lamp or set;

- fire extinguisher (recommended).

Speed limits

In residential zones, there may be a limit of 30 km/h (Zone 30) - it is mandatory even without speed bumps.

Drinking and driving

Even a single bottle of beer can lead to exceeding the permissible limit.

The police have the right to stop any car for inspection.

Fines:

• From 0.5 to 0.8 ‰ - €300-3700, deprivation of rights;

• Over 0.8 ‰ - from €800 to €5900, criminal liability;
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test - fine up to €5000.

Speed control and fines

• There are radars, speed cameras, and cameras at traffic lights on the roads;
• Both mobile and stationary systems work;
• Data can be transferred to other EU countries, and fines can even go to Ukraine, especially with cooperation between insurance and police.

If you do not pay the fine, you may be subject to legal proceedings or be banned from entering Schengen.

Parking

Parking in Austria is a separate science. Costs, permits, and regulations vary from city to city and zone to zone.

Types of zones:

- White zone - free parking is allowed;

- Blue zone (Kurzparkzone) - limited time (30 minutes - 3 hours), parking permit (Parkschein) is required;

- Yellow zone - parking is prohibited;

- Special places for residents (Bewohnerparken) - only with permission.

How to pay:

• At parking meters (cash or card);
• Through applications: EasyPark, Handyparken, Parkster;
• Coupons can be purchased at kiosks, post offices or vending machines on the street.

Fines for improper parking:

• On average €25-50;
• There may be a towing service (especially in the center of Vienna or Salzburg);
• Parking in spaces for people with disabilities - up to €700 fine.

Tip: Study the signs when entering the street - in many cities there are combined zones that change by day and hour.

Winter rules

From November 1 to April 15:

• Winter tires with a tread depth of at least 4 mm are required;
• In mountainous areas, snow chains may be mandatory;
• The presence of chains on board is often checked by the police before climbing.

Failure to wear winter tires in bad weather can result in a fine of up to €5000 and a ban on driving.

What should I do if stopped by the police?

• Stop immediately, turn on your hazard lights, and stay in the car unless told otherwise.
• Present:

- Passport;

- Driver's license;

- Car registration certificate;

- Green card.

• If you have violated the rules, you will be issued a receipt on the spot or sent a fine by mail.

The fine can be paid on the spot, in some cases by credit card or through mobile applications.