Settling-in Tips from Staff at Crown Vienna

What is special or unique about your city?

Now it is official – each year the international consulting firm Mercer does a survey to evaluate the quality of living in 215 cities around the world. This year’s survey results rank Austria’s capital as the World’s Most Livable City. The survey compares the political, social and economic climate, medical care, education and infrastructural conditions such as public transportations, power and water supply. In all of these categories Vienna excels and when it comes to culture and recreation, Vienna has a lot to offer.

The ‘World’s Capital of Music’ provides unforgettable live music experiences. More famous composers have lived here than in any other city, music is literally in the air: Waltzes and operettas have their home here, in the old and new Vienna. From the magnificent Baroque buildings to ‘golden’ Art Nouveau to the latest architecture. Walk in the footsteps of the Habsburgs, visit Empress Sisi’s former summer residence splendid baroque Sch�nbrunn, or stroll along the magnificent Ring Boulevard and admire it as a window on the former Habsburg monarchy.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Vienna is not only the City of Music, but also offers marvelous Cuisine experiences. People appreciate to encounter Viennese coffee house culture in its most original form in the Old City. Some are also located in the districts surrounding the city. Next door one can enjoy tasting local wine in cozy taverns the so called ‘Heuriger’ which is also the name of the wine from the latest harvest. The most striking first impression of Vienna is not only its great cultural and culinary offer but its generous areas of public green space, cleanliness and safety.

Are these impressions likely to change?

These impressions are unlikely to change. Vienna is clean, with a lot to offer and above all a very safe city to work and live in.

What is the local language?

Austria has one official local language: German (Deutsch). However in each of its nine provinces people have local dialects which sometimes make it hard for both, Austrians from other regions and foreigners, to easily understand local people.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

English has become a common language in Vienna’s business life, so you will be able to make yourself understood without any major problems. However when it comes to organizations of public authorities one may have problems with English only. As many Austrians are willing to offer any kind of translating help if needed don’t be shy asking for support.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Austrians are known to wear leather trousers and to spend their spare time with yodeling and slapping. Actually not all Austrians stick with these traditional customs, but in many rural areas these traditions still are custom and practice of daily life. Generally Austrians are known to be patriots and very proud of their so called Danube country. They are hard workers, but do appreciate coziness in their spare time. Viennese gift of the gab is proverbial. It consists of an odd mixture of charm, flattery, puns and open rudeness which is highly refreshing. Tune in to local dialects when you stroll through Vienna - it is worth it!

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

The climate in Vienna is generally mild and continental. Often there is a moderate westerly wind in the city which tends to make cool days even cooler. Most Viennese appreciate this wind as it brings fresh air from the surrounding Vienna Woods to the city. Even though a few winter days may be quite chilly and on some summer days the heat sizzles in the city center, most days of the year the weather is like the inhabitants of the city: friendly, mild and moderate in every sense….
In the mountains just outside the city snow can become very heavy at times in winter. Adequate winter clothing is thus advisable for trips to the mountains. Also, winter tires need to be fitted in the winter months (this is a legal requirement in the winter months from November 1st until April 15th each year).

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Where possible, use public transportation. The system is outstanding and a dense metro and underground network guarantees time spent on local or long distance journeys is kept to a minimum.
Vienna is a very safe city but as in most big cities it is advisable to be cautious when visiting 'hotspots' after dark.

Useful Links

Vienna City Information: www.wien.gv.at/
Public Transportation in Vienna: www.wienerlinien.at/wl/ep/home.do?tabId=0
Austrian Federal Railways / Train information: www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp
Vienna Tourism / Vienna Tourist Board: www.wien.info/en
Austria Tour / Travel / Culture Guide: www.aboutaustria.org/
Vienna Tour / Travel / Culture Guide: www.aboutvienna.org/

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

As Austria is a member of the European Union, most tourists do not require a visa to visit Vienna. However, a valid passport is required.

It is recommended that you check before traveling to see if you are required to have a visa or not. If you need further assistance contact your local Austrian Embassy or Crown Vienna.

What kinds of visas are available?

The following categories of residence and work permits are available:
� Settlement permit for key person
� Settlement permit unlimited (includes full access to labor market)
� Settlement permit limited ( limited access to labor market)
� Settlement permit for family members
� Residence permit for rotational worker
� Residence permit for persons dispatched by an enterprise
� Residence permit for self-employed persons
� Residence permit for artists
� Residence permit for special cases of employment activity
� Residence permit for researchers
� Residence permit for family members
� Short term work permits
� EU / EEA registration certificate
Permanent residence – EEC

What is required to obtain these visas?

EU/EEA citizens do not require any special permit to enter and reside in Austria for up to three months.
EU/EEA citizens have to register their permanent residence with the authorities within three months if they intend to reside in Austria for more than three months. If all requirements have been satisfied, the authority will issue a registration certificate.

EU/EEA citizens may permanently settle in Austria if they
� are employed or self-employed in Austria or attend an Austrian school or recognized education facility and/or
� earn a secure living and
� if they and their family members have sufficient health insurance coverage.

In Vienna the Municipal Department 35 is responsible for the place of residence of the EU/EEA citizen.

Required documents:
� passport
� registration of residency
� job verification or employment contract
Cost: around EUR 55,00.-

For family members of EU/EEA citizens one will need different documents depending on the degree of kinship.

Please find below information about residence permits for different residence purposes for third country nationals:

a) Settlement permit
� settlement permit for a key person ( valid up to 18 months in case of granting first permit; includes access to labor market as a key person)
� unlimited settlement permit: includes full access to labor market
� limited settlement permit: e.g. in cases of family reunion; self-employed activity permitted, other employment permitted only with additional document issued by AMS (Austrian labor office);
b) “Permanent residence – EEC”
� after 5 years of uninterrupted residence (includes full access to labor market)
c) Residence permit
� Rotational worker (necessary document issued by AMS: confirmation of guaranteed work or employment permit as rotational worker)
� Persons dispatched by an enterprise (necessary document issued by AMS: confirmation of guaranteed work or employment permit as rotational worker; employment for more than 6 months)
� self-employed persons (if foreigner is contractually committed to one particular activity and if such commitment will last for more than 6 months; AMS might be dealing with such)
� artists (self-employed or employed; activity is predominantly determined by artistic activities and self-maintenance is covered by such; liability declaration not accepted; in case of employment one of the following documents issued by AMS is necessary: confirmation of guaranteed work or employment permit as artist)
� special cases of employment activity (if activity is exempted by the law on employment of foreigners: proof of circumstances for exemption necessary)
� researchers (against presentation of an admission agreement issued by a certified research institution)

Permits for Family Members

Family members of EU/EEA citizens entitled to freedom of movement may be granted permanent residence if they are

� a spouse
� children or grandchildren of the EU/EEA citizen concerned or of his spouse (this rule applies until child/grandchild turns 22 and beyond if granted support)
� parents or grandparents of the EU/EEA citizen concerned or of (if parents/grandparents are granted support)

If these requirements have been fulfilled, a permanent residence card will be issued.

Other family members, who

� have already received alimony in their country of origin or
� have already lived in the same household in their country of origin or
� require urgent care for serious health reasons and who accompany or follow the EU/EEA citizen concerned,

may be issued a quota-free ‘Settlement permit for family members’. However, the EU/EEA citizen is required to assume liability for the third country family member(s) concerned.

The residence permit ‘family member’ applies to third countries citizens who

� are the family members (spouses and underage, unmarried children) of Austrians or EU/EEA citizens
� intending to unite their families
� permanently reside in Austria and
� are not entitled to free movement within the EU.

Any Austrian representation abroad, e.g. embassy or consulate is the responsible authority for applications.

Please note: For a permanent residence card apply to your local Austrian Foreigners’ Offices or contact Crown Vienna.

The Municipal Department 35 is responsible for the place of residence of the EU/EEA citizen in Vienna, please get in touch with Crown Vienna for immigration assistance.

Criminal Record

Most of the third country nationals need to provide the competent authorities with a Criminal Record. This document is a compulsory requirement for the work and residence permit application.

Because of the fact that in each country there is another authority in charge of the issuance of Criminal Records, the employee has to provide it by himself with the mentioned document.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

EEA/EU citizens’ spouses who are EEA/EU citizens themselves are allowed to work in Austria.

For third country nationalities: If a spouse wishes to work, he or she will need to obtain the proper work permit. Most accompanying spouses enter with a non-working residence permit, courtesy of the working spouse. Once they find a job, their new employer submits the request for the work permit on their behalf.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

For long-term assignments, you are encouraged to bring important original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance policies, medical prescriptions, employment information, academic certificates and your passport (including entry visas). The residence and work permit will be handed out as a credit card sized plastic card with a passport picture of the cardholder and should be carried all the time.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

Persons establishing their residence in Austria, changing residence within Austria, or changing their primary residence must register to the responsible authority within 3 days after moving. In Vienna the residence registration service of the Municipal District Office is the responsible authority. In the case of primary apartment leasehold, the ‘Meldezettel’ (download application form) must be signed by the real estate management company. In the case of a sublet, by the primary leaseholder, and in the case of a condominium or house, by the owner.

Validity Period of Foreign Driving Licenses in Austria

Driving licenses from an EEA or EU state are valid for an unlimited period, and may be converted at any time on a voluntary basis. Driving licenses from a non-EEA/EU state are valid for six months starting from establishment of the primary residence in Austria.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

The Austrian customs only allows to bring along the following quantities per person when entering Austria:
� 200 pieces of cigarettes or 100 pieces of small cigars / cigarillos or 50 pieces of cigars or 250 grams smoking tobacco
� 1 liter alcohol (over 22%) or 2 liters alcohol (with maximum of 22%) plus an additional 4 liters of wine (non sparkling) and 16 liters beer

Please avoid to take along the following:

� Firearms and ammunition
� Any articles derived from protected species including fur skins, ivory, reptile leather and goods made from them
� Controlled drugs
� Indecent or obscene videotapes, films, books, magazines and other articles
� Flick knives and certain offensive weapons
� Counterfeit currency
� Radio transmitters (walkie-talkies, citizen band radios, cordless telephones, etc.) which are not approved for use in Austria
Radar detector

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

If you respect all of these preceded points, unrestricted travel in and out of Austria will be possible.

Useful Links

Federal Office of Immigration: www.einwanderung.wien.at
Foreign Embassies in Vienna: http://www.vienna.cc

What is the local currency?

Since March 1st in 2002 the EURO has become the official currency in Austria, replacing its former currency ‘Schilling’.

1 EUR or €1 = 1 EURO = 100 Cents

What denominations does it come in?

Notes come in denominations of: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500.
Coins: 2 Euro, 1 Euro, 50 Cents (1/2 Euro), 20 Cents, 10 Cents, 5 Cents, 2 Cents, 1 Cent .

What is the best way to exchange currency?

The best way to exchange currency is at banks or at post offices. At the airport or at railway stations it is usually more expensive to exchange currency.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

The most commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases are cash and ATM cards.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

It just recently started to become more common to use credit cards in daily business (some shops, restaurants, hotels, travel agencies). While major credit cards are very popular, there are still many places in Vienna that do not accept them. Since you can never be too sure which places these are, be sure to carry at least a small amount of cash at all times. For quick withdrawals, a bank or post office, or a shopping mall will usually have an ATM machine.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Direct debit is an efficient way of paying rent, gas, and water and electricity bills. By this method, your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account. The various utility companies or Crown Vienna can help you with the arrangements. Usually they provide you with a prepared form which you have to complete and sign and then return to their office via fax or e-mail. Internet banking is also increasingly becoming a reliable and accessible option.

Should you decide against these options, with each bill, you receive a payment slip ("Zahlschein") that you can use to pay directly at the bank or post office. Then the amount will be automatically debited from your account. Not all landlords accept this mode of payment.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

A bank account can be opened at any stage, but the sooner the better. You will need a salary account and provide your employer with the details before you take up your job anyway, so it is advisable to get this formality done as soon as you can. You will need the following documents to open an account
� A valid passport
� Your work permit
� A copy of your work contract or confirmation of employment issued by your employer (including salary information)
Your registration of residence confirmation (Meldezettel))

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Most Austrian banks have employees well-versed in English; however you are welcome to contact Crown Vienna for support when opening a bank account.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

Most banks will not grant you a loan before you have lived here for at least one year. A lot of banks will only issue you a credit card when you can provide them with a copy of your work permit. But you can always use your ATM card until your permit has been granted.

What are typical banking hours?

Banking hours vary from branch to branch. Most banks are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from
8:00 AM to 12:30 noon and 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM and on Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 noon and 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM.

They are closed on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.

You can also open a bank account at most Austrian post offices during their banking hours (Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM).

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Yes, you can find ATM machines all around the city, available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

The most common card in Austria is the Maestro card, which is an ATM card linked to your current bank/post office account. This card is accepted at department stores, supermarkets, gas stations and restaurants. It is a good alternative to credit cards as there are still many places in Austria that do not accept credit cards.

Useful Links

Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG: www.ba-ca.com
BAWAG P.S.K.: www.bawag.at
Erste Bank: www.sparkasse.at/erstebank/
Raiffeisen Landesbank: www.raiffeisen.at
Volksbank Wien: www.wien.volksbank.at

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Accommodation in Vienna can be hard to find and expensive, in comparison to other European cities. We suggest that you contact Crown Vienna in order to support you with your house search.

When looking for a home, keep an eye out for the following terminology:
o One-family house (Einfamilienhaus): this is a detached, stand-alone house with no partition wall. As the name implies, it will typically house one family.
o Semi-detached house (Doppelhaush�lfte): a house with a partition wall; it will typically accommodate two families; a duplex.
o Continuous house (Reihenhaus): a row of several attached houses divided by partition walls; a terraced house.

Houses are hard to find in the city center of Vienna so you will need to search in the outer districts or suburbs of Vienna.

In the heart of Vienna most housing options are apartments, which often have a nice roof terrace or balcony. Typically Viennese differentiate between the traditional old buildings (Altbau) with high ceilings and double wing doors (and typically gas heating) and new buildings (Neubau) with regular ceiling height and the comfort of a recently built or renovated building (and typically district heating).

Please be advised that you will rarely deal with the actual owner of the property you are looking at. Typically, a real estate agency will be overseeing its rental/purchase.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

Vienna has 23 districts, with the city center being 1st district (Innere Stadt). Around it is the famous ‘Ring’ Road which connects 1st district with district 2 to 9. If you are looking for a broad cultural offer, a variety of restaurants, exclusive shops, clubs and bars in a close distance to city center, district 3 (Landstrasse), 4 (Wieden), 6 (Mariahilf), 7 (Neubau), 8 (Josefstadt) and 9 (Alsergrund) would be a good choice. Much sought-after residential areas are 13th district (Hietzing, as well as 18th (W�hring) and 19th district D�bling(). All of them are surrounded by the Vienna Wood (Wiener Wald). 13th district is close to Sch�nbrunn Castle and offers many recreation and sport facilities in one of Vienna’s most traditional ‘upper class’ districts. 18th and 19th districts are located in the heart of Vienna’s vineyards, with fabulous wine taverns and a hiking and biking paradise people who love to do outdoor sport activities. You may find the rent higher here than in other districts, but the outstanding locations outweigh the price.

Looking outside the city limits, M�dling and Baden are preferred alternatives for families as commuting to Vienna is both convenient and short-time by public transport.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Most expatriates choose to rent. Apartments are mostly let unfurnished but fitted with complete kitchens. Alternatively one can also rent fully furnished apartments or fully equipped business apartments for temporary or permanent use.

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Two to three months deposit is usually required, depending on the landlord or real estate company you are dealing with. No Austrian law sets the maximum deposit that can be requested; therefore it is highly recommended to negotiate with the landlord. A special bank account will be opened to hold the deposit; this account is then blocked for the duration of the contract. The deposit payment as well as the first months rent usually needs to be paid before the handover of the flat. Depending on the landlord or agency you might be refused the keys until the deposit has been paid and confirmed to be on the landlord's bank account.
Additionally 1% of 36 monthly rents have to be paid to the landlord as financial fee when signing the rental contract. The landlord forwards the payment to the financial authorities.
Generally the real estate agency will claim a brokerage’s commission of 2 or 3 monthly rents.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utilities ("incidental costs") are the actual expenditure for heating, water, electricity used in the building, maintenance of communal parts of the building, the caretaker and any other incidental costs. These are paid on a monthly basis, together with the rent and then settled annually when the landlord submits a bill for the actual costs incurred. The difference between what you have paid in advance and the actual costs will be refunded or you will be billed if the total costs are higher than expected.

Electricity used in your own apartment is billed directly by the electricity company. In addition, telephone, internet, TV and radio fees need to be paid and considered when working out your housing budget.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

There aren't really any specific security concerns in Austria. It is, however, always a good idea to get input from friends and colleagues who are familiar with the city.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

Electric current: 220-240 volts
Frequency (Hz): 50
Plug shape: standard southern European two pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

The indicated size of the apartment does not usually include the kitchen or bathroom / WC and a corridor. It does however include the bedrooms and living/ dining room. So, a 3-room flat (3 Zimmer Wohnung) is a 2 bed-flat.

The house rules are part of the tenancy agreement - in the interest of maintaining peace with your neighbors you should observe them.

Useful Links

Home search: www.immobilien.net
GIS (Registration of TV and Radio License): www.orf-gis.at

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

If your children are over 10 years old and do not speak any German, an international school is a popular choice. There are also schools that teach in German and English, which is also highly recommended. Public schools are free whereas at an international school you have to pay tuition fees.

What are some examples of these schools?

American International School (AIS)
1190 Vienna, Salmannsdorfer Strasse 47
Tel. +43 1 401 32 0
e-Mail: info@ais.at
HP: www.ais.at

Danube International School (DIS)
1020 Vienna, Josef-Gall-Gasse 2
Tel. +43 1 720 3110
e-Mail: danube@chello.at
HP: www.danubeschool.at

Vienna Christian School (VCS)
1220 Vienna, Wagramerstrasse 175
Tel. +43 1 2512 2501
HP: www.viennachristianschool.org

Vienna Elementary School (VES)
1180 Vienna, Lacknergasse 75
Tel. +43 1 470 4600
e-Mail: office@vienna-elementary-school.at
HP: www.vienna-elementary-school.at

Vienna International School (VIS)
1220 Vienna, Strasse der Menschenrechte 1
Tel. +43 1 203 5595
e-Mail: info@vis.ac.at
HP: www.vis.ac.at

Lyc�e Francais de Vienne
Classe Pr�pa - Lyc�e - Coll�ge - Ecole El�mentaire
1090 Vienna, Liechtensteinstrasse 37 A
Tel. +43 1 317 22 41
HP: www.lyceefrancais.at

Lyc�e Francais de Vienne
Ecole de Grinzing – Maternelle et El�mentaire
1190 Vienna, Grinzinger Strasse 95
Tel. +43 1 370 12 17
HP: www.lyceefrancais.at

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

There are mostly no waiting lists for local schools, but please check with Crown Vienna for current information on the schools you're interested in.

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

Yes.

How are most kids transported to and from school?

There is no general mode of transportation: Some children walk to school - depending on where they live - or are dropped off and picked up again by their parents. Some schools operate school bus transportation. As Vienna has well connected public transportations and is mostly a very safe city, a lot of school children use public transportation each day.

When does the typical school year start and end?

Public schools in Vienna run from the first Monday in September until July of the next year. Private international schools operate from the middle of August to the end of June.

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

Kindergarten, elementary and grammar school (high school) education are mostly provided free. In Austria, the district education office takes care of enrolment but your Crown Vienna Relocation Consultant will be delighted to assist you where needed and requested.

Useful Links

American International School (AIS): www.ais.at
Danube International School (DIS): www.danubeschool.at
Vienna Christian School (VCS): www.viennachristianschool.org
Vienna Elementary School (VES): www.vienna-elementary-school.at
Vienna International School (VIS): www.vis.ac.at
Lyc�e Francais de Vienne - Classe Pr�pa - Lyc�e - Coll�ge - Ecole El�mentaire /
Ecole de Grinzing – Maternelle et El�mentaire : www.lyceefrancais.at