The most important questions & answers for getting started in Vienna

Find the most important information for getting started in Vienna here! Read more about Vienna's international community, schools, job opportunities for your family and much more.

Will we find an international community?

"Multicultural" is a concept deeply embedded in Vienna's history. This open attitude has developed over the centuries and forms the basis of Vienna's diversity. 25,000 expats have chosen to come to Vienna because of the dynamic international community. International organisations such as UNO, OPEC, IAEO, OSZE and FRA are permanent elements of Vienna.

I want to commute between Vienna and another European capital city. Is this possible?

Yes! You can reach Vienna from ANY European capital city in three hours or less by air. The airport is only 16 minutes from the centre of Vienna, so you can cut your travel time down to the minimum and spend as much time as possible at work or with your family.

• There is a direct rail connection from Budapest to Vienna departing every hour – in 2.5 hours you will arrive in Vienna's central train station.
• There is a direct bus connection from Budapest to Vienna departing every hour – in 3 hours you will arrive in Vienna.

What is the situation with regard to international schools?

Vienna is already home to 14 international private schools where your children will be cared for and educated in a variety of languages.  Students in all public primary schools learn at least one foreign language - these include English, French, Italian, Spanish, Czech, Slovak and Hungarian.

Vienna currently has five private universities, ten public universities and five technical colleges.

What is the public transport system like in Vienna?

Public transport services in Vienna operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and you can use all public transport services within the metropolitan area for just one euro per day. Students pay for the semester pass only Euro 75,-! 
Vienna has a comprehensive underground railway, bus and tram network, running at 90 second intervals during peak times.

Do the residents of Vienna speak English?

In Austria, children begin learning foreign languages in preparatory school. 100 % of Viennese primary school children learn a foreign language, and 99.7 % of these learn English. Austrian students will have studied English for 7 to 10 years by the time they finish high school. Apparently this competence is quite extensive: in international comparisons the English language fluency of Austrian citizens receives top marks.

Will my partner also be able to find work in Vienna?

But of course! The Viennese job market is very diverse and Viennese companies employ many staff from other EU countries. The more than 220 international company headquarters and international organisations also provide many job opportunities for people from international backgrounds.

Will I find a suitable place to live?

Yes! Vienna offers many different types of accommodation, from houses in green areas to lofts in the city centre – just about anything is possible. Rental prices are 20% lower than the EU average.