Your relocation services for a move to Austria
Moving to Austria means arriving in one of Europe's most orderly, culturally rich and beautifully organised countries. Whether Vienna's imperial boulevards, the alpine calm of Tyrol, the lakes of Salzburg or the university energy of Graz and Innsbruck await you, careful planning turns a daunting international move into a smooth arrival.
Austria rewards the well-prepared. It is a country of precise administrative processes, high standards and strong regional identities, where a move handled well means you can focus on your new life rather than logistics. From the paperwork of arrival to the practicalities of settling in, the details matter, and small missteps can cost time and money.
As a FIDI-FAIM and IAM accredited international mover, we combine global quality standards with local knowledge on the ground in Austria. Our role is to be your expert guide from your very first question to the moment the last box is unpacked in your new Austrian home.
Before the move: a few things to keep in mind
Your entry route into Austria depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement and can live and work in Austria without a visa, though registration with local authorities is still required after arrival.
Non-EU/EEA nationals will generally need a residence permit or visa arranged before or shortly after arrival, and the category depends on the purpose of your stay; work, study, family reunification or retirement. Requirements change, so always confirm the current rules on the official Austrian government portal.
For authoritative, up-to-date information, consult the Austrian Migration portal (migration.gv.at) and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.
Austria's rental market is well-regulated and, particularly in Vienna, offers a large stock of quality apartments. But demand in the major cities is high, so it pays to begin your search early. Rental contracts, deposits and registration of your address (Meldezettel) are handled with characteristic Austrian formality.
Opening a local bank account is a practical early step, and you will typically need proof of address and identity to do so. Many everyday services in Austria still expect precise documentation, so keep originals and certified copies of key papers together.
Registering your residence at the local Meldeamt is a legal requirement shortly after you arrive. Check current timelines and documents on your municipality's official website.
Austria has an excellent, largely public healthcare system funded through social insurance, and coverage is generally linked to employment or registered residence. Standards are high across both public and private providers.
Once you are employed or registered, you will usually be enrolled in the statutory health insurance system; many expats also take out supplementary private cover for additional comfort and choice.
Before you arrive, confirm your coverage arrangements and any waiting periods, and consult the official social insurance information (sozialversicherung.at) for current details relevant to your situation.
Austria offers strong public schooling in German, alongside a respected network of international and bilingual schools concentrated in Vienna and other larger cities. A common choice for expat families who want continuity of curriculum.
International schools can have waiting lists, so applying early is wise, especially for popular English-language and IB programmes. Public schooling is free and integrates children well, though a period of German-language support may be needed.
Research options and admission timelines directly with individual schools and via your city's official education pages before you commit to a neighbourhood.
Austria has a stable, high-skill economy with strengths in engineering, finance, tourism, international organisations (particularly Vienna, home to major UN agencies) and manufacturing. Unemployment is generally low and workplace standards are strong.
EU/EEA citizens can work freely; non-EU nationals typically need a work-based residence permit tied to a specific role or the Red-White-Red Card scheme for qualified professionals. German language skills significantly widen your opportunities.
For current, official guidance on working in Austria, consult the AMS (Austrian public employment service) and the migration portal before finalising your plans.
Moving to Austria with Gosselin
Transport options for your move to Austria
For a move to Austria, the right transport method depends chiefly on where you are moving from and how much you are bringing. For relocations from within Europe, road transport is usually the practical backbone of the move. A dedicated van gives you a direct, door-to-door service on your own schedule, while a shared or part-load option (known as Groupage) lets smaller volumes travel more economically alongside other consignments heading the same way.
If you are relocating to Austria from further afield, sea freight or air cargo may come into play. A full or shared shipping container for the bulk of your household, with air used sparingly for essentials you need quickly. Each mode trades cost against speed, and the best answer is rarely the same for two households.
Professional packing
Professional packing is the single biggest factor in whether your belongings arrive in perfect condition. And for a road or long-distance move to Austria, correct packing protects against the vibration, handling and multiple transfers of a journey across borders. Gosselin's packing teams treat your possessions as if they were their own.
Meticulous packing and a clear inventory are what keep damage counts at or near zero. One of the reasons our clients trust us with a lifetime's possessions. We also use eco-friendly, high-quality materials as standard. Our crews handle every category with the appropriate technique and materials:
WHY GOSSELIN?
Top-tier international moving services
Gosselin brings global quality standards, verified certifications and an established partner network on the ground in Austria to every relocation.
Our credentials are checkable, not claimed. We are FIDI-FAIM accredited; the international moving industry's gold standard, held by fewer than 10% of movers worldwide, and members of IAM, the International Association of Movers. Our quality management is ISO 9001 certified.
What marks out a genuinely reliable international mover:
G.U.E.S.T.
Start planning your move to Austria today
You can begin planning your move to Austria from the comfort of your sofa. Gosselin's G.U.E.S.T. remote survey technology lets you book a digital pre-move survey and record your household goods using nothing more than your smartphone camera. No need to schedule an in-home visit around your busy calendar.
A member of our team guides you through the video walkthrough, room by room, so we capture an accurate picture of exactly what needs to move. From that, we prepare a fast, personalised quote tailored to your volume, timing and services, with no obligation.
It is the quickest, most convenient way to get an accurate estimate and start your relocation with confidence. Ready to take the first step?
Customs clearance
Our team guides you step-by-step through all the requirements
Moving Insurance
By taking out an All-Risk insurance, you are protected from the risks of loss or damage of your goods
Professional packing
We provide full service packing and moving services for local, long-distance, and international relocations
Handyman services
Handyman support can be arranged before packing, on moving day or after delivery in your new home
Overseas or long distance shipping
There are multiple ways to transport your goods internationally: sea, air, truck, or even rail
International car shipping
Cars can be shipped overseas in a container or by roll on / roll off shipping
Art transport services
Gosselin provides high-quality art transportation for museums, galleries, institutions, collectors, and traveling exhibitions
Storage services
A safe, flexible solution for your belongings when your moving timeline doesn’t go exactly as planned
Custom crates
These crates provide optimal security for fine art, antiques, oversized furniture, motorcycles and other valuable or fragile items
Guided Survey
A guided survey led by relocation professionals to understand your household, destination and timing so your move is planned correctly from day one.
With Gosselin, your move includes:
- Eco-friendly packing materials
- Secure storage service
- Flexible scheduling
- Transport insurance coverage
Client experience: relocating to Austria with Gosselin
My relocation from Ireland to Austria with Gosselin-Moving was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The entire process was smooth, well-organized, and completely stress-free.
From the initial consultation, the team was transparent, professional, and clear about the costs and timeline. The packing and pickup team arrived exactly on time, handled everything with great care, and used high-quality materials. Everything was clearly labeled, and not a single item was damaged during transport.
A special mention to Rachel, my Move Manager, who was absolutely phenomenal. She kept me informed throughout the entire process, was incredibly responsive and proactive, and made sure everything stayed on track. Her communication and attention to detail gave me complete peace of mind.
The delivery was also much faster than expected, with everything arriving safely and exactly as planned.
Overall, I’m 100% satisfied with the service. Professionalism, communication, efficiency, speed, and value for money were all exceptional.
Your FAQs answered
Get Your Free Moving Quote Today
Start your journey by getting a free, no-obligation quote for your move. Our team is ready to assist you with every step, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Austria. Fill out the form below and start planning your move to Austria today.