How to Settle in Austria from India in 2026?

How to settle in Austria from India in 2026 is becoming an increasingly relevant question for Indian professionals, students, and families seeking a quality of life in Europe. With Austria issuing over 100,000 new long-term and permanent residence permits in 2024 and expanding skilled immigration initiatives targeting Indian talent from mid-2026, opportunities to relocate to the country are growing steadily. 

However, updated residency quotas, income requirements, and competitive permit windows make careful planning a crucial aspect. This guide on how to settle in Austria from India breaks down everything from visa pathways, work permits, to essential eligibility criteria, and more that can help you achieve your Austrian settlement goals in 2026.

How to Settle in Austria from India in 2026?

The first step in understanding how to settle in Austria from India in 2026 is exploring the major pathways for Indians. These include:

1. Visas for Indian Citizens

• Schengen visa type C is for short stays, i.e., up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa must be applied for and approved before travel as there is no visa-free entry or on-arrival facility for Indians.
• National Long-Stay Visa is needed if you plan to work, study, or live in Austria for longer than 90 days. Securing this visa is a necessary step before applying for a residency permit.

2. Primary Pathways to Settle in Austria from India

There are several pathways, depending on your goals, i.e., employment or family reunification, that help you settle in Austria from India in 2026

A. Work or Skilled Immigration

The Austria Red White Red Card is the main permit for highly skilled workers from outside the EU. The RWR Card Austria lets you live and work in Austria. It also secures your eligibility over time to apply for long-term residency in the country. The essential requirements to apply for an RWR card in Austria include: 

• Must score eligible score points on the Austria Score-based system, which is evaluated based on your education, work experience, age, language skills, and potential contribution to Austria
• Must have a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, a job offer, health insurance, and suitable accommodation proof in Austria. 

Once you have been issued the RWR Card Austria, you can bring your spouse and dependent children under the RWR family unification provisions.

B. Study in Austria

We are aware that Austria is home to some of the top universities in the world, offering affordable public education options. Indian students can consider getting admission to an Austrian university and further apply for a student visa through the Austrian Embassy in India. 

Upon arrival, they can register and get their resident permit in the country. Indian students often find that the approval rates for residence permit applications in Austria are reasonably high, if all documents, including admission documents, funds, insurance, and housing, are in place an order.

Upon successful graduation, you can transition to a work permit like the RWR Card Austria to work and stay in the country.

C. Work Without a Job Offer

Another best option to explore opportunities in Austria is through the Austria job seeker visa from India. This visa allows you to enter Austria and stay up to 6 months, helping your first hand job search trials in the country. Later, you can convert to a work visa or RWR Card, once you have secured the job

D. Long-Term Settlement Permanent Residency

If your goal is to settle permanently in Austria, you will eventually require a long-term residency, i.e., the Daueraufenthalt-EU. This status is for non-EU nationals who have lived continuously in Austria for at least 5 years on a valid residence permit. The eligibility requirements for PR in Austria include:

• Continuous residency for five years 
• Stable income and housing 
• Comprehensive health insurance
• No public order or security concerns
• Meet German language skills typically B-1 and integration requirements 

Top 10 Tips for an Easy Transition into Austria for Indians in 2026

However, despite all its beauty, it can be difficult for an Indian citizen to settle in Austria. The disparity in culture and language can make you feel alienated. Well, no worries! Read this article to find out how to settle in Austria from India with 10 simple tips.

1. Do your Research

The biggest problem that people face while moving to a new country is having no proper idea about most things. So before moving to Austria from india, you must have a clear idea about what to expect there. So here are some things you need to know or do your research on before boarding your plane to Austria.

Things you Must know

• The visa type: It is very important to know which type of visa you need based on your objectives of going to Austria. You can apply for a job seeker visa or an Austrian PR visa based on your needs.

• The cost of living: It is always a good idea to research the cost of living in a country before planning to move there.
• Residence Permit: You will need to have a residence permit to start living in Austria. Try to research the eligibility criteria for getting a residence permit in Austria from the government website.

Explore the Best Cities to Work in Austria for Indians in 2026

2. Acquiring a Residence Permit

If you are thinking about how to settle in Austria from India, you will need to obtain a residence permit before you can enter the country. You can apply for a residence permit at your nearest Austrian embassy or consulate. The application process is generally straightforward, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

• You will need to have a valid passport and proof of health insurance.
• You will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Austria.
• You will need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a lease or rental agreement.

Once you submit your application the embassy will review it and if everything looks fine, you will be allowed to stay in Austria for six months. You will be eligible for an extension after completing the six months.

3. Finding The home

One of the things you'll need to include in your list of how to settle in Austria from India is to find a place to live. There are several options available, but one of the most popular is renting an apartment. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for an apartment in Austria. Be aware that the cost of living can be high, so you'll need to budget accordingly. Make sure you're familiar with the Austrian tenancy laws before signing a lease. The cost of living in Austria for a single person is USD 962.0 per month and for a family, it is nearly USD 3,334 per month. The average house rent in Austria is nearly USD 550 per month depending on where you live.

4. Find Your Way around Vienna

If you're assessing how to settle in Austria from India, the thing you'll want to do is get oriented to your new surroundings. Vienna is a large and vibrant city, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when you first arrive. Here are a few tips to help you find your way around:

Get familiar with the public transportation system.

The Cost of Living in Vienna is considered affordable and the city also has an extensive network of buses, trams, and trains that can get you around the city with ease. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the routes and schedules so you can get where you need to go without any trouble.

• Explore different neighborhoods

Vienna is made up of many different neighborhoods, each with its unique character. Spend some time walking around and exploring different areas to get a feel for which one is right for you.

• Learn where the important places are located

Knowing where the grocery store, post office, and other essential places are located will make your life much easier as you settle into your new home.

• Find your favorite spots in the city

Once you've explored a bit, take note of the places that make you feel most at home in Vienna. Whether it's a cozy café or a scenic park, these places will help you feel connected to your new city

5. Meet People and Make Friends

When you arrive in Austria, it can be daunting trying to meet new people and make friends. But don't worry, there are plenty of ways to get connected with the local community. Here are a few tips:

1. Get involved with community groups and activities: There are often many different clubs and organizations that you can join, depending on your interests. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
2. Attend local events: From festivals to markets, there is always something going on in Austria. This is a great opportunity to explore your new surroundings and meet new people.
3. Make an effort to speak German: Even if you're not fluent, making an effort to speak the local language will go a long way in helping you connect with people. And who knows, you might even pick up a few words along the way!

6. Get Involved in Activities

If you're thinking about how to move to Austria from India, one of the best things you can do is get involved in activities. There are several ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to join a local club or group. This will help you meet people with similar interests and make friends in your new community. Another great way to get involved in activities is to volunteer. Many organizations in Austria could use your help, and this is a great way to meet people and learn more about the culture. Don’t forget to explore all that Austria has to offer. There are countless sights and activities to keep you busy, so get out there and start enjoying your new home!

7.  Explore Austrian Delicacies

If you're used to the spice and flavor of Indian cuisine, you may be in for a bit of a shock when you start eating out in Austria. Austrian food is notoriously bland, and even the most popular restaurants tend to serve dishes that are heavy on meat and potatoes, with very little in the way of spices or other flavorings. Make sure to learn sufficient culinary skills to make your food at home.

8. Join Student Organization Austrian

It’s important to include joining a student organization in your list of how to move to Austria from India. Austrian As an international student in Austria, you will have the opportunity to join several different student organizations. One such organization is the Austrian Student Organization (ASO). The ASO is a student-run organization that aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation between Austrian and international students.

Simply fill out an application form and pay the annual membership fee. Once you are a member, you will have access to several benefits, including discounts on events and trips, access to exclusive job postings, and more. Plus, you will be able to meet other international students and make new friends from all over the world!

9. Read up on the Culture

Here are a few tips that will help you learn about Austrian culture and customs before arriving in the country from India-

1. Read up on the culture: Learn about the history, traditions, and customs of Austria before your arrival. This will help you understand the culture and make the transition smoother.
2. Be patient: It may take some time to adjust to the slower pace of life in Austria. Don't expect things to happen overnight, but take your time and enjoy the experience.
3. Embrace the outdoors: With its stunning scenery and outdoor activities, Austria is a great place to enjoy nature. Make sure to take advantage of this during your stay.
4. Try new things: Step out of your comfort zone and try something new during your time in Austria. Whether it's trying new food or exploring a new city, this will help you make the most of your experience.

10. Seek out Local Students or Workers from your Country of Origin

If you want Austria PR from India, one of the best things you can do is to seek out local students or workers from India. This can help you to get settled in quicker and make the transition smoother. Here are a few tips on how to go about this:

1. Connect with local Indian student organizations

There are likely several student organizations at universities in Austria that cater to Indian students. Getting involved with these groups can help you meet other Indians who are already settled in Austria and who can offer guidance and support during your transition.

2. Look for social media groups for Indians living in Austria

There are often Facebook groups or other online communities where Indians living in Austria connect and support each other. Joining these groups can be a great way to meet people and get information about settling in Austria from those who have already been through the process.

3. Attend events organized by the Indian community in Austria

There are often cultural events or festivals organized by the Indian community in Austria, which can be a great way to meet people and learn more about settling into your new home country. Attending these types of events can also help you feel more connected to your culture while you're settling into your new life in Austria.

Explore Your Austria Visa Eligibility With GetGIS

We believe this guide has helped you imbibe all the necessary details to ways to settle in Austria from India in 2026 along with additional tips for safe and quick integration into the country

Planning to move to Austria? Check out GetGIS for end-to-end assistance with all your immigration-related queries. Our team provides dedicated assistance through your Austrian job seeker visa, job search journey, and more.

Book Your Free Consultation

Articles You Might Be Interested in

• How to get job in Austria from India
• Work Opportunities in Austria
• Austria Tourist Visa Requirements for 2026
• Safety and Tax Benefits in Austria for Expats
• Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Expats
• Experience the High Standard of Living in Austria
• Top 10 Benefits of Working in Austria in 2026