Culture Shock! Austria - A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Settling In 81

Essential Documents

Bring:

„ Passport

„ Birth certificate

„ Marriage/divorce certificate

„ Children’s school records

„ Diplomas/degrees

„ Medical records

„ Vaccination history

„ Proof of health insurance

„ Driver’s licence

„ 3 copies of all of the above, and 4 passport-size photos

Obtain in Austria:

„ Visa (Sichtvermerk)

„ Temporary Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung)

„ Permanent Residence Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung)

„ Work Permit (Arbeitsgenehmigung)

„ Police Registration ( Meldezettel)

The Perfect Landlord

Having a good landlord is an advantage, but no matter how
perfect your landlord, make sure you have a city approved
rental contract. Each lease is written up individually and
the tenant must abide by the terms of the contract. In the
contract, the rent will be divided into three categories:
Hauptmiete (net rent), Betriebskosten (maintenance costs,
such as garbage collection) and Umsatzsteuer (taxes). This tax
is not paid if the tenant is a diplomat and there is tax-exempt
reciprocity between Austria and the respective country.
You may rent your house or apartment furnished or
unfurnished. Be aware that unfurnished may mean that it
lacks kitchen appliances, wardrobes, light fixtures, etc. If the
house or apartment comes furnished, inspect the furniture
and fixtures and take pictures of anything that is marked or
damaged, and be sure to append a list of such flaws in the
contract. You can repaint the apartment and make changes
only if the landlord agrees to it. There may be extra costs
(Ablöse) before you move in, including renovation expenses