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The essential articles to read if you are moving to Vienna

Moving to a new country can be challenging, but if you are coming to the Austrian capital Vienna, here are some The Local articles that can help you get settled.

The essential articles to read if you are moving to Vienna
Volksgarten, Museen, Parlament / Volksgarten, Museums, Parliament in Vienna (© WienTourismus/Christian Stemper)

Are you planning a move to Vienna, the Austrian capital? Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or simply to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this stunning city, being well-prepared is key. 

To help you easily navigate your new life in Vienna, we have curated a list of essential articles to read. From practical advice on finding accommodation and navigating public transportation to in-depth information on Austrian customs and culture, these articles will be your go-to resource for settling into your new home. 

Before you embark on this exciting journey, here are some of our must-read articles for immigrants moving to Vienna.

The basics

First, here are some crucial reads:

Finding accommodation in Vienna

The good news is that the Austrian capital is relatively affordable when it comes to rent, especially when compared to other (western) European cities. The bad news is that the rental and property markets are competitive, and finding a place to live, especially as a newcomer, could be difficult.

Here are some articles that will help you out:

Still trying to figure out where to live? These articles will help you understand the different districts in Vienna:

You can read all our articles about renting HERE. And about property in Austria HERE.

Cost of living

Vienna is known for having an affordable cost of living, but how much does it actually cost residents to live there? Here’s how much you need to earn to cover the basics in Vienna.

If you are looking to save some money, here are some articles that will help you:

You can read all our articles on the cost of living HERE.

Permits and bureaucracy

Visas and residence permits are a federal jurisdiction, so the rules are the same for the entire country. You can find some articles to help you navigate the complicated Austrian bureaucracy here:

You can read more about residency permits HERE.

And here are some particulars of the Viennese citizenship and immigration office, the MA 35:

Healthcare and education

Two other major concerns when moving to a new country is understanding how the health and education systems work. Here are some articles to help you learn about Austria’s systems.

You can read all the health articles HERE.

Other important articles

Whether you want to know more about taxes, tourism, owning a pet or other issues, these articles about life in Austria and Vienna can help.

Did we miss anything or do you have any questions about moving to Vienna? Leave it in the comments or send us a message at [email protected].

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How do I lower my rent if I pay too much in Vienna?

If you live in an older building, a so called "Altbau", the price per square meter is regulated. If you are paying too much rent, there are ways to lower it and claim your money back.

How do I lower my rent if I pay too much in Vienna?

Vienna is known for offering its residents affordable rents. However, if you live in one of the older apartments in Vienna (Altbau), you should know that there is a limit on how much rent can be charged per square meter.

Some landlords rent out their flats more expensively than they are actually allowed to. The City of Vienna’s rent calculator can help you determine if you are paying too much.

If you believe that your rent is too high, there are three different options on how to bring it down and also get the money back from the time when you paid too much.

Hire a company to take on your case

In Vienna, several companies, known as Prozessfinanzierer in German, will take on your case individually and try to reduce your rent. This could not only result in a lower rent for the future but also in you receiving a refund for the period you overpaid. It is even possible to pursue this after you leave your apartment. 

However, the City of Vienna has warned against using these services. If you are successful, the companies could claim a great portion of the refunded money, ranging from 30 percent to even half. MeinBezirk also reported occasions when employees of these companies have gone door to door, pretending to be city officials to secure contracts with excessively high commission payments.

Tenant protection organisations argue, as cited in Der Standard, that the companies may prioritise their profits over the best interests of tenants, negatively impacting tenant-landlord relationships.

However, these companies typically operate on a ‘no win-no fee’ basis, which means that you do not have to pay anything if the reduction attempt is unsuccessful. 

READ MORE: Gemeindebau: How do you qualify for a social housing flat in Vienna?

Get help from the Mietervereinigung

Another option is to get help from the Mietervereinigung. This is a tenants’ association that supports tenants’ rights and interests. A yearly membership costs around €69 in Vienna (it also operates in Austria’s other federal states).

Once you are a member, you can go to them for help. They will assist you with claiming back your rent if you have been overpaying, and can also help with rental problems such as mould, contracts, painting, disputes with landlords and housing standards. 

The association also offer education and information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities under landlord-tenant laws. This includes workshops and seminars about topics related to housing rights and regulations.

The association is also known for publishing guides, brochures, and online resources with practical tips for dealing with common rental issues.

The Mietervereinigung offers services and guidance for its members over the phone, online or through meetings in person. 

Altbau in Alsegrund, district 9 in Vienna. Photo by Melloo on Unsplash

Do it yourself

The third option you have as a tenant is to go to the arbitration board yourself.

The arbitration board is an independent entity established to help resolve conflicts between tenants and landlords outside of the court system. However, this can sometimes be complicated.

You often need certain legal expertise to be successful and the process can be complex and time consuming.

READ NEXT: How does urban gardening work in Vienna?

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