Moving to a new country means handling a lot at once — a new job, authorities, housing and everyday life all together. This checklist puts the key steps in a sensible order: what to prepare before you leave, what to sort out in your first weeks in Austria and how to settle in step by step. We deliberately avoid quoting exact amounts and deadlines — you will get those reliably from the official bodies.
Key takeaways
- Prepare documents in duplicate: originals plus certified copies and translations, ideally before you leave.
- Registering your address (Anmeldung at the Meldeamt) is mandatory in Austria and a prerequisite for many other steps.
- Sort out your e-card, a bank account and an Austrian mobile number in your first weeks.
- Budget a financial cushion for the start — a deposit, re-registrations and initial costs often add up.
Before you leave: gather your documents
Many things are easier to arrange from your home country than remotely later on. Collect your key documents early and make a certified copy — and, where needed, a certified translation — of each. That way you avoid having to request paperwork from abroad afterwards.
- Passport or ID card (valid, with visa/residence permit if applicable)
- Nursing diploma and training records — including recognition/Nostrifikation documents
- Employment contract or offer from your Austrian employer
- Birth certificate and, if relevant, marriage or civil-status certificate
- Reference letters from previous employers
- Certified German translations (where required)
- Vaccination record and important medical documents
- Proof of German / language certificate, if you have one
Tip
Scan all documents and also keep them digitally (e.g. in an encrypted cloud or on a USB stick). If something gets lost in the chaos of moving, you have a copy to hand straight away.
Your first weeks in Austria
The first weeks are mainly about officially "arriving": registering your address, sorting out health insurance and your e-card, opening an account and being reachable. These steps build on one another — and registration is often the starting point.
- 1
Register your address (Meldezettel)
Register your address with the responsible Meldeamt within the legal deadline. You need the confirmation of registration for almost everything else — account, official errands, contracts.
- 2
Health insurance & e-card
Through your employment you are usually covered by statutory health insurance. Check with your employer and the health insurer how you obtain your e-card — it is your key to healthcare.
- 3
Open a bank account
You need an Austrian account for your salary and rent. Opening one usually requires ID and your confirmation of registration; the bank tells you the exact requirements.
- 4
Mobile number / SIM card
An Austrian number makes you easier to reach for employers, authorities and landlords. Compare prepaid and contract options without rushing.
Order matters
Because many offices ask for a confirmation of registration, it pays to put the Anmeldung at the very top of your list. After that, the account, contracts and re-registrations go far more smoothly.
Finding a place to live
For the start it helps to have a temporary solution first — such as accommodation provided by your employer, a room or a short-term rental — while you search calmly. That way you avoid pressure during the housing search.
- Search via common property portals, notice boards and — especially in smaller places — colleagues and word of mouth
- Have your paperwork ready: ID, confirmation of registration, employment contract or proof of income
- Budget for the deposit (several months' rent as security is common — the exact amount is in the tenancy agreement)
- Clarify what is included in the rent (operating costs, heating, electricity) and what comes on top
- Read the tenancy agreement carefully and ask if in doubt before you sign
Careful with upfront payments
Never pay a deposit or rent before you have seen the flat and have a written contract. Unrealistically cheap offers with pressure to transfer money quickly are a warning sign.
Setting up money and everyday life
The cost of living varies noticeably by region — a large city like Vienna is more expensive in many respects than a rural municipality. You will find reliable comparison figures from official bodies, so plan with a buffer rather than too tightly.
For the beginning, expect one-off costs that can pile up: deposit, buying things for the flat, re-registrations and fees. Until your first salary arrives, a financial cushion is important.
A budget for the start
Set yourself a small budget for the first weeks and note your planned fixed costs (rent, insurance, phone) separately from the one-off start-up costs. That keeps you on top of things until everyday life settles in.
Settling in
Beyond the formalities, a move above all needs time to arrive. German in daily life, your commute and local contacts make a big difference — especially in the first months.
- Use German in everyday life: shopping, official errands and your shift are good daily practice — mistakes are part of it
- Get to know public transport: many regions offer affordable monthly or annual tickets — ask colleagues for recommendations
- Find your feet socially: colleagues, clubs, communities and neighbours help you settle in and learn German
- Understand the local ways: dialect, customs and local points of contact become clearer over time
More on living in Austria
You will find details on everyday life, culture and orientation in the guide on living in Austria. For binding information on authorities and deadlines, always rely on official sources such as oesterreich.gv.at and your Meldeamt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing I should do when I arrive in Austria?
Usually the top priority is registering your address with the Meldeamt within the legal deadline. You then need the confirmation of registration for your account, contracts and many official errands.
Which documents should I be sure to bring?
Passport, nursing diploma and training records (including recognition documents), employment contract, birth certificate, references and — where required — certified German translations. Ideally the original plus a certified copy, and also stored digitally.
How much money should I plan for the start?
There is no flat figure — costs depend heavily on region, housing and the deposit. Realistically plan a buffer for the deposit, purchases and running costs until your first salary arrives. You will find reliable comparison figures from official bodies.
Do I need an Austrian bank account right away?
In practice an Austrian account is very helpful for your salary and rent. Opening one usually requires ID and your confirmation of registration — your bank will tell you the exact requirements.
