Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to the logistics of moving, finding accommodation, setting up a home, and navigating local bureaucracy. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a popular destination for expats due to its high quality of life, cultural richness, and strong international community. However, settling into a new country like Austria requires careful planning and support to ensure a smooth transition. This is where relocation services come in.

In this guide, we will explore companies that specialize in expat relocation in Vienna, the various types of assistance available for setting up a home, how to ship your belongings to Austria, and options for temporary accommodation while you settle in.

Companies that Specialize in Expat Relocation

Hiring a relocation service can significantly ease the process of moving to Vienna, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local real estate market, administrative processes, or language. Many expat relocation companies in Vienna provide comprehensive services that cover everything from securing visas to finding long-term housing and managing day-to-day bureaucratic matters.

1. Relocation Services Austria

Relocation Services Austria is a well-established company that offers a wide range of services to help expats move to Vienna and other parts of Austria. They specialize in making the relocation process stress-free by handling all the logistics associated with moving and settling into a new home.

Services offered: Assistance with visa applications, housing searches, home setup, school enrollment, and ongoing support for expats once they’ve moved to Vienna. They also provide city tours and orientation sessions.
Target audience: Expats, diplomats, corporate transferees, and international organizations.

2. Vienna Relocation

Vienna Relocation offers a full suite of services that cater specifically to expats moving to Vienna. They understand the complexities of relocating to a new city and aim to make the transition as seamless as possible for individuals and families.

Services offered: Property search, lease negotiations, move coordination, utility setup, school and kindergarten search, and family assistance. They also provide guidance on visa requirements and residence permits.
Specialization: Tailored solutions for corporate clients and high-level professionals. Their team offers multilingual support, which is crucial for expats who do not speak German.

3. Austrian Relocation

Austrian Relocation is another popular choice for expats relocating to Vienna. Their personalized approach ensures that each client’s specific needs are addressed, whether you are relocating alone, with your family, or as part of a corporate move.

Services offered: Housing assistance, moving logistics, immigration support, cultural training, orientation services, and bureaucratic assistance (e.g., registering your address and obtaining residence permits).
Focus: They are particularly known for their efficient service in helping families settle into Vienna by finding suitable housing near international schools and providing ongoing support.

4. Move to Vienna

Move to Vienna is a boutique relocation service that focuses on helping expats with the personal and administrative challenges of moving to Austria. Their services are designed to support both short-term and long-term relocations, with a focus on ensuring that clients feel at home in their new city.

Services offered: Apartment searches, setting up utilities, registration assistance (Meldezettel), and settling-in services like grocery shopping, getting an Austrian SIM card, and finding a doctor. They also offer airport pick-up and temporary accommodation support.
Additional support: They can assist with finding jobs for accompanying spouses, organizing language courses, and introducing expats to local social and professional networks.

5. Crown Relocations

Crown Relocations is an international relocation company with offices in Vienna. They offer comprehensive relocation services that cater to both individuals and companies. With global experience and local expertise, Crown Relocations is a reliable option for those looking to move seamlessly to Vienna.

Services offered: International moving services, home and school searches, orientation tours, immigration assistance, and cultural training. Crown also specializes in corporate relocations, helping companies manage employee transfers.
Global network: With offices worldwide, they provide a high level of service continuity for expats moving from different countries to Vienna.

Assistance with Moving, Setting up a Home, and More

Relocation services go beyond simply helping you find a place to live. These companies offer a range of services designed to make your move to Vienna as smooth as possible. Whether it’s navigating the local rental market, getting utilities connected, or dealing with bureaucratic tasks, these services can save you time and stress.

1. Housing and Apartment Search

One of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new country is finding suitable housing. Vienna’s housing market can be competitive, particularly for expats who are unfamiliar with local customs, contract terms, or rental regulations.

Real estate agents: Many relocation companies partner with local real estate agents to help you find the right property based on your budget, family size, and proximity to schools or work. They assist with viewing properties, understanding lease terms, and negotiating rental agreements.
Temporary accommodation: If you need a place to stay immediately after your move, relocation services can arrange temporary housing, such as serviced apartments or short-term rentals, while you search for a more permanent residence.

2. Furniture and Home Setup

Once you’ve found an apartment, the next step is to set it up. Many apartments in Vienna are rented unfurnished, meaning you’ll need to source your own furniture and appliances.

Furniture rental: Some relocation companies offer temporary furniture rentals, so you can move into your new apartment quickly without the pressure of buying everything at once. This can be particularly useful for expats on short-term assignments.
Interior design: For expats looking to make their new home feel more personal, relocation services often provide interior design consultations to help with decorating and furnishing your apartment.
Utility setup: Setting up utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet) can be confusing if you don’t speak German. Relocation services will help with the entire process, ensuring that your home is ready for you to move in.

3. Meldezettel and Residence Registration

One of the first things expats need to do upon arriving in Austria is to register their residence. The Meldezettel is a mandatory document that confirms your address in Vienna and is required for many aspects of daily life, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a residence permit.

Assistance with registration: Relocation companies can assist you in filling out the necessary paperwork and submitting it to the local authorities, ensuring that the process is completed correctly and on time.

4. School and Kindergarten Search

If you’re moving to Vienna with children, finding the right school or kindergarten is crucial. Relocation services can help with:

School selection: Guidance on international schools, bilingual programs, or local Austrian schools depending on your child’s needs.
Enrollment support: Assisting with the application and enrollment process, understanding school fees, and attending interviews if necessary.

How to Ship Your Belongings to Vienna

Moving to Vienna often involves transporting personal belongings from your home country, whether you’re shipping furniture, clothing, or other household items. Fortunately, there are several options for shipping your possessions to Austria, depending on the size of the shipment and your budget.

1. International Moving Companies

Hiring an international moving company is one of the most common ways to ship your belongings to Vienna. These companies specialize in door-to-door service, which includes packing, shipping, and delivery to your new home.

a. Top International Movers in Vienna

AGS Worldwide Movers: AGS is a global moving company with experience in relocating expats to Austria. They offer international shipping services, including packing, customs clearance, and home delivery.
Santa Fe Relocation: Santa Fe offers comprehensive international moving services, including shipment tracking, customs assistance, and home delivery. Their relocation consultants guide you through the process of moving your household goods to Vienna.
Gebrüder Weiss: An Austrian-based logistics and moving company, Gebrüder Weiss provides shipping and moving services tailored to both individuals and corporate clients relocating to Vienna.

b. Services Provided by Moving Companies

Packing and unpacking: Professional movers will pack your belongings securely for transport and unpack them at your destination in Vienna.
Customs handling: International movers will take care of customs documentation and clearance, ensuring your items arrive without complications.
Insurance: Most companies offer insurance options to protect your items during transit, providing peace of mind.

2. Air Freight vs. Sea Freight

When shipping your belongings to Vienna, you’ll typically choose between air freight and sea freight. The best option depends on how quickly you need your items and how much you are shipping.

Air freight: If you need your belongings to arrive quickly, air freight is the best option. However, it can be expensive, especially for large shipments. Air freight is ideal for shipping personal items, electronics, and smaller shipments.
Sea freight: Sea freight is a more economical option for larger shipments, such as furniture or entire household goods. It is slower but more cost-effective. Typically, sea freight shipments take 4–6 weeks to arrive in Austria, depending on the country of origin.

3. Customs Regulations

Austria is part of the European Union, and as such, customs regulations vary depending on where you’re moving from. If you’re relocating from an EU country, there are generally no customs duties for personal items. For non-EU countries, you will need to provide a detailed inventory of your items, along with proof of residence in Austria to avoid paying taxes on household goods.

Documents required: A copy of your passport, residence permit, and Meldezettel, as well as a detailed inventory of your goods, is usually required for customs clearance.
Tax-free import: If you’re moving to Austria permanently, your household goods can be imported tax-free as long as they’ve been owned and used by you for more than six months.

Temporary Accommodation Options

Finding a permanent home in Vienna can take some time, so having a comfortable place to stay during your first few weeks or months in the city is essential. Fortunately, Vienna offers plenty of temporary accommodation options, from serviced apartments to budget-friendly rentals.

1. Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments are fully furnished units that provide hotel-like amenities with the comfort of home. They’re ideal for expats who need temporary accommodation for a few weeks or months while searching for a permanent residence.

a. Popular Serviced Apartment Providers

VISIONAPARTMENTS: Located in central Vienna, VISIONAPARTMENTS offers a range of stylishly furnished serviced apartments, ideal for both short and long-term stays. Amenities include cleaning services, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
SMARTments Business: SMARTments provides fully furnished studios and apartments designed for business travelers and expats. Apartments come equipped with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and on-site laundry.
Citadines Apart’hotel Vienna: Centrally located near Vienna’s attractions, Citadines offers serviced apartments with hotel-like services, including a gym, 24/7 reception, and housekeeping.
Costs: Serviced apartments typically cost between €1,000 and €2,500 per month, depending on location and amenities.

2. Short-term Rentals

If you prefer a more home-like environment or need a budget-friendly option, short-term rentals are an excellent alternative. Platforms like Airbnb, Flatio, and Booking.com offer short-term apartments that can be rented for a few weeks to several months.

Airbnb: Airbnb is a popular option for expats looking for short-term accommodation in Vienna. Many hosts offer discounts for longer stays, and you can find a variety of options, from studios to entire homes.
Flatio: Flatio specializes in medium-term rentals, perfect for expats and digital nomads who need temporary housing for a few months. Apartments on Flatio are fully furnished, and leases are typically flexible, catering to the needs of expats.

3. Co-living Spaces

Co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular among young expats and digital nomads. These spaces offer private rooms within a shared apartment, providing an affordable and community-focused way to live while you search for long-term housing.

The Social Hub Vienna: Formerly known as The Student Hotel, The Social Hub offers private rooms and co-living spaces with communal kitchens, workspaces, and social areas. It’s ideal for younger expats or digital nomads who want to connect with others.
ROAM Vienna: ROAM offers co-living spaces where you can rent a room in a shared apartment, complete with communal workspaces and a community of international residents.

Conclusion

Relocating to Vienna can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with logistical challenges. Whether you’re an individual, a family, or part of a corporate transfer, using professional relocation services can make your move much smoother. From housing searches and furniture rentals to shipping belongings and finding temporary accommodation, these services provide valuable assistance throughout the entire relocation process.

With Vienna’s excellent quality of life, rich culture, and vibrant expat community, settling in can be a rewarding experience. By using the right resources, you can ensure that your transition to Vienna is as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new life in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.