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Moving to Austria with children
There are several international schools in Austria, located mainly in Vienna and Salzburg. These schools provide a curriculum based on the American or British system (or occasionally others, such as French, depending on the school) for students in pre-kindergarten through secondary school. Most schools offer the international baccalaureate program, which provides a high standard of education and is recognised by universities worldwide.
The general school system in Austria
Education is generally free and mandatory for nine years. After kindergarten, children have to attend the “Volksschule”, compared to elementary school, which will take four years. Then you can choose to send your child to the “Hauptschule”, like lower secondary education or the “Gymnasium” which is compared with the grammar school. Children who want to take on an apprenticeship might have to go to the polytechnic school for one year, and during the apprenticeship, they have to attend a vocational school in blocks or just one day a week. You can also choose to get your A-levels at a secondary vocational school “Berufsbildende höhere Schule” or opt for the higher education named “Höhere Schule”. These schools require specific entry demands like an exam and very good grades. Last but not least, you will have the possibility to go to university.
International schools in Austria
Schools can be competitive and offer a high quality of education, so if you are moving to Austria, it is best to apply early to a school for your child to attend. Some local students may attend these schools, but they are mainly designed to cater to international students from expatriate families.
International schools in Austria include:
American International School Vienna
International Christian School of Vienna
American International School Salzburg
Lycée Français de Vienne
Childcare in Austria
If you have young children in Austria, there is a wide range of preschool and childcare facilities, which offer a high standard of care, which includes socialisation, learning, meals, and supervised playtime. Parents can enrol their child in kindergarten through the local council from age five for free, although parents will have to pay for childcare for children younger than five. Many parents also consider the option of a nanny or au-pair, who can live in the home and provide childcare assistance for younger children. Most Austrian residents are eligible to receive a childcare allowance, to assist with the cost of childcare.
Activities with children in Austria
Austria is very family and child-friendly, with children welcome in most places. In larger cities, such as Vienna, consider exploring the children's museum, the local amusement park, called Prater, and visit one of the many public parks. The Innsbruck area is also popular with families, who can enjoy the Alpine Zoo and outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, skiing, and the toboggan course.
In restaurants, children are also welcome, with most restaurants offering child menus or smaller portions for young diners. Children usually enjoy Austrian cuisine, but casual foods such as pizza, sandwiches, and chocolates are also easy to find.
Adoption policies in Austria
Foreign parents can adopt Austrian children under certain conditions. However, there are a limited number of children waiting to be adopted, and there is often a long waiting list of Austrian families. If you do not have personal connections to Austria, the waiting time can be very long. It is therefore recommended to hire an Austrian lawyer, with power of attorney, who can assist with locating a child for adoption.
Married couples must adopt jointly, and adopting parents must be at least 18 years older than the child they are adopting. The processing time for adoption is at least 12 months.
Austrian quota immigration requirements:
1. Non-criminal record;
2. College degree or above or German A1 level;
3. 45,000 euros of bank deposit;
4. Bank statement for six months;
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