Spain vs Austria: A Comprehensive Immigration Comparison Guide

Latest Facts and News:

• Austria introduced a new digital nomad visa program in 2024

• Spain ranked as the top destination for remote workers in 2023

• Both countries are experiencing a post-pandemic immigration surge

• New EU-wide regulations for third-country nationals expected in 2025

• Austria saw a 15% increase in skilled worker applications in 2023

• Spain extended its popular Golden Visa program to include more investment categories

• Austria's Red-White-Red Card program expanded to include more high-demand occupations

• Spain launched a new healthcare scheme for expats, offering streamlined access to medical services

Dreaming of creating a fresh start in Europe? Although immigrants receive exclusive opportunities in Spain vs Austria, their immigration structures, visa alternatives, and lifestyle rewards differ. This blog seeks to understand the immigration landscapes in these two attractive countries, compares their visa alternatives, and helps you identify the one that suits your goals better.

Immigration Overview: Mediterranean Spain vs Alpine Austria

Spain vs Austria are appealing options for immigrants, but their mechanisms for managing immigration still reflect their individual cultural and operational needs. Due to its sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, Spain has long attracted many expatriates and retirees. At roughly 12.8%, the foreign population in the country indicates a generally affable attitude towards immigrants, considerably when they pursue long-term residency or citizenship through programs such as the Golden Visa or non-lucrative visa.

Despite having a smaller population, Austria is regarded for its exceptional quality of life and organized bureaucratic performance. The organized system highlights skilled workers in immigration here. About 16% of Austria's population is of foreign birth, and the country's Red-White-Red Card system creates a points-based road to residency and work for those outside the EU. Between Spain vs Austria, it’s obvious that the focus in Spain is on retirees and digital nomads, in contrast to Austria's attention on skilled professionals.

Also Read: Jobs in Austria: Latest Job Guide From Experts

Visa Types and Requirements: Spain vs Austria

Spain offers several visa types depending on your intentions—whether you plan to work, study, or retire.

• Non-Lucrative Visa: Created for non-EU nationals who can support their livelihood in Spain without working. Perfect for retirees and travelling professionals who find no need for local jobs.

• Golden Visa: A program that issues a residence permit to people who choose to invest in either Spanish real estate or companies. The beginning of the minimum investment is €500,000.

• Work Permits: Spain extends work visas to persons who have succeeded in getting a job with a company operating in Spain. It falls to the employer to submit the application, which may take several months to complete the processing.

• Student Visa: You will need a student visa if you stay in Spain for more than 90 days while studying. This visa allows students to look for part-time work throughout their school years.

The processing of Spanish visas can be erratic, with non-lucrative visas typically taking nearly three months, depending on which consulate you apply through, and work and student visas usually requiring 1 to 3 months.

Alternatively, the points system of the Red-White-Red Card defines Austria's immigration apparatus by looking at applicants' skills and qualifications.

• Highly Qualified Workers: If you work in a profession that is in high demand, Austria makes the application process easier. Your education, work experience, and language skills determine the points awarded.

• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: The Austrian workforce is in demand of a specific group of professions that includes IT specialists, engineers, and healthcare professionals. Navigating along this pathway means having a job offer from an Austrian employer.

• Students and Researchers: The nation of Austria permits foreign students and researchers a home by granting residency, allowing them to progress to long-term residency upon completing their studies.

A certain points threshold is essential for all applicants with proficiency in the German language, providing a large advantage. Regarding the conversation around visa options for Spain vs Austria, Spain gives non-lucrative residents several alternatives, unlike Austria, which designed its system for talented professionals.

Also Read: Spain's Golden Visa Program Faces Potential Termination

Student Visa Comparison: Studying in Spain vs Austria

For international students, both Spain vs Austria offer excellent education systems and numerous opportunities for academic growth.

• Spain: Features programs from both public and private schools, along with tuition costs comparable to those of certain European nations. Gaining a student visa demands you accept admission from a valid institution and deliver financial resources and health insurance documentation.

• Austria:  With free tuition for citizens of the EU (and reasonable fees for non-EU citizens), Austria is a favoured location for students. In addition, the nation offers a direct student visa process and post-study work possibilities that let graduates go after jobs.

Students from abroad in both nations must have health insurance coverage and be financially independent throughout their educational journey. Students will learn that the differences between Spain vs Austria provide each country with its unique benefits, with Spain featuring inexpensive living and Austria offering superior career chances after finishing their studies, especially considering the Austria student visa requirements.

Work Permits and Employment Opportunities: Spain vs Austria

Spain vs Austria offers different landscapes when it comes to employment for foreigners.

• Spain: Despite a greater overall unemployment rate, Spain is developing as a burgeoning centre for remote work and technology startups. Starting in 2024, the digital nomad visa is appealing to remote workers; concurrently, the IT, healthcare, and tourism sectors usually offer positions for skilled immigrants.

• Austria: The job market in Austria is better and more stable, while a particular requirement exists for individuals in IT, engineering, and healthcare. Austria’s Red-White-Red Card offers the chance for skilled workers to come to the country, either based on employer sponsorship or job offers directly in areas of shortage. Meeting the Austria student visa requirements allows for smoother transitions to work visas for students and recent graduates.

When considering Spain vs Austria for work opportunities, Austria has a more structured job market for skilled workers, while Spain offers flexibility for remote workers and entrepreneurs. The Austria student visa requirements further streamline entry for those pursuing education and work.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship Pathways: Spain vs Austria

Both Spain vs Austria offer pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, though the requirements differ.

• Spain: If you have resided in Spain for five years on a temporary residence visa, you can now apply for your permanent residency. After a decade as a resident, you are eligible to apply for citizenship if you comply with specific conditions (like passing a language and culture test). The custom in Spain is not to allow dual citizenship, except for a minority of Latin American states.

• Austria: It is more difficult to obtain Austrian citizenship. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, but normally, 10 years of residency is necessary for citizenship. In Austria, a strict rule on dual citizenship requires that you renounce your prior nationality, and Austrian student visa requirements play a significant role in students pursuing long-term residency after graduation. The Austrian tourist visa from India can be used for temporary visits for tourists or short-term stays.

Comparing Spain vs Austria, Spain offers a more straightforward path for long-term residents, whereas Austria has more rigorous requirements, particularly regarding citizenship.

Also Read: Apply Austria Work Visa: Eligibility, Process and Fees 

Cost of Living and Quality of Life Comparison: Spain vs Austria

Spain vs Austria offers contrasting experiences in terms of living costs and quality of life:

• Spain: Housing prices, utility costs, and grocery bills are often lower in Spain, especially in medium-sized urban environments. Spaniards enjoy both low-cost health care and an elevated ranking for quality of life, thanks to its public and affordable services.

• Austria: Austria tends to cost slightly more than Spain, but it provides excellent public services such as healthcare, education, and transportation. Vienna, Austria's capital, has rankings among the most livable cities largely because of its culture, cleanliness, and safety.

Below is a cost of living comparison chart for major cities in Spain and Austria:

When comparing Spain vs Austria, Spain’s affordability is a key factor. At the same time, Austria’s higher cost comes with the benefit of exceptional public services, especially for students who meet Austria's student visa requirements. Visitors should also account for the cost of travel visas like the Austria tourist visa from India, which could impact short-term visits.

Also Read: Austria Immigration - Here Is What You Need To Know

Language Requirements and Integration Programs: Spain vs Austria

Language is a significant consideration for immigrants to both countries in the Spain vs Austria debate.

• Spain:  In Spain, even though many people speak English, you must learn Spanish if you're looking for a lasting integration experience. Spanish language classes are plenty, and getting the DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) is often required for permanent residency and citizenship.

• Austria: Settling in Austria requires an essential knowledge of German. The ÖSD (Austrian Language Diploma) represents an internationally acclaimed certificate that might be necessary for the immigration process. Austria presents government-supported integration programs, including language teaching and cultural orientation, specially designed for those meeting Austria student visa requirements.

In Spain vs Austria, both countries encourage language acquisition, but Austria has more formalized programs to support immigrant integration. Short-term visitors from India might not need these programs, but understanding basic German could make the trip smoother if you apply for an Austrian tourist visa from India.

Healthcare and Social Security for Immigrants: Spain vs Austria

Both Spain vs Austria offer comprehensive healthcare systems for immigrants.

• Spain: Spain’s health care system, open to the public, is among the best worldwide, and legal occupants can enjoy it for free or little charge. Private health insurance is both reasonable in price and easily accessible.

• Austria: Austria has a dual system that gives access to public and private healthcare services. Immigrant residents must have health insurance, whether it’s through their workplace or from a private provider. International students must meet Austria student visa requirements related to healthcare coverage.

In the comparison between Spain and Austria, both countries provide high-quality healthcare, making Spain more affordable. Still, Austria's system offers a slightly higher standard of services, particularly for those pursuing academic careers and meeting Austria student visa requirements. Indian tourists can access Austria’s healthcare system through short-term coverage when visiting from India on an Austria tourist visa.

Read More: Which Country is Best for Job Opportunities in 2024? Updated

Conclusion: Choosing Between Spain and Austria

Whether to choose Spain vs Austria is determined by your life and career priorities. Spain has a relaxed atmosphere, sunshine, and a simpler immigration pathway, especially for retirees or remote workers. Austria, thanks to its organized immigration framework, offers a perfect setting for skilled professionals trying to find work in a stable and quality atmosphere. It doesn’t matter whether you favour affordability, job prospects, or lifestyle; both Spain vs Austria provide a rich variety for those aspiring to a new life in Europe. In particular, students interested in Austria should closely review the Austrian student visa requirements to ensure smooth immigration. At the same time, travellers should explore the Austrian tourist visa from India for simpler tourist entry. 

To learn more about Spain vs Austria and to need assistance immigrating to either of these countries, you must contact TerraTern right now. With over a hundred immigration services and an expert team, Terratern will help you realize your immigration needs!