Family & Education
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© Michael Stabentheiner
© Johannes Puch
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© Michael Stabentheiner
The starting point
for your future in Carinthia
Welcome to the Carinthian Welcome Center, Carinthia’s first official self-service touchpoint for homecomers, newcomers and everyone who wants to live and work in Carinthia. Our information page, “Welcome to Carinthia”, offers you help with your successful arrival.
Welcome to Carinthia – the film
Quo Vadis: Carinthia
In the heart of the Alpe-Adria region and linking north and south, Carinthia combines alpine landscapes with Mediterranean influences. As a result, you can enjoy a temperate climate and inspiring cultural diversity on the southern side of the Alps at the intersection of three cultures. Numerous bathing lakes with crystal-clear water, surrounded by picturesque mountain panoramas, make the province a popular destination for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts and people looking for something special.
As an economic and technological hub, Carinthia also offers you job opportunities with an eye on the future. Its many educational institutions and research centres attest to the high value of science and further development. Security, family-friendliness and a high quality of life have long been the defining features of Carinthia. The south of Austria is therefore an attractive place to live and work, one of the places to be.
Your first steps
You’re interested in Carinthia? To help you, we have compiled relevant information that will make it easier for you to settle in Austria’s southernmost province.
The information page “Welcome to Carinthia” offers you comprehensive first tips and useful recommendations. The aim of this page is to provide a good basis for many questions, to eliminate ambiguities and to guide you through your first steps in Carinthia. Whether you need information on finding accommodation, on official and legal steps, on job opportunities or educational institutions, this page offers you the information you need.
Welcome indeed to Carinthia!
Why Carinthia is
your “place to be”
Outstanding quality of life
Whether you’re taking a hike through the beautiful mountain-lake scenery of Carinthia, enjoying Alpe-Adria culture and culinary delights, or sensing the sustainability practised at all levels in the Carinthian slow food villages – quality of life and work-life balance are our top priorities. The mild climate on the southern side of the Alps and the central location at the intersection of 3 countries offer you and your family plenty of space for personal development.
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© Michael Stabentheiner
Convenient location in the heart of Europe
Thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure in Carinthia, you’re very well connected to major cities such as Vienna, Munich, Venice or Ljubljana.
Germany and Carinthia are also well connected. Within Carinthia, the individual regions can be reached quickly and easily via the excellent road system, on the train or by bus.
Stability and infrastructure
Carinthia stands for security and stability. Drinking water infrastructure with comprehensive coverage alongside a robust electricity grid ensure reliable supplies. A low crime rate also makes Carinthia a place where you can feel altogether safe and secure.
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© Michael Stabentheiner
Educational diversity for children and young people
In Carinthia, education has a high priority. Children start primary school at the age of 6 and benefit from free attendance at state schools. Moreover, Carinthia’s education system also offers many opportunities for older pupils, ranging from general education through vocational training to the privately run, English-language International School Carinthia. The Alpen-Adria University of Klagenfurt, the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and the Gustav Mahler Private University of Music are available for academic education and further training.
Cherishing families
The Carinthian children’s grant offers financial relief to parents in Carinthia. Nursery schools, day-care centres and childminders can be attended free of charge, apart from the cost of meals for your offspring. Moreover, not only childcare, but also leisure time is a priority; with the inexpensive Kärnten Card, you and your family can relax and experience over 100 excursion destinations. Additionally, the free family card of the province of Carinthia offers further advantages and benefits to enjoy family life to the full.
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© Michael Stabentheiner
Exciting career prospects
Our modern high-tech centres, a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises and the focus on digitalization and smart specialisation create many professional opportunities for you. In addition, Carinthia’s pioneering role in the green economy offers you great potential for self-employment in Carinthia or for developing your start-up here. Whether you are fresh out of school, have discovered a new passion or are striving for higher things professionally, here you will find the space and the right support to make your professional dreams come true.
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Your important contacts
Multifaceted Carinthia:
a regional overview
Navigate through Carinthia’s innovative economic regions with our interactive map and discover those personal prospects for you and your family in the south of Austria.
Feldkirchen
St. Veit an der Glan
Hermagor
Villach
Klagenfurt
Völkermarkt
Spittal an der Drau
Wolfsberg
What newcomers say about Carinthia
Living & Working
Your move within Austria to Carinthia
© Michael Stabentheiner
Your move within Austria to Carinthia
You’re moving to the south? Now your new chapter in life can begin. There are a few things to consider when arriving and settling in Carinthia:
New home, new beginning:
Within the first three days of moving in, you have to register your new residence. One small bureaucratic step and you are officially at home here. Click here to go to the registration office.
Lights on!
Electricity, district heating or gas – think about registering for your supply of energy. An overview of the providers in Carinthia is easy to find, for example on durchblicker.at
Entertainment & online world:
You will have to pay a fee for your radio and TV reception – information on this can be found at https://orf.beitrag.at/ And your Internet connection? This moves with you or is registered anew.
Car & mobility:
Don’t forget to register or re-register your vehicle within a week. And don’t forget to change the address of your vehicle insurance. More information is available here.
Little adventurers on board?
Already thought about childcare? The best thing is to make prompt contact with childcare centres. Please note the registration deadlines. That way, nothing stands in the way of fun and games for your children.
Post & communication:
With a forwarding order from the post office you can ensure that your letters arrive safely at your new home.
Pets:
Your pet’s moving with you? Remember to also register your dog’s move at the relevant office. In Carinthia, you can do this at the municipal authority (Gemeineamt) of your place of residence or, if you live in Klagenfurt or Villach, at the city authority (Magistrat) of the city. Here you can find out about all the details in advance.
A small tip on the side:
A move is a good opportunity to take care of all address changes at the same time – be it with the tax office, your health insurance, banks or insurance companies.
Note:
This checklist is free initial information and will help you to find your feet in Carinthia quickly and easily. However, the list does not claim to be complete. You can find more information here.
Relocation from outside Austria to Carinthia
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Relocation from outside Austria to Carinthia
Welcome to Carinthia! To ensure that your start in our federal state is successful from the very beginning, we’ve compiled an overview of the most important documents and information for EU and non-EU citizens:
Required documents:
- Passports: Also for your children under 18.
- Birth certificate: Not only your children’s, but also your own.
- Marriage certificate
- E-Forms/Portable Documents: These pan-European forms facilitate the recognition of employment and social data.
- Driving licence: Do you have a foreign driving licence? Then a transfer is required within 6 months in Austria.
- Proof of health insurance: in Austria there is a statutory health insurance obligation.
- Education & work experience: your references, proof of employment and certificates, ideally in the original and in German or English.
- For younger family members: school reports and school certificates of your children.
You can find further valuable tips on our website.
- Accommodation: Remember to organise your new place of residence in Carinthia in good time.
- Financial provision: We recommend that you have sufficient funds for the initial living costs.
- Healthcare: Organise your health insurance in Carinthia in good time.
- Banking: Open a current account (also salary account) at a regional bank or on the Internet.
You’ll find more information of interest here.
Carinthia welcomes you with open arms. Whether you have moved to Carinthia from a distant country or from another part of Austria – please remember to register with the relevant authorities within three days.
House/flat hunting
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House/flat hunting
A cosy home is the key to feeling really at home in Carinthia. Are you looking for a nice flat, an appartment, a house or shared accommodation? Here are some sites that can help you in your search:
- willhaben.at – a huge platform, not just for finding accommodation
- immobilienscout24.at – has many current offers, also via estate agents
- wohnnet.at – there are interesting offers here too
- immowelt.at – also available as an app.
And very important: everything you need to know about housing and possible subsidies can be found here.
Do you need legal information or professional support? The housing advice centre in Carinthia will be happy to help you..
Fully furnished flats
Usually, a flat is offered unfurnished. In many cases, however, there is already an existing kitchen. If you are looking for a partially furnished flat that you can use for a short stay, for example, we have a helpful link for you here: www.niceflats.net
Flats and shared accommodation for students
Student budgets are sometimes a little tight. Especially when it comes to housing. Here are some link tips that might help you in your search:
- studium.at
- The notice board of the Austrian Student Union – directly from students for students: Das https://schwarzesbrett.oeh.ac.at/wohnen/
- More on the topic of study and accommodation..
We wish you an unforgettable time studying in Carinthia.
Registering your new place of residence
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Registering your new place of residence
Once you’ve arrived in Carinthia, you must register officially.
Here’s an overview:
Where do you register?
- In municipalities the municipal authority (Gemeindeamt) is at your service.
- In Villach and Klagenfurt you go to the corresponding city authority (Magistrat).
Which documents should you take along?
- The registration form (Meldeformular) for each person in your new household, including the youngest members. You can find this form either directly at the registration office or online.
- Your passport.
- Your birth certificate.
Important: You need the signature of your landlord or landlady on your registration form.
Want to know more about this?
You can find detailed information in the section “Registration/de-registration of residence“.
Rental costs in Carinthia
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Rental costs in Carinthia
The average rent for a flat in Carinthia depends on the region. These amounted to 6.8 euros per square metre in 2022, including service charges.
This means that Carinthia is more favourable than the majority of the other federal provinces in Austria in terms of housing costs (source: Statistics Austria).
Your stay in Carinthia
© Michael Stabentheiner
Your stay in Carinthia
For EEA and EU citizens and Swiss nationals
Before you start this new chapter in your life in Austria, it is necessary to inform some authorities in your country of origin about your move. Think of institutions such as your children’s school or your registration office.
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you can stay in Austria for up to three months without a visa. And the best thing about it? You can also extend your stay under certain conditions. This is possible with proof of permanent employment, self-employment, sufficient financial means and comprehensive health insurance or if you are at the beginning of an education programme.
But consider: Within three days of your arrival, it is absolutely necessary to register yourself and your family members at your new place of residence. In Carinthia, you can do this at the municipal authority of your place of residence or, if you live in Klagenfurt or Villach, at the city authority . You can find all the information and which documents you need to take with you for registration here.
Another important note:
If you come from the EU, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you have to register your stay in Carinthia within four months after your arrival either at the district administration or, if you live in Villach or Klagenfurt, at the city authority.
Want to delve deeper into this topic? You can find more information here:
- Living permanently in Carinthia
- Temporary residence in Carinthia
- General information about living in Austria
We wish you a wonderful new beginning in your new home in Carinthia.
Wages and salaries
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Wages and salaries
Welcome to the world of work in Carinthia! If you’re wondering how pay is regulated in Austria and Carinthia, you’ve come to the right place.
Can I work in Carinthia just like that?
Citizens from EU member states and the EEA states Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein as well as from Switzerland have free access to the Austrian labour market and do not need an official work permit.
If you are coming to us from a third country such as the UK, we recommend you read the following information.
Your salary – What goes into your account?
For the work you do, you receive the salary specified in your employment contract. The exact amount depends on various factors: laws, collective agreements, company-internal agreements, but also your age, your qualifications and your position in the company. Usually you can expect your salary to be directly in your account at the end of the month. What you get is the net wage. The difference from the gross wage? This goes directly to various authorities such as the tax office, health insurance and social security. You can see exactly how this is made up on your pay slip or salary statement.
A little extra: special payments
If the collective agreement or a corresponding company agreement provides for it, the salary/wage is paid 14 times a year in Austria and therefore also here in Carinthia. The special payments are called Christmas bonus and holiday bonus. These are automatically transferred to your salary account in addition to the twelve monthly salaries.
Are you a jobseeker or do you need related advice?
The Public Employment Service (AMS) in Carinthia is there to help you. Here are the contact details:
Arbeitsmarktservice Kärnten
Rudolfsbahngürtel 42, 9021 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel.: 050 904 240
Mehr Information?
- Average salary and gross-net calculator
- AMS salary compass
- General information about working in Austria
Do you need advice on the topic of work?
The Carinthian Chamber of Labour is there to help you with advice and practical help. Be it on topics such as labour law, further training or taxes. You can find out more at kaernten.arbeiterkammer.at.
You have your sights set on self-employment?
Here is more relevant information.
We wish you all the best on your professional path in Carinthia.
Recognition of foreign qualifications
© Johannes Puch
Recognition of foreign qualifications
If you want to work in Carinthia and have already acquired qualifications abroad, you need to take a few important steps.
Your foreign qualifications in Carinthia:
To be able to work here, your foreign qualifications must be recognised. The Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research evaluates the qualifications. You can read about how this process works here here.
Do you need advice about this?
This contact point for people with qualifications acquired abroad is here to help you:
Anlaufstelle Steiermark, Kärnten und Südburgenland
(AST Steiermark – AST Kärnten)
Location: Rudolfsbahngürtel 42, A-9021 Klagenfurt (on the premises of Arbeitsmarktservice Kärnten)
Important: An appointment is essential.
Tel.: (+43) (0)316/83 56 30
E-Mail: ast.kaernten@zebra.or.at
www.zebra.or.at
Further information here:
We wish you a smooth entry to the world of work in Carinthia.
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Find the position that fits
your qualifications and ambitions.
Family & Education
General education information
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General education information
Here we provide you with the most important information about the care and education of your youngest family members:
Looking after your youngest
For babies and toddlers, there are well-trained and caring people who look after the well-being of your children in child-friendly places called nurseries (Kinderkrippen) and crèches (Krabbelstuben). Once the little ones reach the age of three and until they are six, they can play and learn in public or private nursery schools or children’s groups. Some of these are also bilingual. A great extra: the province of Carinthia supports families and pays part of the childcare costs. You can find all information about the Carinthian children’s grant here.
School is calling – education in Carinthia:
Things get exciting from the age of six, because this is when compulsory school attendance starts for your child in Austria. Every child who lives in Carinthia for more than six months has to go to school. This exciting time lasts nine years – from 6 to 15 years old. And the best thing about it: Attending classes in state schools is completely free of charge.
We wish you and your family many wonderful experiences in one of Carinthia’s schools.
Nursery school / kindergarten and school registration
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Nursery school / kindergarten and school registration
When it comes to the care and education of your child, we have some information for you here:
Registering your child – how and where?
If you would like to register your child at a kindergarten/nursery or other school, please contact the municipal or city authority of your place of residence, the nursery school of your choice or make an appointment at the school of your choice in good time.
An important note: The last year of nursery school before starting school is compulsory in Austria! You can find all the details here.
Registration at a primary school is often referred to as “Schüler:inneneinschreibung”. Building on the primary school, there is also the possibility of continuing through junior school.
Numerous secondary and higher general education (AHS) and vocational education and training (BHS) schools are available for young people in Carinthia. The International School Carinthia (ISC) offers an internationally recognised academic programme with English as the language of instruction.
Carinthia, land of education, offers you numerous opportunities in education and training. You can find all further information here.
Your contact point for all questions about schools in Carinthia: Bildungsdirektion für Kärnten
Address: 10.-Oktober-Str. 24, 9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel.: (+43) (0) 50 534-0
E-Mail: office@bildung-ktn.gv.at
Want to know more?
Here’s further information for you:
Learning German
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Learning German
If you want to learn German or improve your German language skills, there is a wide range of courses in Carinthia. Here you can find a list of some institutions in Carinthia that offer German courses:
Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt
Sprachenzentrum “Deutsch in Österreich”
Universität Klagenfurt
Universitätsstraße 65 – 67
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel: (+43) (0)463 24180
dia@aau.at
https://dia.aau.at/
WIFI Kärnten
Europaplatz 1
9021 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel: (+43) (0)5 9434
wifi@wifikaernten.at
www.wifikaernten.at
VHS – “Die Kärntner Volkshochschulen”
Bahnhofstraße 44
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel: (+43) (0)50 477 70 70
office@vhsktn.at
www.vhsktn.at
bfi-Kärnten – Berufsförderungsinstitut
Bahnhofstraße 44
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel: (+43) (0)5 78 78
info@bfi-kaernten.at
www.bfi-kaernten.at
ÖIF – Österreichischer Integrationsfonds
Integrationszentrum Kärnten
10. Oktoberstraße 15
9020 Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Tel: (+43) 463/50 37 81
kaernten@integrationsfonds.at
www.integrationsfonds.at
Leisure
Holidays & leisure time care
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Holidays & leisure time care
If you’re looking for holiday care for your child, there are some interesting options here in Carinthia. It’s worth asking about what’s available when you register. Here are a few tips on where to start:
- The most comprehensive information platform for summer childcare services in Carinthia: https://www.sommerbetreuung.at/
Wide-ranging holiday programmes?
- More about English, action and maths camps: https://actioncamps.at/en/
- Dance Convention Camp for young dancers: Details about Dance-Camp
- English Action Camp: English Action Camp
- Holiday camps, summer camps and learning camps: Holiday camps, summer camps and learning camps
We hope you find the perfect holiday programme for your child.
Transport and mobility in Carinthia
© Michael Stabentheiner
Transport and mobility in Carinthia
If you want to travel by public transport through our beautiful province, you can rely on Kärntner Linien. All transport companies that operate public transport in Carinthia are united under the umbrella brand “Kärntner Linien”.
Are you only planning a short trip or do you want to be flexible all year round? Kärntner Linien has the right ticket for every need – whether it’s a single, daily, weekly or annual ticket.
You can find more information about what’s available at kaerntner-linien.at.
The website even has a handy route and fare planner to help you plan your route.
Health & Social matters
Social insurance
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Social insurance
In Carinthia we attach great importance to social security. That is why there is compulsory insurance. Our social insurance is your personal protective shield and is the main mechanism responsible for health, pension and accident insurance. Every company and every employer must pay social insurance contributions for every employee and their dependents.
Not sure whether you have an insurance obligation?
It’s very likely you do if you belong to one of these groups:
- Almost everyone who is employed in a job
- Most who are self-employed
- Those who receive unemployment benefits
- All those who are already enjoying their well-earned pension
- And of course the families of employees, workers and pensioners.
The benefits of statutory social insurance are not sufficient for you?
Everyone can additionally and voluntarily opt for private health and pension insurance. Sometimes treatment costs arise that you have to pay yourself – for example, for private doctors or certain dental treatments. Often a private health insurance company will cover these costs or the statutory social insurance will reimburse you for part of the costs.
We hope that you will always feel safe and in good hands here with us in Carinthia.
Medical care
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Medical care
The insured persons and their family members are entitled to medical care by general practitioners, specialists, dentists or services in public hospitals or hospitals that have a health insurance fund contract.
The prerequisite for free health treatment is presentation of an e-card, on which your personal data (name, insurance number, etc.) are stored. Your partner and your children must also have such a card, which they automatically receive if they have compulsory insurance.
Important: The e-card must be presented on every visit to a doctor, dentist or hospital.
You’ll find more about the topic of health here.
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