Standard of living of ordinary people in Austria
Like other countries, life in Austria has its pros and cons. The advantages traditionally include the following:
- high-quality and inexpensive education, considered prestigious and in demand in other countries of the world;
- low crime rate;
- quality medicine;
- good ecology, alpine ski resorts and clean lakes;
- relatively high level of salaries;
- automation of basic services provided by government agencies;
- efficient transport links both within cities and with other countries;
- many cultural places, museums, historical monuments, theaters and other attractions.
Among the disadvantages, the rather cold and reserved mentality of the Austrians, the high tax burden and high real estate prices are often noted.
The cost of living in Austria consists of prices for accommodation, food, services used, clothing and entertainment. If you lead a fairly low-key lifestyle, be prepared to spend 800 euros per month per person.
Next, we will take a closer look at what these costs are made up of, and how comparable they are to the monthly income you can count on when living in Austria.
Minimum pension in Austria
A minimum supplement may be charged for those who have 30 credited pension years and the pension level from 2021 is below 1048.57 euros gross instead of 889.94 euros. For those who have not managed to earn a full pension period, nothing changes in the calculation of the minimum pension.read more.
If your total family pension accruals exceed the amount of 1,334.17 euros/month, then no supplements are due.
Typically, pension recalculation occurs automatically. However, if you do not have enough pension experience, but you have this work experience in other countries, you need to submit an application to the pension fund at your place of residence so that they consider your foreign experience and, possibly, recalculate it and add it to your total experience. This also applies to those whose pension accruals are higher than the minimum pension level. Then it’s worth checking whether you are entitled to allowances.
If you have additional income from work, entrepreneurship, alimony, or mandatory payments to a spouse after a divorce, then all of this income may influence the decision to provide pension benefits.
If you receive a pension supplement, but spend more than 8 consecutive weeks abroad, then you may be denied the supplement. This will not affect the pension itself in any way. After returning to the country, you can apply for allowances again.
What is the pension in Austria? How much does a pensioner earn in Austria?
What is the minimum and average pension in Austria?
Rienne di Farain
Pensions in Austria are not the same for everyone; they depend on length of service, time of retirement (the retirement age there is 60 years for women and 65 for men), contributions to the insurance fund, wages during working life and a number of other factors. The average pension is 77% of wages. So the average Austrian receives about 2,000 euros per month. And the lowest pension is 750 euros. For comparison, the average pension in Russia is 196 euros (calculated at the exchange rate). And this is not the smallest in Europe, because in Bulgaria it is 125 euros, and in Romania 175.
In connection with the pension reform, many began to worry about the question: “What are pensions like in other countries?”
Retirement age: girls - 60 years, boys - 65 years.
Pension payment is 14 times a year.
Contributions to the pension fund - 1.78% of income. Well, your pension there is calculated based on how much you earned and contributed accordingly. The pension can be up to 80% of your income while working. Plus there are various allowances.
If we talk about specific figures, the average salary in Austria is about 2000 euros, pension is from 750 euros and above.
In general, in Austria they retire the same as in Russia - women at 60, men at 65, and there is also early retirement due to hard work if the experience is from 10 to 15 years, but unlike the Russian Federation they do not pay a pension non-working pensioners. The average pension is 77% of the salary received earlier, there are also bonuses (+ 2% per year that were spent on raising a child).
On average, a pensioner receives from 1,800 to 2,500 thousand euros, which of course for a village in the Soviet Union, and especially for pensions, is not real money. Moreover, their minimum wage, for us if we take the vast majority, is at an unattainable level, since it is 750 euros.
How much is this in money?
Let's count.
Average salary in Austria
as of June 2021:
- 3092.75 euros
- 235503 rubles
Let's calculate 77%:
- 2381.42 euros
- 181337 rubles
Such a pension will be received by those who retire in the coming years.
But in Austria there have not always been such salaries, and the average labor pension is a little short of two thousand euros, but only about 150 thousand in our money.
There is a salary ceiling for calculating pensions: 4121.13 euros per month
(official figure for 2021, slightly higher now).
This means that the maximum pension will be approximately:
- 3173.27 euros
- 241634 rubles
Quiet life in provincial Austria
Main nuances
According to the law on Mindestsicherung, which came into force on September 1, 2010, the “minimum wage” is paid even to those who have not worked a day in Austria.
In addition to the social pension, persons who have reached retirement age are entitled to an e-card. This innovation came into force in September 2010.
When receiving a social pension, the following factors are taken into account:
- total family income;
- Lebensversicherung;
- availability of real estate.
Pension benefits are called Dauerleistung. They are paid for life.
To receive the average pension, a person must work in Austria for 15 years.
The experience must be continuous.
If a person worked part-time, his pension is 380 euros. Austrians who want to get the maximum pension start working at the age of 20, while studying at the University.
What allowances are available?
If the amount of pension and other income in the family is less than a certain level, the person has the right to receive compensation. It represents the difference between actual income and the minimum salary.
If a person has dependent minor children, the amount of compensation may be increased.
The general rules are as follows:
- For 12 months, a person has the right to receive a 2% bonus.
- If a person retires before reaching retirement age, 3% is deducted from his benefit for 12 months.
- The largest % deduction is 10.5%.
Supplement amount | Men | Women | Experience |
2% (insurance) | 65 years old | 60 years | 40 years – 80% 35 years – 70% |
3% | 61 years 5 months | 56 years 5 months | — |
Retirement age in countries around the world
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You will not have to make advance payments for the corresponding accrual. But in general, such a check will go unnoticed for the company. You may fall into this category. Fans of eco-tourism regularly come there to be close to the sea and alone with nature. Defense in criminal cases and administrative offense cases.
Privileged and minimum pension
In addition to regular pensions, there are privileged pensions in Austria. These are special pension supplements, the amount of which in 2021 was:
- up to 882.78 euros per month for one person;
- up to 1323.58 euros for a married couple;
- 136.21 for each eligible child.
But there are not many recipients of such pensions, so I will not draw your attention to them.
The minimum pension is 30% of the average salary
, something like our social pension. It is received by those who did not work and did not pay insurance premiums.
For those entering the minimum pension this year, the payment in cash will be:
- 928 euros
- 70664 rubles
Life in Austria is not as expensive as in neighboring Switzerland, so even on a minimum pension you can live quite comfortably. Moreover, in Austria, pensioners receive medicines for free
, paying only the packaging duty.
Vienna, capital
Care allowance
In addition to the pension, older people in Austria receive a monthly care allowance
. The amount of the payment depends on what kind of assistance the pensioner requires and in what quantity.
According to their need for care, elderly people are divided into 7 groups. Typically, the older the retiree, the greater the benefit. Look at the numbers for 2016.
Minimum benefit amount:
- 157.30 euros per month
- 11978 rubles
Maximum size:
- 1688.90 per month
- 128604 rubles per month
Both pensions and benefits are indexed annually
.
The thirteenth and fourteenth pensions are paid before the vacation season in the summer and before the Christmas holidays in the winter.
In Russia, by the way, the retirement age is now exactly the same as in Austria – 60/65 years. Only our pensions are as high as the Austrian ones - as high as the moon.
Retirement age has increased in Austria
Over the past ten years, the retirement date for Austrian men has been delayed by an average of 2.6 years, and for women by 2.3 years, Die Presse reports.
Men in Austria retire on average at 61.3 years, and women at 59.3 years. In 2008, men stopped working at 58.7 years old, and women at 57 years old.
According to experts from the national Institute of Pension Insurance, this indicates an improvement in the health of Austrians and an increase in their working age.
“This is the result of important medical measures that have been taken in the relevant institutions of our country,” said Manfred Anderle, chairman of the Institute.
The average pension for men in Austria in 2021 was 2,268.40 euros per month. This is 42.81 euros more than a year earlier. As for women, their average pension increased by 72.63 euros over the past year and reached 1,292.05 euros.
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The history of the beginning of pension policy in Germany
The first pension was issued to the Germans by order of Chancellor Bismarck. The start date for these payments is 1889. They were intended for civil servants and workers who lived to be 70 years old. However, this was a political trick. The fact is that in the second half of the 19th century, the average life expectancy of the average German was 45 years. And the retirement age is 70 years. Thus, only a few received it.
Residents of Germany were ironic about this, calling pensions “sums for the dead.” But, even despite this, no one could ignore the pension decree, and payments were made regularly.
The state used another trick: retirement for the Germans of that time began at the age of 70, and since many did not live to this age, all the money intended for pensions remained in the state treasury.
How were the funds accrued? Workers and employees paid a percentage of their wages into the pension treasury. It is believed that this reform in Germany was related to the then demographic problem. It turns out that the state was trying to increase the birth rate and preserve the nation in this way.
When Adolf Hitler came to power, he did not make any significant changes to this reform.
Retirement age in Austria in 2021
Austria, like its neighbor Germany, bears the title of one of the most prosperous states. It is profitable and pleasant not only to work here, but also to enjoy a well-deserved rest: it is not for nothing that this country systematically occupies a leading position in the rankings of countries with the highest pension and the longest life expectancy, however, the retirement age in Austria is not yet the same.
Pension for men comes later
Men and women in Austria have equal rights as much as possible. Their level of earnings is approximately the same, there is no gender discrimination when hiring, father and mother can take leave if they wish to care for the child.
Only those men who have been engaged in hard physical labor for at least 10 years out of 20 pre-retirement years can retire earlier. Austrian legislation for such categories of workers stipulates a minimum retirement age of 62 years and 3 months.
If they wish and have the strength, men who have celebrated their 65th birthday can continue to work. In this case, they will not be paid a pension, only wages. However, there are still economic benefits from staying at work for a long time.
Firstly, the salary in Austria is slightly higher than the pension, which is at least 70% of the average amount of a citizen's 180 highest salary. Provided that taxes from them went to the country's pension fund.
Secondly, men who retire later can expect the percentage they receive from this amount to be slightly higher. The maximum coefficient is 80%.
The retirement age for women will be increased
Women in Austria can retire at 60. For those who engaged in heavy physical labor, this period can be reduced to 58 years and 3 months.
If they wish, just like men, they can take their time in retiring and continue their careers. The laws for them are the same as for men.
The Austrian authorities intend to gradually equalize the retirement time for men and women, gradually increasing it for women. This is expected to happen quite soon: between 2024 and 2033.
This is interesting: Austrian pensioners receive pension payments exactly the same number of times a year as they received their salaries: 14.
France
As in most EU countries, French pensioners retire at 65 (women) or 67 (men). The French live on average about 80 years, and the average pension in the country is about 1,400 euros.
The French pension system is part of the general social insurance system, which is recognized by experts as one of the most complex and multifaceted in the world. The downside to some of the complexity of pension rules is the ability to protect yourself from the most unexpected situations and provide for the most favorable way to receive pension payments.
In other words, a French pensioner can expect his pension to be calculated on an individual basis based on his circumstances. At the same time, not a single nuance related to the amount of pension payments will be overlooked (for example, disability received at work, working in hazardous conditions, etc.).
According to the laws of the country, an employee claiming the maximum pension must work in French enterprises for 40 years or more. Subsequently, the 25 highest paid years out of these forty will be taken into account when determining the size of the pension. In addition to the basic pension, in France there is a so-called funded pension, calculated in a special way using a special point system.
As a result, a retired Frenchman receives monthly payments in the amount of half his salary plus a certain amount from insurance savings.
Average pension in Austria in 2021: size and age of retirement
Austria is one of the states close to economic perfection. The infrastructure here is well developed, the transport network is ideal and the GDP is high. The country is among the top 10 countries with the largest pensions.
This is because wages for workers in all fields are very high here. Pensioners can expect to receive an average pension in Austria of 77% of their previous salary.
The average annual income of one family averages more than 29 thousand dollars.
Austrian pension system
After finishing their working career, every elderly person has the right to financial support. It is guaranteed by the Austrian pension system, which is a traditional pay-as-you-go pension system.
The amount of the pension depends on the age and length of service of the person. Usually its size is at the level of average income. Under this system, 1.78% of the average income for the calendar year is credited annually to the pension account.
The maximum possible social security pension can be up to 80% of income. Payment of pensions is similar to payment of wages: 14 times a year.
Retirement age for men
Male pensioners retire at age 65. Persons engaged in heavy physical labor end their careers 10 years earlier.
Austrian law provides for a minimum retirement age for men. It is 62 years + 3 months.
If a person wishes to work, he may not retire after age 65. In this case, instead of a pension, he will receive a salary.
If a person decides to retire later, he can count on a higher percentage. The maximum ratio is 80%.
Retirement age for women
Elderly females retire at the age of 60. A person engaged in heavy physical work ends his career at 58 years + 3 months. A woman who wants to continue working as she wishes, like a man, receives a salary instead of a pension.
The retirement age for women may be increased. This is expected to happen in 2024-2033.
Czech
The retirement age depends on the year of birth, gender and number of children born (for women). For those born before 1936, the retirement age is 60 for men; for women it ranges from 53 (if she raised for at least five days) to 57 (without children).
For citizens born between 1936 and 1971, the retirement age increases annually by two months for men and by four months for women. For those born after 1971, the retirement age is 65 years.
Attitude towards Russians
Emigrants permanently residing in the republic note the negative perception of foreigners by local residents. They see immigrants, including Russians, as competitors who take their jobs and receive unemployment benefits at the expense of local taxpayers. The Russian diaspora in Austria numbers more than five thousand people. Former compatriots try to preserve their language, traditions, and culture. For this purpose, newspapers, magazines, brochures are published, and a radio station operates.
The presence of public organizations makes life easier for Russians in Austria. They were created by former compatriots to provide advice and support to new arrivals in various situations. There are many Russian-language sites on which emigrants will find advice and tips on how to act correctly in different circumstances, and explanations of the peculiarities of local legislation.
Work experience and pension in Austria (page 1 of 3)
Pension is the main type of provision for elderly people by the government in any country. The governments of most European countries are closely trying to solve the problems of pension payments, thereby expressing their own concern for the older generation. Today we will look at the main provisions that influence the formation of a pension in the Czech Republic, and will also tell you how it is paid to emigrants (including Russians). Until December 31, 2015, a pension system operated on the territory of the Czech state, which consisted of three levels:
Healthcare and medicine
Every resident of the country has insurance, but it does not fully cover treatment. If there is a chronic disease or any other health problems, a person must pay a larger amount. It is impossible to purchase medicine at a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. If a citizen falls ill, he must go to the outpatient clinic to see a doctor. He either chooses a treatment regimen himself, prescribes medications, or transfers the patient to a specialist. Unless absolutely necessary, a person is not sent to a hospital. Medicines in Austria are conditionally free, but for each package you will have to pay a fee of 3-5 euros.
Pension in the Czech Republic and Austria: average and minimum size
MEDICINE Medical care is provided by doctors and hospitals that have entered into an agreement with the insurance company, as well as the insurance companies’ own medical institutions (outpatient clinics, medical centers, hospitals, sanatoriums, etc.). Payment for doctors' services occurs through an insurance check. Insurance companies for government employees, entrepreneurs and railway workers do not fully cover the cost of medical services; the patient has to pay approximately 14% out of his own pocket.
The patient can choose his own doctor, even a doctor who does not have an agreement with the insurance company. In this case, he pays for medical services himself.
Food expenses
Food prices in Austria are low. Even workers who work in the lowest paid jobs receive at least 1,000 euros. In provincial cities, about 250 euros per person are spent on food; life in the capital is somewhat more expensive. A trip to a fast food establishment will cost 7-9 euros. A visit to a restaurant with lunch for two will cost 45-50 euros.
On the Internet, on forums, you can find useful tips for immigrants from compatriots on how to save money. If you cook and eat at home, you can minimize costs. To do this, you should make purchases in budget stores of the Penny Markt and Soma chains, where food prices fluctuate between 1-2 euros.
Housing cost
If a Russian citizen wants to purchase real estate in Austria, he must first obtain a special permit for the purchase at the address of registration of the future building or apartment. Usually this is not difficult to do, the document is prepared quickly, subject to all the requirements of local authorities and the submission of the necessary papers.
For Russians who want to emigrate, get a job or study, it is of interest how much an apartment costs in Austria. The rental price depends on the location, but even in Vienna you can find affordable housing if the house is state-owned. Usually these are small premises, but with an acceptable rental price.
When signing the contract, you should remember the additional costs equivalent to 2 months’ payment. The money is placed on a non-refundable deposit. Long-term rental of a one-bedroom apartment varies between 500-650 euros per month, in the capital - from 550 to 750. Compared to Russia, utility tariffs in the republic are high. Water is often included in the rent, and prices for electricity and gas range from 150 to 200 euros per month for a 100 sq. m dwelling. m.
Obtaining a visa
In any case, no matter what the path to finding a job turns out to be, to cross the Austrian border you will need a visa of the appropriate type. To begin with, you should understand that, according to local legislation, a company that intends to hire a citizen of another state must obtain permission to carry out this activity.
The process of obtaining a work permit in Austria looks like this:
- The employer opens a vacancy.
- Submits an application to the local so-called employment center.
- After this, the search for an employee among local residents begins.
- If a suitable candidate is not found, the ministry issues a work permit for the foreigner.
If the applicant applies to the consulate for a visa to look for work, then after the job search is successful, he does not need to return home to open a work visa and enter the country as a foreign worker. The validity of the stamp that will be given to him upon entry is simply extended for another 12 months. Further stay in Austria is carried out on the basis of a residence permit for work reasons (EU Blue Card or Red-White-Red Card).
Accrual of points
The Austrian authorities are quite loyal to hired labor coming from abroad, but only if the candidates have the appropriate education and qualifications.
Based on this assessment, the selection of applicants is greatly simplified, which makes it possible to weed out those who do not meet the requirements and interests of the state, and to simplify the employment of those who are professionally beneficial.
To get a visa stamp, you need to score 70 points. In some cases, exceptions are possible. Most often they concern representatives of rare professions, for example, medical workers and engineering and technological specialists. If the applicant belongs to one of these specializations, then it is enough for him to score only 50 points.
A special commission awards points. Each criterion meets a certain number of them.
When considering an application, the following parameters are taken into account:
- applicant's age;
- speciality;
- experience;
- qualification;
- level of foreign language proficiency.
It should be noted right away that working in Austria without knowledge of the language is practically unavailable. So how are points awarded? For a certain length of service, you can immediately receive 10-20 bonuses. Representatives of foreign countries under 35 years of age also receive 20 points. Those who have already crossed this line can only count on 10.
Having a higher education and a specialty in short supply gives you a chance to get another 20 points to your total. For each year worked in your specialty, you can additionally receive two more points. But if the experience has already been accumulated on Austrian territory, then every six months is assessed at 10 units. Holders of a scientific degree receive another 40 points, and patents and distinctions add an additional 20 to this amount.
If the score has reached the required level, the candidate receives a visa stamp for 6 months and goes in search of an employer. If one already exists, the applicant immediately receives 50 points and, based on the permission received by the employer, travels abroad.
Otherwise, the consulate simply refuses the visa. This is due to the fact that salaries and prices in Austria are quite high, and therefore they simply do not need migrants who cannot provide themselves with a decent living.
Extension of visa stamp
The sticker that is affixed to the foreign worker’s passport has, as already mentioned, a limited validity period of 6 months. This visa cannot be extended; it only allows the immigrant to look for work. If the search is successful, you will need to apply for a specific work permit - a blue or red-white-red card. Both documents are issued, as a rule, for 12 months.
The further fate of the work permit is determined after the expiration of these 12 months by the employment contract. If it is extended, you can obtain a visa for the entire period of its duration. After the required number of years has passed, you can already count on a temporary residence permit. If the contract is not renewed, the foreign employee will have to leave the country.