Relocation Guide

Planning

Housing in Innsbruck und Tirol

The housing market in Tyrol, and particularly in Innsbruck, moves extremely quickly. There are limited properties available and the demand is high. You’ll be competing with many other applicants for quality housing, so acting quickly is essential.

While the city is well-connected to nearby towns and villages, Innsbruck remains the region’s cultural and economic hub.

Rental Contracts

Rental contracts in Austria typically have a minimum duration of three or five years with the option to end the contract after 15 months (minimum stay of one year plus a notice period of three months).

For people who are coming to Innsbruck for up to six months for work and are looking for a secondary residence during this time, there is also a shorter contract option (up to 6 months). In this case, the tenant must maintain a primary residence elsewhere. This could apply, for example, to guest professors, someone taking on a research position at the university, doctors coming to Innsbruck on rotation, musicians performing in the Festwochen der alten Musik, etc.

For more information on housing, such as private vs. agency rentals, purchasing property, typical pricing, deposits, district overviews, mortgage options and property search platforms, visit our Housing Guide (coming soon).

Location & Connectivity

Innsbruck is an Alpine city with a very high standard of living, modern infrastructure and a unique geographic position. Located in the Inn Valley and surrounded by mountains, the city is just 1-2 hours from Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The international airport and strong rail and road links make it one of the most accessible regional capitals in Europe.

Whether you’re coming for work or lifestyle, for mountain sports or a central European location, Innsbruck offers a rare blend of alpine nature and city vibes.

Working in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is home to several large international companies, niche businesses, and academic institutions. It’s increasingly attractive to remote workers due to its setting, airport access, and location within Europe.

While English-speaking jobs can be difficult to secure, opportunities do exist. For guidance on employment regulations, taxes, visas, remote work, and finding jobs, see our Working in Innsbruck section (coming soon).

Living in Innsbruck

Innsbruck offers an exceptional quality of life. The outdoor activities are incredible, healthcare services are excellent and public infrastructure is well-developed. The city is also home to international schools and an international airport.

For details on schools and childcare, public transport, driving, phone and internet providers, banks, insurance, and seasonal sports passes, visit our Life in Innsbruck page (coming soon).

Language

German is the official language spoken in Innsbruck. That being said, it is entirely feasible to navigate daily life with limited German as there are several international companies in Tyrol that operate with English as their primary corporate language, Innsbruck offers both international schools and bilingual kindergartens, and the Austrians learn English to a very high standard. Despite this, we highly recommend learning German if you want to integrate into Austrian life long term.

For information on language courses, English-speaking employers and bilingual schools, visit our Language page (coming soon).

Bureaucracy & Legal Requirements

Austria has several legal and administrative requirements for new residents. For example, you must register with the town within three days of arrival. For information on residence registration, local authorities, required documents and integration services, consult our Legal & Bureaucracy Guide (coming soon).

On Arrival

Public Transport

More information about transport options are coming soon.

Ski Resorts & Lift Passes

Innsbruck is surrounded by great ski resorts and there are excellent season passes available for residents. More information is coming soon.

Language Courses

Several language schools offer German tuition. More information coming soon.

Bureaucracy & Legal Requirements

Austria has several legal and administrative requirements for new residents. For example, you must register with the town within three days of arrival. For information on residence registration, local authorities, required documents and integration services, consult our Legal & Bureaucracy Guide (coming soon).

Museums & Attractions

Innsbruck is full of history and home to some great museums and attractions. More information coming soon.

Parking

Parking in a city is never easy. Here are some handy tips (coming soon).

Phone & Internet Providers

Here is some handy information on phone and internet providers (coming soon).

Before Departure

Utility Bills

Utility bills and electricity are often estimated in Austria and then corrected at the end of the year. If you rent is based on a package price, you don't need to worry about this. If your contract specifies that you are paying for utilities separately, you will need to take meter readings before depature so that the utility companies can send you an accurate final bill.

Bureaucracy & Legal Requirements

When leaving Innsbruck, you must de-register with the city. This is done at teh same place where you did your registration on arrival. An appointment can be arranged online.

TV & Internet

Do not forget to sign out of any services you were using in Innsbruck, such as Netflix or Disney+.