We do not choose our homeland, but we can country of residence. Of course, obtaining the citizenship of another state is never given easily and quickly. But if you make enough effort, you can move anywhere.
In recent years, more and more of our compatriots are interested in emigrating to Austria. Why is this country so attractive and what are the ways to become its citizen? Let's find the answers to these questions, as well as consider the pros and cons of living here, according to Russian and Ukrainian migrants.
Is emigration good or bad?
Today there is a lot of debate about whether it is advisable to change the country of residence. After all, if you have the fullness of civil rights and freedoms in your own country, then in another state you will have to live many years to find at least half of this. And even then, in the eyes of its indigenous inhabitants, one can remain a man of the second, or even third grade.
On the one hand, this opinion is true. However, it is worth considering the difference in living standards in different countries. It often turns out that it is much more profitable and more promising to be a laborer in one of the European powers than a successful businessman in his own country. This is the sad truth of life. Moreover, in the entire history of emigration, as a rule, its main reason is the search for a better life or the inability to live in one’s homeland for political, religious, and most often economic reasons.
So, is emigration good or bad? It depends. As a rule, the most daring and smart people who decide that they can adapt to the living conditions in it decide to move to another state. So for the country where they are leaving, emigration is more negative. The state is losing its most promising citizens. While the host country "picks cream". Moreover, it is much easier and cheaper to host the intellectual and working elite from other powers than to educate it at home. This is especially beneficial for employers - after all, visiting specialists can be paid less than local ones, and they can demand more.
As for the emigrants themselves, for them changing their country of residence is a very risky step. But in most cases he makes excuses.
Waves of Russian emigration
The traditions of moving to another country for citizens of the Russian Empire are very old. It is believed that even under Ivan the Terrible, some boyars had to leave, fleeing royal anger. However, before the beginning of the twentieth century. emigration has never been widespread. Petty bourgeois, as a rule, seldom decided on it, the nobles, in addition to political reasons, had no reason to leave.
The peasants, until the abolition of serfdom in 1861, did not have a legal right to move to another country. But, having received freedom, some of them, without land and other livelihoods, left their homeland. One of the first to take this opportunity was the Ukrainian villagers, who at that time were citizens of the Russian Empire. By the end of the 70s. XIX century the so-called first wave of Ukrainian emigration began. Most of them moved overseas and settled in countries where there was a lot of free arable land. These are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and New Zealand. That is why today in these states such a large diaspora.
In addition to the Ukrainian, in the same years Russian peasants traveled, as well as part of the bourgeoisie, but not so en masse. Perhaps that is why official Russian history does not distinguish this period. So, the Ukrainian and Russian first waves of emigration do not chronologically coincide. Thus, the latter loses an entire period. Probably, the fact is that all the attention of Russian historians was concentrated on the intelligentsia, clergy and nobility, who first began to leave the empire en masse, only after its collapse. This is the so-called white emigration, or the first wave (1918-1938).
In these years, about 4 million went abroad, and these were not just landless poorly educated peasants, but the elite (scientists, engineers, artists, writers). Since the arable lands of Canada, Australia and the United States did not appeal to them, most of them settled in nearby European countries (Austria, England, Germany, France, etc.). It is worth noting that not everyone was able to adapt to a new life, so they were looking for a way to return to their homeland. The fact is that many emigrants were nobles who were not used to earning a living, and, in fact, did not know how to do this. So many counts and princes, having no professional skills, were forced to become laborers. What would have awaited them, had they stayed at home (if , of course, they had not been shot)?
The second wave dates from 1938-1947. At that time, 10 million people left the USSR. Some of them fled from the Stalinist repressions of the late 30s. Others left with the allied forces.
Most of the emigrants of this period are prisoners of war, who were threatened by a tribunal because they surrendered rather than died. The minority are ordinary peasants and townspeople who have become disillusioned with Soviet life and seek to find happiness in foreign lands.
Since post-war Europe and their citizens had nothing to live for, the majority of migrants moved overseas - to the USA, Canada, Latin America.
The third wave began in 1948 and lasted until 1990. This time, the intellectual elite, who did not agree with the political situation, sought to leave the country. It was extremely difficult to do. Most often, such emigration - it was an escape during a working visit. But there were cases when citizens of the USSR were able to officially obtain permission to leave their homeland.
The fourth wave is associated with the collapse of the Soviet Union. From 1990 to the beginning of the 2000s, the procedure of going abroad has become much simpler. Now almost everyone who wanted could emigrate. This opportunity was used by many. And this time the contingent was mixed. Both intellectuals and simple hard workers traveled equally. The main reason for all this was the low level of health care and education. And also the impoverishment of a country in which they could not pay salaries for years.
The fifth wave is those who emigrated with the beginning of the new century or are trying to do it today. This is the intellectual or business elite, as well as highly skilled workers. As in the past, the main reason for moving is the search for the best conditions for living and working.
Modern statistics on emigration to the Russian Federation and Ukraine show that about 41% of young people are interested in traveling abroad.
Where most often emigrate
Every year, thousands of citizens of the Russian Federation and Ukraine leave these states. Where are they going? In countries with a higher standard of living, where, by doing the same work as in their homeland, you can earn more.
What are the best countries for emigration, by all accounts? First of all, they try to travel to Europe. Moreover, in its wealthy part. Oddly enough, this is not France, Germany or the UK. And Sweden, Austria, Holland, Switzerland or Norway.
Why is that? The fact is that the above-mentioned golden trio do not really welcome our emigrants, and life there is very expensive. At the same time, the above five are much more willing to accept labor migrants. In addition, education there is much cheaper, and our diplomas are more tolerant. And this means that there is a real opportunity to find work in a specialty or to learn a new profession. And it is not just words. There are a lot of reviews on the emigration from Russia and Ukraine that are left by real people. You can contact them and ask in more detail about all the nuances.
In addition to European countries, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Israel are popular countries for emigration. The latter was included in this list because of the simplified system of moving there for those who had Jews in their family, and they are able to prove it.
Emigration to Austria from Russia: why here?
This country is one of the most coveted. What is the reason?
In addition to an extremely high standard of living, this country attracts with inexpensive (compared with France, Great Britain, Germany and the USA) education, as well as ease of adaptation for the Slavs.
For example, Austrian German is easier to learn than the version of the language spoken in Germany. It is all a matter of the large number of Slavisms that they borrowed due to the fact that the country borders on the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary.
Also, the Austrians are not so obsessed with a healthy lifestyle and more often than other Europeans can afford to indulge in alcohol or high-calorie goodies.
Another reason why Russians and Ukrainians are increasingly moving here is the diaspora. In Vienna and other big cities, it is quite numerous and gladly helps newly arrived compatriots. And in a new foreign country, such support is vital.
The advantages and disadvantages of living in Austria
According to numerous reviews, emigration from Russia to Austria consists not only of advantages. So it is worth weighing all the pros and cons.
A good standard is a very high standard of living in general. Did you know that the Austrians have a special poverty scale. According to her, beggars are considered those who can afford no more than 4 out of 9 basic basic needs. These include the ability to:
- buy / rent housing;
- to heat it;
- regularly eat dairy products, meat or their substitutes;
- travel (at least once a year) on vacation;
- to get a car;
- purchase a washing machine;
- purchase a TV;
- pay for the phone.
In our opinion, does this list look a bit comical?
In addition to a high standard of living, emigration to Austria can be considered an excellent step to ensure the future of their children. After all, citizens of this country have the opportunity to get higher education for free here or in some other European countries like Sweden.
And of course, do not forget that this is a very ancient power, in which there are many beautiful architectural monuments. Both in the past and today, the world cultural and scientific elite often gather here. So, living here, you can join her, which for many is a good reason for emigrating to Austria.
Reviews about this country are far from always full of praise. Studying them, it is worth paying attention to the shortcomings. In particular, it is a healthcare system. In Austria there are also paid clinics, but the cost of their services is unlikely to please you. Most likely, you will have to take out insurance to use the services of doctors. And for this, work is needed. So if, after obtaining citizenship, you dream of living only on unemployment benefits or, remembering the glorious experience of Kisa Vorobyaninov, asking for alms, try never to get sick.
Among other disadvantages is the high cost of utility bills. True, given the recent trends in this area with us, it will soon be difficult to surprise with this.
Many reviews of emigration to Austria have complaints about refugees. The fact is that over the past 5 years, this state has hosted many immigrants from the warring countries. And, unlike you and me, the overwhelming majority are not the elite at all. Neither intellectual nor labor.
Moreover, using a refugee loophole, Gypsies inundated Austria. Like us, and in this power, they not only do not work, but also do not pay taxes. Taking advantage of the tolerance of local laws, do not hesitate to place their tent camps anywhere, even in the center of Vienna.
Specifically for you, in the event of a full emigration to Austria, refugees will actually become parasites. Indeed, since their appearance in the country, all prices and taxes in it have been raised in order to recoup their content. So get ready for the fact that part of your honestly earned euros will go to the maintenance of the family of some Abdullah or Budulay.
Fortunately, the government has already realized the scale of the problem and is looking for ways to solve it. Just the other day, the Austrian chancellor expressed his disagreement with the plan of Angela Merkel regarding the creation of transit camps on the border between the countries for the quick expulsion of migrants.
And the last tangible minus for those who are interested in emigrating to Austria is the compulsory military service for men who have not reached the age of 35. So, having become a citizen, the first thing you have to do is repay the debt to your new homeland, or lend it to it. This is how to look.
What are the ways to emigrate to Austria
At the moment, to settle in this country legally, there are 5 ways.
- To study.
- Work.
- Marry.
- Invest in a local business.
- Become a refugee.
If you have lived in Austria for more than 30 years, its citizenship is automatically assigned to you.
Another way you can consider birth in this country, but if you are reading this text without a Google translator, apparently this is not your method. Moreover, a child born on Austrian territory receives citizenship only when his mother also has it. Or if she is a foreigner, but married to one of the locals. This is not the United States, where the child acquires citizenship by birth.
By the way, it is worth considering the nuance that Austria does not have dual citizenship.
Educational emigration
The higher education system is designed in such a way that a native of any other country can study here. Moreover, both at their own expense and through a grant, less often scholarships.
Legislation allows you to work while studying, however, a limited number of hours.
Entering a local university, everyone receives a student residence permit. After graduation, on its basis you can purchase a valid residence permit ( residence permit).
Please note that even if you study for free, you will have to pay for medical insurance, accommodation, meals and other household items from your own pocket.
Labor emigration
Unlike training, labor can subsequently give a chance to obtain the coveted citizenship. However, this will take about 12 years. The procedure can be reduced to 5-7 if there are outstanding services of international level.
But first you need to find a job with a payment of at least 2350 euros (up to 30 years, if you are older - the salary should be from 2800 euros), and this is not easy. The fact is that foreign specialists in Austria are skeptical.
But there are chances. In some reviews of emigration here, young people say that a personal visit to the employer helped them get a place. But not everyone can afford it.
If you are lucky and a contract is signed with you, the next step is to obtain a work permit. But it is not always given. Its consideration is a special commission. She evaluates the quality of the applicant on a special scale. In this case, not only education and work experience are considered, but also personal achievements, age, as well as knowledge of German and English.
It is worth noting that a work visa is issued only for a year, so it will need to be constantly renewed. After 5 years of work, a multi-year residence permit is obtained. Based on it, in 5-7 years you can apply for citizenship.
Business emigration
This method is the most expensive of all. To obtain Austrian citizenship, you will have to invest at least 8 million euros in its economy.
If you do not have this amount, you will have to not just invest, but also develop your own business in this country. And over time, there is a chance to achieve the desired.
Austrian laws allow citizenship to be granted to top employees of large companies. This loophole is sometimes used by domestic businessmen, in whose bins no 8 million were found. They create a company in a given country, formalizing it by proxy for a citizen. They themselves get a leadership position.
Marriage
“I don’t want to study, but I want to get married” is an excellent formula for those who want to quickly obtain citizenship.
However, following this path, it is worth remembering some nuances.
- Only a union registered in an Austrian institution will be considered legal. Civil marriage, as well as registered in another country, will not be considered lawful.
- To get married, the second half must stay in Austria legally (student / work visa or residence permit).
- Even if you are a spouse of a citizen, in order to become one yourself, you will have to pass exams in the German language and Austrian culture. And besides, prove that you are fully integrated into society. In addition, evidence of cohabitation will need to be provided. And this is not only a photo from Photoshop, but also checks from shops, etc.
- If everything goes smoothly, after 5 years you can try to apply for citizenship. Since permission for permanent residence and employment is issued upon registration of marriage, it is worth remembering that this applies only to those spouses who were born in Austria. If their citizenship is also acquired, you will have to wait not 5, but 10 years. So patience to you.
- If the second half unexpectedly dies, the basis for obtaining citizenship becomes invalid, and you will have to start all over again or look for another way.
Refugees
For citizens of the Russian Federation, this method is impossible, but residents of Ukraine from Donetsk and Lugansk regions can theoretically try their luck. But, most likely, they will be refused, since in their homeland more than 80% of the country is safe.
In conclusion, it should be added that no matter what method of emigration to Austria you choose, remember that in addition to civil rights, you also acquire responsibilities.