Looking for British Expats in Vienna?

Thinking about moving to Vienna as a Briton? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what British expats in Vienna wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• Public transport is the best there is. Vienna tops the survey here 98% of expats rate the availability of public transportation positively, with 91% rating getting around on foot or by bike.

• Nature, clean air, and green priorities stand out. 96% rate the natural environment positively, 78% air quality, and 84% say the government protects the environment.

• It's safe, healthy, and well-run. 86% rate personal safety positively, 78% healthcare affordability, and Britons praise free events, green spaces, and even mineral water from the tap.

• The food and culture are a joy. A rich café and cultural scene, good food and wine, and a central location round out the appeal.

• Locals can feel cold and hard to befriend. Just 36% of expats in Vienna rate friendliness positively, 28% say making local friends is easy, and 44% feel welcome.

• Bureaucracy takes patience. Only 37% find it easy to deal with local authorities, though Britons note that once the red tape is sorted, things work.

• Careers can be limited. Just 47% say the move improved their career prospects, with high competition for the few expat jobs.

• The language and rents are a big struggle. Only 22% say German is easy to learn, and rents climb with the cost of living.

For Britons, Vienna offers world-beating transport, safety, nature, healthcare, and a cultured, well-run life. The catch is social: reserved locals and a hard language make building a circle slow. If you value stability and culture over an easy welcome, it's a rewarding place to settle.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our British members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

InterNations is a place where British expats in Vienna exchange experiences and tips to support each other. The historical capital, that grew from the tiny Roman settlement of Vindobona, can be a great place for expats - our community helps you make the most of your experience!

• Browse our Members Network to get to know Vienna’s British expats.
• Take part in our Expat Forums to obtain first hand tips from fellow British expats in Vienna.
• Use the Expat Guide for Vienna to find information on your host city.

Our community in Vienna is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in Vienna’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other British expats to explore the Neusiedler See, in the rural Burgenland district. These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from the UK in your local community as well as Brits in Austria nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Brits living in Vienna!