Austria's stunning scenery, functioning healthcare and strong social system make it a dream destination for many.
But despite all the benefits, many foreigners who have put down roots here still choose to leave.
According to official figures, in 2024 a total of 128,469 people left Austria. Over 85 percent were foreigners and 15 percent were Austrian nationals.
Leaving a country is a deeply personal decision that usually involves lots of different reasons coming together. Sometime's it's about career opportunities mixed with family obligations. For others it's about where they can have the best quality of life or save money. For some people, politics the climate and world events come into it.
We asked readers to share whether they were planning to leave Austria, the reasons behind their decision and where they want to move to.
We found a mixed picture with some ready for a move and others uncertain, while many see the Alpine nation as their long-term home.
'Love Austria but hate the politics'
In recent years Austria has moved to the right of the political spectrum. This means stricter policies on immigration, a focus on national identity and a more conservative approach to social issues.
For foreigners in particular, there are several changes in the pipeline. The government is reforming immigration, asylum, and citizenship rules in the coming years, with plans for tighter citizenship requirements and a temporary pause on certain family reunification cases.
READ ALSO: The immigration changes that await foreigners in 2026 and beyond
All of this has a major effect on whether internationals want to stay in Austria long-term.
A reader told us they were planning to move to France or Canada because of the "economy, politics, right wing policies" as well as the "hardening of residency and citizenship laws instead of easing them".
"Austria is pushing away their highly skilled immigrants with worse policies day by day," they added.
A reader from the US, who also wished to remain anonymous, added: "Love Austria, but hate the politics, and the tax burden when still paying taxes in my home country."
READ MORE: How does Austria decide if I am a tax resident in the country
In fact, the relatively high taxes in Austria are a dealbreaker for others.
Lorenzo Castellon, who's 30 and from Spain, said: "Much of my salary goes into taxes and paying for basic needs." He also lamented too much tax money being wasted on things are not beneficial to citizens, including "illegal migrant benefits".
Lorenzo said he has lined up job offers in the UAE and Singapore.
'I miss friendly people'
One respondent based in Tyrol said they were considering going back to the UK. "The honeymoon period has worn off and it is time to find home," they said.
"Properties are much more affordable in the UK. I miss friendly people and a work environment where people work together and not in competition with each other."
Paul Frank Covello, 56, has already moved away from Austria back to the US – although he wants to come back.
"I had to leave Austria (Vienna) because I was unable to secure a suitable job despite being a new Austrian citizen," he said.
"Also, there are no public schools that could teach my children in English while also teaching them the German language and I did not want to see their education suffer. So I will wait for my kids to finish their education and try again later."
'Starting again in another country would be a big challenge'
For some, staying in Austria is uncertain and depends on several factors.
Vic from Canada, who lives in Upper Austria, plans to choose the place and way of life "that will best fit my current retirement style".
Another reader, Sharon Mayhew, who's from Wales and lives in Burgenland with her husband, said the couple might move away in future but are still unsure.
"I hesitated about this because me and my husband are settled here and Austria gives us so many advantages," she said.
"We are both in our seventies, so starting again in another country would be a big challenge, especially as we are not European citizens.
"The only hesitation for us is when one of us is left here on our own. I worry that it would be a lonely experience, especially as we do not speak German fluently."
If the couple do move, they say English-speaking countries would "probably be unaffordable".
"Our best option would be Portugal, followed by Spain," added Mayhew.
Others said it depends on the future. A 37-year-old Brit in Vienna said they were "staying for the time-being but life events can alter plans".
'My life is here'
For other respondents, remaining in Austria is the best option.
Michael, 72, is from the UK and has lived in Austria for 16 years. He feels at home in the Salzkammergut region and doesn't like the direction politics is going back home.
"The political situation in the UK makes a permanent return an unattractive option, although visiting family reminds us that much is good about the UK," he said.
Adi M, who lives in Vienna and is from Vienna said: "With all its faults and drawbacks, Austria still looks a bit more geographically protected against the eastern threat."
Many people have built lives, careers and communities that are difficult to uproot.
Jarad Carleton, who's from California and lives in Burgenland, feels firmly settled. "I own a house and work here," he said. "My life is here."
Anne, 80, is a Vienna resident who has lived in Austria for more than 30 years and is happy here.
Jim, 68, moved to Austria in 2011 and has no interest in going back to the UK where he's from. "The quality of life in Austria is so much better," he said.
Likewise, Johann, 70, based in Carinthia, said she's been in Austria for 20 years and loves it. "Would never return to the UK," she said.
READ ALSO: How easy is it to retire in Austria?
Family and career
Family and work considerations play a decisive role in how foreigners see their future in Austria.
Amy, who's from the US and lives in Graz, will stay in Austria for her children.
"If we didn't have kids, we'd join our family in Australia," she said. "But the schools and medical care are significantly better in Austria so we'll stay here unless that changes."
For Van, 32, from Armenia, Vienna offers a great quality of life for starting a family. But Austria's inflexible rules on dual citizenship for non-EU nationals may push them away.
"My wife is Irish, and we’ve spoken about how if an amazing job offer for either of us comes from there, we’d seriously consider moving," Van said.
"Not because we do not love Vienna, or because Ireland is a better place for a family (it’s not better than Austria), but simply because as a non-EU national I wouldn't have to give up my nationality (and by extending my identity) to receive an EU passport, if I ever decide to apply for one."
READ ALSO: 'I want to integrate' - Why foreigners become Austrian despite the strict rules
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