Living in Austria
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Austria – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Austria
Help from the Austrian government
For any questions about moving to or living in Austria, you may be able to get help from the:
You can also read the Austrian government’s guidance on:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Vienna cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Austria.
Professional help in Austria
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Austria, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Austria to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Austria. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Austria before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which Austrian visa or residence permit you need to live in Austria.
You can get a visa or residence permit to:
- work
- study
- live with family in Austria
- live in Austria without working
For more information, read guidance on:
Registering as a resident
Once you arrive, you need to register your address in Austria within 3 days.
Read the Austrian government’s guidance on registering your residence.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residence contact:
- the local registration office (‘Meldeamt’) at your local authority
- an English-speaking lawyer in Austria
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
Contact your local authority for information on how to:
- extend your residency permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residency permit
The Austrian government’s guidance on renewing residence permits for Austria explains who to contact in your area.
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Austria if you have lived there legally for at least 5 years.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Austrian government’s guidance on permanent residence permits (in German).
Citizenship
Austria generally does not recognise dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become an Austrian citizen.
However, children can be born with dual UK and Austrian citizenship if at least one parent is Austrian.
To find out if you’re eligible for Austrian citizenship:
- read guidance on Austrian citizenship
- contact the Austrian Embassy in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Vienna cannot help with Austrian visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Austrian Interior Ministry (BMI) - read guidance on applying for an Austrian visa for contact information
- the Austrian Embassy in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Austria
Residency if you moved to Austria before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Austria before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Residence documents if you moved to Austria before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Austria before 1 January 2021, you should have an Article 50 residence card (in German). This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Under the new digital Entry/Exit system (EES), you’ll need an Article 50 residence card or other valid residence permit when entering or leaving Austria. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES to travel within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen Area and denied entry to Austria or other Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Austria before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you can still apply for an Article 50 residence card (in German) in certain cases.
You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that:
- there were exceptional circumstances which meant that you did not apply for the residence card by the 31 December 2021 deadline
- you met the residency criteria at the time
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to:
- appeal the decision
- apply for a different residence permit for non-EU nationals
Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Austria. If you cannot pay for a lawyer, read the European e-justice portal guidance on legal aid in Austria.
For more information on how to apply or appeal, read the Austrian government’s guidance on:
You can also contact your local district administration (‘Bezirkshauptmannschaft’) or magistrate (‘Magistrat’).
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Austria before 1 January 2021
You’ll need to renew your Article 50 residence card every 5 or 10 years, before it expires.
Contact your regional immigration authority for information on how to renew your residence card. Depending on where you live in Austria, this could be:
- your local district administration (‘Bezirkshauptmannschaft’) or magistrate (‘Magistrat’)
- some ‘MA35’ offices, if you live in Vienna
Bringing family members to Austria if you moved there before 1 January 2021
The Austrian government’s guidance on the effects of Brexit on British citizens resident in Austria explains:
- which family members can join you in Austria
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
Children born to parents with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement after 1 January 2022
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, any children you have after 1 January 2022 are also eligible for an Austrian Article 50 residence card.
You must apply for the card within 90 days of your child’s birth. As part of the application, you must provide either:
- a valid UK passport for your child
- proof of application for a UK passport for your child
Read:
- our guidance on how to get a UK passport for your child
- the Austrian government’s guidance on the effects of Brexit on British citizens resident in Austria
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
If you have an Austrian residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Austria does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.
Always carry your passport and residence document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Austria using your EU or EFTA passport.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
British nationals legally resident in Austria, and who have a valid residence permit or Article 50 residence card, do not need to register with the EES.
If you’re legally resident in Austria but do not have a residence permit or Article 50 residence card, contact your local district administration (‘Bezirkshauptmannschaft’) or magistrate (‘Magistrat’) for information on how to get one.
For more information about how the EES works, read:
Healthcare in Austria
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your health insurance provider
- read guidance on healthcare in Austria and health in Austria
- find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Austria
Mountain rescue is not covered by standard Austrian health insurance.
Working in Austria
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Austria, you may need a work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Austria for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Austria legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:
If you live in Austria and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Austria, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Austria
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Austrian government provides information on driving in Austria, including guidance on:
- motor vehicles, including vehicle registration and tax
- driving licences, including how to apply for or convert a driving licence
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Austria, in safety and security in the travel advice for Austria
Driving in Austria using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Austria for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Austria.
Exchanging a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving licence
To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence.
You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Austrian licence to drive legally.
If you have lost your licence, you need a ‘certificate of entitlement’ to apply for an Austrian licence. You can get this from the authority that issued your licence, for example the DVLA.
The certificate must be translated into German. To do this, find an English-speaking translator in Austria.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities or an Austrian parking card for people with disabilities.
You can also read the Austrian government’s guidance on motor vehicles and disability.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Austria, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Austria so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Austrian tax authority (FAÖ) for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Austria. To do this:
- find a tax adviser (‘Steuerberater’) or accountant at Kammer der Wirtschaftstreuhänder (in German)
- find an English-speaking lawyer in Austria
Church tax
All adult Roman Catholics who live in Austria must pay Church tax (‘Kirchenbeitrag’) if they register as Roman Catholic when registering their address.
Municipalities provide religious data based on your registration data (‘Meldezettel’ or ‘Meldebestätigung’).
Similar rules also apply to members of the Austrian Protestant and Old Catholic Churches.
This tax does not apply to members of the Church of England living in Austria.
You do not need to pay the Church Tax if you:
- are a student
- get social payments, like unemployment benefit or childcare allowance
National Insurance
Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming an Austrian pension
Contact the Austrian Pension Insurance Institution (‘Pensionversicherung’)(in German) to find out whether you can claim an Austrian pension.
The Austrian government’s guidance on retirement explains the different types of pensions available.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Austrian benefits
You may be entitled to some Austrian benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- contact your local branch of the Austrian Social Insurance Institution (‘Sozialversicherung’)
- visit the Austrian Social Insurance Institution website (in German)
Buying and renting property in Austria
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Austria if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Austria
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Austrian elections
You cannot vote in Austrian elections unless you hold Austrian citizenship.
You also cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Studying in Austria
If you plan to study in Austria, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before you travel.
You do not need a temporary residence permit if you have been living in Austria legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in Austria
- university in Austria
- studying in the EU
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Austria
- the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF)
- the Austrian Embassy in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Austria.
All children must attend school or home school in Austria for 9 years, starting at age 6. Since 2010, 5 year olds must also attend kindergarten.
For more information, read the Austrian government’s guidance on:
Childcare
Local authorities are responsible for early childhood education and care in Austria.
For more information, read the Austrian government’s guidance on childcare in Austria.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Austria, register the birth with the Austrian authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Austria, read guidance on:
- what to do when someone dies in Austria
- English-speaking funeral directors in Austria
- reporting a death in Austria
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
The Austrian government provides information on partnership and marriage in Austria.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The European e-justice portal offers guidance on divorce and legal separation in Austria.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Austria.
Documents for British people in Austria
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Austria, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Austria, read guidance on:
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Austria through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
To help prove you are no longer living in Austria, de-register with your:
- local registration office (‘Gemeindeamt’ or ‘Magistrat’)
- health insurance provider (‘Krankenkasse’)
- bank and local service providers
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Austrian authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand.
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Updated section on visas and residency if you were living in Austria before 1 January 2021 to include more detail on Article 50 card applications.
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Updated section on EU Entry/Exit System (EES), following the announcement that the EES will be delayed.
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Added information on EU Entry/Exit System (EES) from autumn 2024. UK nationals who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement (those who were lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021) will be exempt from registration in EES, provided they hold the correct documentation.
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Added link to complain to the EU if your rights under the Withdrawal Agreement are not being respected. Added line to confirm that Austria does not offer a special visa for "digital nomads".
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Reviewed corona virus information
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Added information on Church Tax
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Added information about reduced Article 50 card fees for under 16s (now €26.30) and how to apply for a partial refund if you have paid the full adult fee. The reduced fee applies retrospectively from 1 Jan 2021.
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Added line on property purchase for Article 50 card holders: "If you have an Article 50 card, you should be treated the same as an Austrian national when purchasing property."
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Added information for Article 50 residency card holders who become parents after 1 January 2022.
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Added information on Article 50 card eligibility for parents of children born on or after 1 January 2022.
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Updated information on passport stamping at borders.
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Important information in the Working in Austria, and National insurance sections if you work in Austria, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
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Visas and residency guidance updated, following the 31 December 2021 residency deadline for people with rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
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Added information on applying for an Article 50 card during lockdown. UK nationals living in Austria before 1 January 2021 have until 31 December 2021 to apply for an Article 50 card and secure their residency rights.
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Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Austria, Professional qualifications, Studying in Austria, Money, tax and banking, Benefits, Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships, Emergencies, Returning to the UK and Useful information sections.
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Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Austria after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
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Working in Austria section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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Visas and residency section updated with information for holders of legitimation cards.
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Link added to new embassy online Q&A session on Wed 21 April; Healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; Education section updated with information on funding eligibility for students and link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on recognition of professional qualifications; Working in Austria section updated with link to DIT guidance on working or providing services.
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Driving section update: additional information on importing vehicles from the UK
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Benefits section updated on access to Austrian benefits.
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
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Visas and residency section updated on where to apply for the new Article 50 residence card
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Updated as the transition period ends with new information on pet travel and moving to Austria
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Driving in Austria section updated - date by which residents need to exchange licence
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Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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Residency section updated to explain the new ‘Article 50’ residence card.
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Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers
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Visas and Residency section updated with further information on the new residency system
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Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
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Added a link to embassy Q&A events, before an online Q&A on Monday 6 July 2020. You can ask questions from midday - 2pm Austrian time on the embassy's facebook page www.facebook.com/ukinaustria.
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Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
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Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
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Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
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Brexit update: Added guidance to "Passports and travel after Brexit" section for UK nationals travelling from Austria before Brexit and returning afterwards. Added information to the Visas & Residency section: "If the UK leaves the EU with a deal, British nationals must apply for a new residence permit within 6 months of Brexit."
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EU Exit update: updated "Passports and Travel after the UK leaves the EU" and "Returning to the UK" sections
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Added guidance under "Passports and travel after EU Exit" for recommended travel documentation if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
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Updated information on residency, visas, healthcare, driving, education and professional qualifications, pensions and passports to reflect latest information on the UK's departure from the EU.
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We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
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Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
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EU Exit update: New English language website link to the Austrian Federal Chancellery Brexit page
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EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
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EU Exit update: Added new Brexit Q&A event dates in Salzburg, Styria, Lower Austria, Vienna, Upper Austria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg, Carinthia and Burgenland
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EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving
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EU Exit update: added web link to new Austrian government page about Brexit preparations in EU Exit section
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EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section
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Brexit update: "Visas and Residency" section updated to reflect the wording from the Austrian Government about requirements for the registration certificate and long-term residency certificate.
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Link to citizens outreach meetings
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Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
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Information on healthcare access updated.
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Update to entry and residence requirements
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Added links to Life Certificate witness options document
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Life Certificate section - updates requested by BE Vienna Consular section. Notary search website address added - update requested by BE Vienna Consular Section.
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First published.