Entry and residence regulations for Austria: Your move made easy

Moving to Austria – to the Alpine republic with its impressive nature, rich cultural heritage and high quality of life – is an attractive goal for many Germans. As a leading moving company, KOCH Moving Logistics is by your side. Here you will find all the important information about entry and residence regulations in Austria, specifically for German citizens.

German citizens can enter Austria visa‑free for short stays of up to three months, as Germany and Austria are member states of the European Union and thus enjoy the right to freedom of movement. EU citizens have the right to enter and stay in other EU member states without a visa. This right exists regardless of economic activity.

Thanks to EU freedom of movement, German citizens can live and work in Austria under simplified conditions.

For For employment or a stay of more than three months , you must register in person with your municipality of residence within four months of your entry at the competent residence authority. EU citizens are entitled under Union law to stay in Austria for more than three months if they:

 

– are employed or self‑employed in Austria , or

– have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance cover, so that they do not need to claim social assistance or the compensatory allowance during their stay, or

– are undergoing training as the main purpose of their stay Ausbildung and have sufficient health insurance and sufficient means of subsistence for themselves and their family members.

 

As documentation of your Union right of residence, you will receive a registration certificate upon application. The corresponding application must be made within four months of entry into Austria.

For EU citizens such as German nationals, the registration requirements and the registration certificate described above are the central instruments. In addition, there are various residence titles for third‑country nationals, but these are generally not relevant for German citizens as they benefit from EU freedom of movement. These titles include the residence permit (temporary fixed‑term stay), the settlement permit (fixed‑term settlement with self‑employed activity), and the Red‑White‑Red Card for qualified skilled workers.

After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Austria , EU citizens receive a permanent residence certificate upon application. This status is unlimited and facilitates further residence. You can also have an identity card for EEA citizens issued, which also serves as an identity document.

Naturalisation in Austria is possible under certain conditions. The general naturalisation requirements include:

 

– Generally ten years of lawful and uninterrupted residence in Austria, including at least five years of settlement,

– Clean criminal record (no court convictions, no pending criminal proceedings, no serious administrative offences),

– Sufficiently secured means of subsistence (proof of fixed and regular own income from employment, income, statutory maintenance claims or insurance benefits on average for 36 months out of the last six years before the application date),

– German language skills (proof of language skills at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference), and

– Knowledge of the democratic order and history of Austria.

 

Very important: Austrian nationality law generally does not allow dual or multiple citizenship. This principle is only broken in certain exceptional cases.

For German citizens, this means: those who wish to acquire Austrian citizenship by grant must generally give up their previous citizenship. Those who voluntarily acquire Austrian citizenship generally lose German nationality, unless a retention permit has been obtained.

A double taxation agreement exists between Germany and Austria, which prevents income and assets from being taxed in both countries. Individual tax advice is recommended to correctly assess personal circumstances.

Germans will encounter many familiar elements in Austria, but there are also subtle differences. The Austrian mentality is often somewhat more formal regarding the use of titles and surnames, but at the same time more relaxed and enjoyment‑oriented. The direct, factual communication of Germans can occasionally be perceived as too brusque here. Those wishing to emigrate to the Alpine republic should be prepared for these differences and be willing to adapt.

Austrian work culture is characterised by a high regard for punctuality, reliability and a pronounced work‑life balance. The statutory normal working hours are generally 40 hours per week, although many collective agreements provide for shorter weekly working hours. Statutory holiday entitlement is five weeks per year (25 working days based on a five‑day week). Thanks to many public holidays and bridge days, as well as a family‑friendly attitude, employees in Austria enjoy a high quality of life.

The application for the registration certificate must be made after entry after entry within four months to the competent residence authority in Austria. Required documents include:

 

– A valid identity card or passport,

– For employment: proof of employment (employment contract, employer's confirmation) or proof of self‑employment,

– For stay without employment: proof of sufficient means of subsistence (e.g., bank statements, proof of assets) and comprehensive health insurance,

– For training: proof of enrolment at a recognised educational institution.

 

All persons taking up accommodation in Austria are also subject to the registration requirement under the Registration Act. This means that you are obliged to register and deregister with the competent registration authority.

As German citizens do not require a visa for entry, there are no visa fees. The authorities levy administrative fees for issuing the registration certificate, which may vary by federal state. Early appointment booking with the competent authority is recommended.

Moving to Austria requires careful planning and a good understanding of the entry and residence regulations. We at KOCH Moving Logistics are by your side to make your dream of emigrating to Austria as smooth as possible.