EU, EEA & Switzerland

Entry and residence regulations for
Nationals of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland

If you are a national of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland you need no visa and enjoy freedom of domicile (Niederlassungsfreiheit). If you have sufficient financial means to finance your stay in Austria and a valid health insurance covering all the necessary costs you only need a valid travel document (passport or identity card) for entry to and residence in Austria.

You have to carry your travel document at all times as proof that you are entitled to stay in Austria or keep it in a place near you. If you want to make Austria your permanent residence, you can, if you wish, also apply for an “identification card for E.E.A. citizens” (“Lichtbildausweis für EWR-Bürger”). The issuing of this card costs 56 euros.

If you are going to stay in Austria for more than 3 months you have to register with the competent municipal authority (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) within 4 months of your stay and you will receive a confirmation of registration (fee: 15 euros; additional fees may occur).

For this registration you need the following documents:

• completed and signed application form
• valid identity card or passport
• proof of a health insurance covering all the necessary costs, e.g. European Health Insurance Card, insurance policy, …
• proof of sufficient financial means, e.g. deposit in an Austrian bank, traveller’s cheques,...
• students also need a confirmation of admission by the university.

This registration is required in addition to the registration at the registration office (see below)! Attention: Non-compliance with this regulation can be fined with up to 200 euros. The confirmation of registration is for an unlimited period and need not be renewed.

For people who have had their legal residence in Austria before January 1^st, 2006 and who had registered with the registration office, this registration is regarded as confirmation of registration.

Family members of EU/EEA citizens who themselves do not have EU/EEA nationality have to apply for a residence title "Daueraufenthaltskarte", which is valid for 10 years. Family members are: spouse; minors up to the age of 21 or older provided that you really provide maintenance for them.

Within three working days of arrival in Austria you have to register with the "Registration Office" of your place of residence.

Information about the legal regulations for employment in Austria can be found in the category Working in Austria.

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