Have you found your new job with a Tyrolean employer and are you already planning your life in Tirol? Or are you still wondering how you can make your dream of living and working where others go on vacation come true? Starting over in a foreign country is a big step. We want to make it as easy as possible for you by answering the first questions you may have about starting your new life in Tirol.
Please note that the legal situation of persons moving to Austria and the resulting rights and obligations must always be assessed individually and that general statements are only possible to a limited extent.
Free advice on the requirements for EU citizens, EEA citizens (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and Swiss nationals to have a right of residence in Austria and the associated obligations is available from WORK in AUSTRIA, for example. This public service centre advises international professionals and their family members on residence law issues (in several languages, including German and English). Of course, Tyrolean lawyers also offer advice (for a fee).
Initial information on this topic (right of residence under EU law, Registration Certificate/ “Anmeldebescheinigung” and timely application, etc.) can be found, for example, at:
Make sure to inform yourself in advance individually about all requirements and necessary documents!
Please note that the legal situation must always be assessed individually. It is therefore highly recommended to seek individual advice.
Free advice on the specific requirements for entry and residence of professionals and their family members (visa, residence permit, etc.) as well as on access to the labour market can be sought from WORK in AUSTRIA, for example. WORK in Austria is a service center for people who want to work in Austria, as well as for their family members. Communication is possible in various languages, including German and English. Of course, Tyrolean lawyers also offer advice (for a fee).
Introductory information on entry and residence rights can be found, for example, at:
Initial information on special provisions for certain third-country national family members of EU, EEA or Swiss citizens with a right of residence under EU law, or of Austrians who have exercised their EU right of residence, can be found, for example, at:
Please note that, depending on your individual situation, there may be several options (a website often cannot cover all cases). Professional, personalized advice is therefore recommended.
Tip: Find out right from the start which documents you will need later to extend your right of residence. This will save you stress and delays.
In Austria, there is no uniform procedure for the recognition of practical and theoretical qualifications acquired abroad. Whether formal recognition is required to work in a specific profession depends on several factors, particularly the profession itself and the country where the qualification was obtained.
In Tyrol, a specialized contact point has been set up to provide free, multilingual information, advice and support on the topic of recognition. This institution also provides advice on various options to facilitate entry into the labour market (e.g. the “Assessment of Higher Education Qualifications for Professional Purposes” or the “Confirmation of a Secondary School Certificate”).
It is advisable to seek individual advice on the topic of recognition and on the possibilities for applying for financial support in this context.
Examples of websites on the topic:
Berufsanerkennung in Österreich, Österreichischer Integrationsfonds – Fonds zur Integration von Flüchtlingen und MigrantInnen (ÖIF)
If you plan to import goods from non-EU countries, individual tax advice is strongly recommended for this topic as well – especially regarding import duties, import VAT, and proper declaration. There is an exemption for relocation goods, but it is subject to specific formal requirements. Larger amounts of cash (please check current limits) must be declared to the customs authorities upon entry. In addition, regulations, restrictions, and prohibitions for certain goods must be observed.
Bringing personal belongings into Austria from EU countries is generally not a problem. However, certain limitations apply to specific goods, including but not limited to tobacco and alcohol, as well as restrictions (including possible bans) and regulations on goods such as medicines, food, animals, and plants. Furthermore, caution is advised, for example, when goods are brought into Austria from certain areas, such as customs-free zones (“Zollfreigebiete”). Make sure to inform yourself in advance.
See also the “Vehicles” section below.
When relocating to Austria, various tax regulations must also be considered.
A matter of particular importance is unlimited tax liability*. Unlimited tax liability arises when a residence is established in Austria, according to the definition provided by tax legislation. However, other circumstances may also lead to unlimited tax liability, such as having a habitual abode in Austria, provided it qualifies as such under Austrian tax law.
Unlimited tax liability means that all worldwide income must be declared in Austria and – unless a double taxation agreement concluded by Austria provides otherwise – is also subject to taxation in Austria. Double taxation agreements are designed to prevent the same income from being taxed in more than one country. They define which country has the right to tax specific types of income and whether taxes already paid abroad are credited against Austrian tax or whether the income is exempt from taxation in Austria (subject to progression). To benefit from these agreements, the taxpayer must take the necessary steps to ensure their application.
Note: Unlimited tax liability does not automatically mean that a tax return must always be filed in Austria. Whether there is a filing obligation – and if not, whether submitting a tax return voluntarily is still advisable – depends on the individual circumstances.
To ensure correct taxation while acting as advantageously as possible and avoiding costly mistakes, it is essential to consider both the departure from the foreign country and the relocation to Austria as interconnected factors. Therefore, obtaining professional and comprehensive advice before leaving a country and moving to Austria can be highly beneficial in order to proactively and appropriately structure the tax situation in a timely manner.
The following examples are intended to illustrate the potential relevance of clarifying the individual tax situation prior to relocation:
It is therefore important to examine the handling of foreign capital income at an early stage before relocating and to strategically plan it with expert advice, in order to avoid financial disadvantages due to missed opportunities for tax optimization and significant future effort caused by differences between tax systems.
Please note: The examples provided are intended solely for illustrative purposes and do not claim to be exhaustive or complete.
Moreover, depending on individual life and asset circumstances, other types of taxes may become relevant alongside income tax (ESt) – such as capital gains tax (KESt), real estate transfer tax (ImmoESt), or potential tax consequences in the country of origin upon departure, such as exit taxation, if applicable under local law. Early expert advice is essential to maintain a clear overview and make the most of available tax planning opportunities.
Tip: Even if someone earns only employment income in Austria and there are no circumstances that require them to file a tax return (e.g. multiple employment relationships or additional taxable income), submitting a tax return – referred to as an “employee tax assessment” (“Arbeitnehmerveranlagung”) – can still often be beneficial. This is especially true if the person moved to Austria during the year or incurred tax-deductible expenses that were not considered by the employer. Filing such a voluntary tax return can often result in a tax refund.
It is also important to be aware that certain tax benefits in Austria can only be claimed within specific deadlines. It is therefore essential to seek timely and comprehensive information in order to assess their relevance and ensure that applications are submitted on time. One example of such a time-sensitive benefit is the so-called “Zuzugsbegünstigung”. This relief must be applied for within six months of relocating to Austria – in the sense of Austrian tax law – and is subject to specific eligibility criteria.
Our recommendation: Seek early professional and comprehensive advice as tax law can be complex and highly individual! Assessing the tax implications of your individual situation and receiving tailored recommendations always requires a thorough and personal consultation. Tax law is relevant before, during, and after your move to Austria.
In Tyrol, internationally experienced tax advisors are available to support you, and contacting them from abroad is usually straightforward. To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to clarify the expected costs in advance. Based on experience, the initial consultation – intended as a first meeting to get to know each other – is often free of charge, but this should also be confirmed beforehand.
The Chamber of Labour Tyrol (AK Tirol) also offers tax-related advice to its members. Membership is established automatically upon commencement of employment in Tyrol – with a few exceptions regulated by law – and entitles members to free (initial) consultations on various topics, including tax law.
In summary:
Clarifying essential tax matters before relocating to Austria can help international professionals avoid complications and make informed decisions – ideally with support from qualified advisors.
Key questions include:
Introductory information (not exhaustive and does not replace individual consultation):
*The so-called “limited tax liability” can also be relevant in certain cases. However, due to capacity constraints, this form of tax liability is not covered here. An individual case assessment by a qualified advisor is recommended.
**Please note that these FAQs do not cover self-employment (e.g. as a sideline) or any associated regulations.
Apartments in Austria are usually offered directly by landlords or through real estate agents.
In principle, rental contracts can be concluded for either a fixed or an indefinite period. For fixed-term rental agreements, the rental period is specified in the contract. This period may vary, but for certain types of rental properties, it must be at least three years. Whether and when termination options are available for fixed-term contracts depends on the applicable legal regulations and the terms of the rental agreement.Initial tips
The following service providers and institutions offer further information, tips and advice:
Additional tip: If you are considering purchasing property, we strongly recommend seeking individual legal advice in advance.
In principle, anyone who moves into a dwelling is required to register themselves with the relevant registration authority. This must be done within three days of moving in.
Each person must fill out a separate registration form. Children and young people under the age of 18 must generally be registered by the person responsible for their care and upbringing. In certain cases, such as when minors are to be registered at an address where they are accommodated alone with persons who are not responsible for their care and upbringing, different rules may apply.
The registration authority will issue one registration confirmation (“Meldebestätigung”) for each person upon application if the necessary documents are provided.
As the residence registration (“Wohnsitzmeldung”) has legal relevance in various respects, it is important to carry it out in compliance with regulations and to keep it up to date (in particular, to notify the authorities of relevant changes, such as moving out of the apartment, in due time and form).
There are also registration obligations to be observed for stays in accommodation establishments (“Beherbergungsbetriebe”, e.g. hotels, guest houses, B&Bs), these are regulated separately. The law also provides for few specific exceptions to the residence registration requirement.
Of course, in addition to registering at the address of residence, other “registration obligations” may be relevant, such as applying for a Registration Certificate (see “Right of residence and access to the labor market for EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss nationals” above).
Examples of websites on the subject (further information):
Advice is also available if required:
The relevant registration authority (see link “Authority search” above),
Austrian statutory social insurance consists of the following branches in particular:
Unemployment insurance is also considered part of the system in a broader sense, although it is administered by the Public Employment Service (AMS).
Austrian social insurance is structured as a compulsory insurance system. This means that insurance usually comes into force automatically if certain conditions are met. When this is the case and for which branch(es) of social insurance is regulated by law.
Employees are included in all of the aforementioned branches of social insurance if the requirements are met.
Marginal employment relationships (“geringfügige Beschäftigung”), self-employed activities (for example, as a secondary occupation), or options for voluntary insurance are not covered in these FAQs.
Which social health insurance (ÖGK/BVAEB) is responsible for employees depends on the employer and the professional activity carried out.
As a rule, the employer is responsible for registering the employee for social security and transferring the social security contributions. However, there are indeed cases where the situation may be different. Cross-border cases, for example, should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
However, please note that it is generally advisable to clarify one’s own social security situation in a timely and comprehensive manner, since different provisions of the applicable social security law must be observed depending on the individual circumstances, and the range of services provided by the individual social security institutions also differs.
Tax advisors and lawyers, for example, offer advice. Some service centers, such as the “Europaberatung” of the Tyrolean Chamber of Labour (“Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte”), are also available to answer questions from their respective target groups.
Examples of websites on the topic:
Kammer der Steuerberater:innen und Wirtschaftsprüfer:innen
You can complement statutory social insurance with private coverage. The cost-benefit decision is individual, and Tyrolean insurance brokers are happy to advise you.
A few tips:
People insured in Austria use the e-card to access benefits under the social health insurance system. The e-card, for example, is presented when you visit a doctor or undergo other medical treatment and proves your health insurance coverage. However, you can go to the doctor in Austria with your social security number even before you possess your e-card.
Please note: The e-card is not automatically sent to insured persons in all cases. A photo must be attached to every newly issued e-card for persons aged 14 and over.
Therefore, you should check whether you need to take a photo to the registration office (by appointment) to get the e-card, or whether the social security administration already has a photo and your e-card will be issued automatically. As a rule, an online appointment is required to submit the photo. For further information, see the link below “How to add your photo to the e-card…”.
Examples of websites on the subject:
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is located on the back of the e-card. This is used to claim medical services during a temporary stay (e.g. vacation) in EU member states and certain other countries.
However, it is possible that it may be printed with “*******” and is therefore not yet valid. But even apart from that, the EHIC is not valid in all cases.
Therefore, find out more about the validity requirements and the scope of benefits covered by the EHIC and other options for social health insurance cover for trips abroad from your social insurance provider. Close any potential coverage gaps with private insurance.
Examples of websites on the subject:
Under certain conditions, persons with health insurance in Austria can co-insure family members. ÖGK and BVAEB in particular provide information on this.
Examples of websites on the subject:
However, we strongly recommend that you clarify the legal (including social security) situation of relatives separately and comprehensively, as all aspects must be taken into account (e.g. whether they are working themselves, in Austria or abroad, etc.) and therefore different or other legal provisions may have to be observed.
Tip: Sufficient health insurance coverage is regularly also relevant for residence rights – make sure to check the specific requirements in good time.
Insured persons in Austria are generally free to choose their doctor. Whether and to what extent the costs of medical treatment are covered by the responsible social insurance institution depends on its regulations (ÖGK/BVAEB).
The distinction between statutory health insurance physicians (“Kassenärzte”), elective physicians (“Wahlärzte”) and private physicians (“Privatärzte”) also plays an important role. The comparatively most extensive cost coverage by the social insurance provider can generally be expected for treatment by statutory health insurance physicians (the applicable conditions of the respective social insurance provider are decisive).
Examples of websites on the topic:
To find a new doctor for you, ask the practice in question if they would accept you as a patient and give you an appointment.
Examples of websites on the topic:
Tip: Search for suitable medical practices early to check whether they accept new patients. Due to high demand, some practices may temporarily stop accepting new patients, so a more thorough search might be necessary.
With regard to vehicles that are to be or have been brought into Austria from abroad, there are detailed regulations and deadlines to be observed. We recommend that you obtain detailed information on the regulations in advance (before you bring a vehicle to Austria or drive a vehicle in Austria) in order to avoid surprises with regard to the sometimes very high costs to be expected (e.g. standard consumption tax NoVA on vehicle registration, customs duties, import sales tax, etc.) and to avoid the risk of severe penalties (e.g. because a vehicle with a foreign license plate is being used illegally, import regulations, customs duties or taxes have not been complied with, etc.).
Advice can be obtained from motorists’ clubs, for example. In Tirol, among others, the
offer advice. Membership is a prerequisite.
It is advisable to obtain comprehensive information about driving licenses (validity in Austria, necessary steps, etc.) before driving a vehicle in Austria. Different legal regulations apply depending on the individual situation.
Driving licenses issued outside the EEA* are only valid in Austria for a limited period of time or (in the case of some – not so few – countries) are not recognised in Austria and therefore cannot be used here at all.
You should therefore check whether your foreign driver’s license is recognised in Austria for a limited period of time and, if so, whether you have to meet any special requirements for its limited validity (e.g. additional documents may be required, age requirements must be met, etc.). If the temporary validity in Austria is given, also clarify until when this is specifically the case.
If the relevant legal requirements are met, the driving license issued outside the EEA can be converted into an Austrian driving license in order to obtain a long-term valid driving license in Austria (as mentioned above, the foreign driving license is only valid in Austria for a short time or not at all). Depending on the country in which the foreign driving license was issued, also a practical driving test may be required.
The competent authority for the conversion of a driving license is the driving license authority (“Führerscheinbehörde”). Please note that, in general, only valid foreign driving licenses can be converted, as expired deadlines from the country of origin must also be observed in Austria. However, if your driving license has expired, find out (immediately) whether there is an exception that can be applied to you.
Holders of EEA driving licenses* should also inform themselves about the requirements for valid driving licenses. Driver’s licenses issued by EEA countries are generally recognised in Austria without conversion if the general requirements (e.g. no expiration, holder clearly recognizable on the photo, all entries clearly legible) are met based on the current legal situation. Voluntary transfer is possible if the requirements are met (for the conversion to an EU photocard driving licence by 19 January 2033 see here). Please note, however, that special regulations and validity periods apply to driving licenses for categories C(C1) and D(D1)!
A comprehensive individual examination of your own legal situation (and, in case of doubt, the use of individual advice) is strongly recommended, as driving without a valid license can have serious consequences. One source of information is the driving license authority itself. The Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club (ÖAMTC) and the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Cyclist Association (ARBÖ) also offer advice, with the ÖAMTC in Innsbruck also offering advice in English.
Initial information on the subject:
Tip: If you need to take action, clarify in good time when you need to take which steps in order to avoid any disadvantages – official procedures can take time!
*Contracting states of the EEA are the 27 EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Last check of this article (validity of foreign driving licenses) for up-to-dateness: 23.4.2025
Tirol has a well-developed public transport network. Numerous bus and train lines cover both urban and rural areas, making it possible to get from A to B comfortably and in an environmentally friendly way.
Examples of relevant websites:
Tirol is an important transit region with numerous long-distance travel options. Innsbruck Airport offers scheduled and charter flights to many European cities and holiday destinations, while the well-developed motorway network and international rail connections link to European metropolitan areas. Please note that in Austria, all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. Tolls are paid in the form of a vignette, “GO toll”, or route toll.
Examples of relevant websites:
In Tirol, season and annual tickets for public transport are available. Particularly noteworthy are the Climate Ticket Austria and the Climate Ticket Tirol, which allow cost-effective use of public transport nationwide or within the region.
Examples of relevant websites:
Examples of online ticket shops:
In public transport, Tirol also offers numerous combined options such as carsharing, park & ride and bike transport possibilities to ensure seamless mobility. These offers make it increasingly convenient to switch from private cars to public transport.
Examples of relevant websites:
With card network offers such as the Tirol Regio-Card, the Freizeitticket Tirol and the Snowcard Tirol, as well as season and time-limited tickets in the over 80 ski areas, numerous cable cars and many other leisure activities can be used year-round.
For outdoor enthusiasts, these offers are the most relaxed and efficient way to enjoy Tirol’s excellent leisure infrastructure.
Examples of relevant websites:
German is the official language in Austria. In order to find your way in everyday and professional life, it is a great advantage to be able to speak German.
German courses therefore play an important role in integration in Tirol. Knowledge of the local language breaks down cultural barriers and significantly improves opportunities on the job market.
In Tirol, there are various subsidies for the costs of attending German courses. Each subsidy is subject to individual requirements.
The “Blue Federal Voucher” (“Blauer Bundesgutschein”), the “Bildungsgeld Update”, the “Individualförderung des Amts der Tiroler Landesregierung” and the “Weiterbildungsbonus Tirol” are some examples of subsidies that often come into play. Also ask your employer whether they have any special information or offers for you. If you have any questions or uncertainties, it is advisable to contact the relevant funding body or a body that provides advice on this topic (e.g. the “Kammer für Arbeiter und Angestellte Tirol”, see below for contact details).
The ÖIF (Austrian Integration Fund), for example, offers free German courses.
Examples of websites on the subject:
Check your documents and ID cards in connection with the move to Austria (e.g. validity, change of address requirements).
Please also note, that EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens who hold a Registration Certificate (“Anmeldebescheinigung”) or a Certificate of Permanent Residence (“Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts”)” can obtain a photo ID for EEA citizens in the format of a bank card issued as an identity document in Austria.
Examples of websites on the subject:
Among other things, ID Austria makes it possible to identify yourself securely online and use digital services. With the help of ID Austria, some official procedures can also be completed online. Please check for yourself whether the ID Austria is relevant for you.
Examples of websites on this topic:
If you have an animal that you would like to bring to Tirol, check the requirements for the transportation, export, import to Austria and keeping of your animal (in Tirol) in good time before moving to Austria. Make sure you comply with the legal regulations and deadlines. For example, a tax is required for keeping dogs.
Information on importing and keeping animals can be obtained from the Tyrolean official veterinarians, for example.
Examples of websites on the subject:
In connection with moving to Austria, it is advisable to check your insurance cover. There are a number of private insurances that may be important for you (in addition to the coverage provided by the social security system). Examples include liability insurance, household insurance, supplementary health insurance, private accident insurance (e.g. to compensate for damages caused by a leisure accident), occupational disability insurance and life insurance.
Austrian insurance brokers (“Versicherungsmakler” und “Versicherungsmaklerinnen”), for example, are available to advise you. Insurance brokers are experts who compare insurance products from different providers and offer suitable solutions for their customers.
Tip: Observe existing legal regulations (e.g. with regard to health insurance cover), but also make sure in general that there are no dangerous gaps in your insurance cover (e.g. during the relocation period).
The “ORF-Beitrag” (contribution fee) is a fee that is payable by the majority of Austrian households and serves to finance the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF).
In principle, the “ORF-Beitrag” must be paid for each calendar month for every address in Austria at which at least one person of legal age is registered as a main resident in the Central Register of Residents.
Exemption from the obligation to pay the “ORF-Beitrag” is possible upon application if the legal requirements are met.
There are also (very few) statutory exceptions to the payment obligation (e.g. in connection with an existing business obligation to pay the contribution fee for the address in question).
Relevant changes must be reported and if an existing contribution obligation ends, an active deregistration via the “ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH” website (see below) is required in order to terminate the collection of the “ORF-Beitrag”.
Examples of websites on the subject (further and more detailed information):
Exception from the obligation to pay the ORF-Beitrag, Bundeskanzleramt Österreich (in German)
These are the most important emergency numbers for Tirol:
Additional emergency services:
In Tirol, as in the whole of Austria, there are certain public holidays on which stores are generally closed. Here are the public holidays in Tirol:
The usual opening hours of stores in Tirol vary, but are generally as follows:
Monday through Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
These opening hours may vary depending on the type of store and location (e.g. city centre, rural areas). Large shopping centres and supermarkets often have longer opening hours, while smaller stores in rural areas may close earlier. Most stores are closed on public holidays.
Please note that these FAQs do not cover all topics and steps relevant to a move. This is not possible for reasons of scope, but also because every situation and every move is different.
Depending on your country of origin and individual situation, there may be very different things and regulations to be dealt with and observed. The general information provided here only covers selected topics that are particularly frequently requested based on the authors’ experience. However, it is still necessary to check whether this information applies to your own, individual situation and to research other relevant topics, information and to-dos.
The content of this website has been created and is maintained with the utmost care. However, we do not guarantee or accept liability for the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or functionality of the content and the information provided. The provided information does not replace legal advice. The use of this content is at your own risk.
The content of external websites to which we directly or indirectly refer (e.g., via links) is outside our area of responsibility, and we do not endorse it. We are not liable for any content or especially for damages arising from the use of information accessible on the linked websites.
Furthermore, we are not liable for information or advice provided by third parties.
