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).
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 rented out either directly by landlords or through real estate agents.
In principle, rental agreements can be concluded for either a fixed or an indefinite period. For many rental properties, Austrian tenancy law prescribes minimum fixed terms that are typically three or five years, depending on the type of tenancy and the legal status of the landlord.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 takes up accommodation in a dwelling is required to register with the competent registration authority within three days.
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 a 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):
The relevant registration authority (see link “Authority search” above)
Austrian statutory social insurance consists of the following branches in particular:
Unemployment insurance (“Arbeitslosenversicherung”) is also considered part of the system in a broader sense, although it is administered by the Public Employment Service (AMS – “Arbeitsmarktservice”).
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 which branch(es) of social insurance apply 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 remitting the social security contributions. However, there are indeed cases where the situation may be different. Cross-border situations, for example, should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
However, please note that it is generally advisable to clarify your social security situation in a timely and comprehensive manner. Different social security rules may apply depending on an individual’s circumstances, and the benefits and services provided by the various social insurance institutions may also differ.
Professional advice is available from tax advisors and lawyers, for example. In addition, 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
Private supplementary insurance is a frequently used addition to statutory social security coverage. The Tyrolean insurance brokers will be happy to advise you upon request.
Here are a few additional tips:
Persons covered by Austria’s statutory health insurance system use the so-called e-card to access healthcare services covered by social health insurance. The e-card is a plastic card in credit card format and must be presented when visiting a doctor or receiving other medical treatment in order to prove valid health insurance coverage.
If a patient consults a contracted doctor of their health insurance provider (commonly referred to in practice as a Kassenärztin/Kassenarzt), the treatment costs are generally billed directly to the health insurance provider. The insured person therefore does not have to pay for the treatment, except for any applicable deductibles, statutory co-payments, services for which the relevant eligibility requirements are not met, or services that are not covered by the health insurance provider.
If, on the other hand, a patient consults an elective doctor (Wahlärztin/Wahlarzt), that is, a physician who does not provide the relevant services under a contract with the responsible health insurance provider, the invoice must at least initially be paid by the patient. However, it is generally possible to submit the invoice to the health insurance provider for a (partial) reimbursement, or to have it submitted directly by the physician’s practice. Whether reimbursement is available and, if so, to what extent, depends on the applicable legal provisions. Finally, there are also purely private medical services that are generally not eligible for reimbursement (for links to websites with further information, see the section “Doctor Search & Selection” below).
The e-card should be brought to every doctor’s appointment.
Please note: You may visit a doctor before receiving your e-card, provided that you can present your social insurance number and an official photo ID. However, this option is only available for a limited period. Further information is available under the link “How to add your photo to the e-card…” below.
Important: The e-card is not always issued automatically! Newly issued e-cards must contain a photo. However, children under the age of 14, persons aged 70 and over, and recipients of long-term care allowance (Pflegegeld) levels 4 to 7 are exempt from this photo requirement.
The authorities only have a photo on file if the person concerned possesses an Austrian passport, identity card, credit card-sized driving licence, ID Austria, or a document recorded in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals (e.g. a residence permit for third-country nationals). Otherwise, no suitable photo is available to the authorities. In such cases, a photo meeting the official requirements, together with any other required documents, must be submitted to a registration office in order for the e-card to be issued and delivered.
Please note that the authorities do not send any notification or invitation to submit a photo. Instead, it is necessary to book an appointment online and bring the required documents with you. Further information can be found via the link “How to add your photo to the e-card…” below.
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. a vacation) in EU member states and certain other countries.
However, the EHIC fields may be printed with “*******”, making the EHIC invalid. But even apart from that, the EHIC is not valid in all cases.
For this reason, you should check with your responsible health insurance provider to obtain detailed information about the validity requirements, the scope of coverage provided by the EHIC, and other options for health insurance coverage when travelling abroad.
Tip: Please note that even a valid EHIC generally does not cover all costs. As a result, substantial non-reimbursable expenses may still arise. Any gaps in coverage should therefore be supplemented with private insurance.
Examples of websites on the subject:
Under certain conditions, persons who are covered by health insurance in Austria may co-insure certain family members free of charge or subject to an additional contribution.
Depending on the competent authority, binding information on eligibility and requirements is provided by the ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance Fund) and the BVAEB (Insurance Institution for Public Sector Employees, Railways and Mining Industry).
Examples of websites on the subject:
In Austria, patients generally have a free choice of doctor. Whether and to what extent the costs of medical treatment are covered by the relevant health insurance provider (particularly ÖGK/BVAEB) depends on their specific regulations.
Furthermore, the distinction between contracted doctors (Kassenärzt:innen) and elective doctors (Wahlärzt:innen) plays an important role. Statutory health insurance usually covers treatment costs most comprehensively with contracted doctors – meaning doctors who have an agreement with the relevant health insurance provider. With elective doctors patients generally have to pay for the treatment costs themselves upfront. However, an at least partial reimbursement can often be requested afterwards. Finally, there are also purely private medical services that are generally not eligible for reimbursement.
Ultimately, whether and to what extent coverage or reimbursement is possible is always determined by the specific regulations of the relevant health insurance provider.
Examples of websites on the topic:
When searching for doctors in private practice, it is necessary to check directly with your chosen doctor’s office whether they are currently accepting you as a patient.
Examples of websites on the topic:
Tips:
With regard to vehicles that are to be or have been brought into Austria from abroad, various detailed regulations and deadlines must be observed. We therefore strongly recommend that you inform yourself in advance – that is, before a vehicle is brought to Austria or driven here – about the regulations that apply to your individual situation.
This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises due to potentially significant costs that may arise, such as the standard consumption tax (NoVA) upon vehicle registration or, depending on the circumstances, possible charges like customs duties or import VAT. At the same time, it helps you avoid the risk of severe penalties, for example if a vehicle with a foreign license plate is used unlawfully or if relevant regulations on import, duties, taxes or other obligations are not complied with.
Advice can be obtained from motorists’ clubs, for example.
In Tirol, among others, the
offer advice. Membership is required.
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: 02.09.2026
Tirol has a well-developed public transport network. Numerous bus, train and tram services connect both urban and rural areas, making it easy to travel comfortably, efficiently 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 provide links to metropolitan areas across Europe.
Please note that in Austria, almost all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls (only a few specific sections are exempt). Tolls are paid in the form of a vignette, the GO toll, or a route toll.
Examples of relevant websites:
In Tirol, season and annual public transport passes are available. Particularly noteworthy, for example, are the Climate Ticket Austria (KlimaTicket Ö) and the Climate Ticket Tirol (KlimaTicket Tirol), which allow cost-effective use of public transport nationwide or within the region.
Examples of relevant websites:
Examples of online ticket shops:
Tirol also offers a wide range of alternative mobility options, such as e-car sharing, e-scooters, city bikes and Rail & Drive. These services support flexible and sustainable mobility.
Examples of relevant websites:
For outdoor enthusiasts, these offers provide a relaxed way to enjoy Tyrol’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:
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.
