Life in Austria
Practical guide to living and working in Austria
Latest guides
Work & taxesIncome Tax in Austria 2026 and 2027: Tax Brackets, Tax-Free Threshold and Calculator
Austria uses a progressive income tax system, with different rates applied to successive portions of taxable income. Here are the 2026 and 2027 brackets, examples and key deductions.
Transport & drivingDrink-driving in Austria in 2026: alcohol limits, fines and licence suspension
Austria applies strict penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, including fines, licence suspension and mandatory courses or assessments. The rules also cover electric scooters from 1 May 2026.
HealthAustrian e-card 2026: Photo Card, Fees and Digital e-card
The Austrian e-card confirms your health insurance entitlement and is used at doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Find out about photo requirements, the 2026 fee and the digital e-card.
Residence & paperworkAustrian Citizenship in 2026 and Dual Citizenship
Austrian citizenship may be acquired by descent, birth or naturalisation. This guide explains the 2026 requirements, shortened routes and dual-citizenship rules.
Family & benefitsAustrian Family Allowance (Familienbeihilfe) 2026: Amounts, Eligibility and Applications
Austrian Familienbeihilfe is generally available to parents raising children, subject to residence, employment and education conditions. Here are the 2026 amounts and application steps.
Everyday lifeMoving Into a New Home in Austria: Phone, Internet, Cable and Parking
Moving home in Austria involves more than changing your address. Phone, internet, cable, ORF, parking and vehicle details may all require separate action.
Money & pricesInflation in Austria was 7.8% in 2023
According to the Osztrák Statisztikai Hivatal, Austria’s average annual inflation rate was 7.8% in 2023, down from 8.6% in 2022. Housing, energy, hospitality and food costs contributed most to the increase.
HousingBuilding in Austria: Construction Permits and Utility Connections
Building a house in Austria involves both planning permission and utility connections. Because rules differ between the nine federal provinces and municipalities, check the requirements before buying land.
Learn GermanGerman Vocabulary: Parts of the Head and Face (Der Kopf und das Gesicht)
Build your German vocabulary with this practical list of words for the head and face. Each entry includes the German article, plural form and an example sentence.
Work & taxesSeverance Pay in Austria in 2026: How Abfertigung neu Works
Austria’s Abfertigung neu system protects severance savings when employment ends or changes. Here is how contributions, eligibility, taxation and payment options work in 2026.
Transport & drivingSpeeding in Austria in 2026: Fines, Licence Suspension and Vehicle Confiscation
Austria has stricter speeding penalties, with higher fines from 2026 and possible vehicle seizure for extreme speeding. Here are the key rules for motorways, built-up areas and rural roads.
HealthAustrian e-card: How to Apply and Book an Appointment Online
The Austrian e-card is used to verify health insurance and access medical, hospital and pharmacy services. Find out how to arrange your photo registration and apply for the card online.
Residence & paperworkRot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus in Austria: family members and workers from non-EU countries
The Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus allows third-country nationals to settle and work throughout Austria. Find out who qualifies, what it costs in 2026 and how to apply.
Family & benefitsAustrian Pension and the “Minimum Pension” in 2026
Austria has no general statutory minimum pension. Instead, people with low pension and income may qualify for the Ausgleichszulage supplement.
Everyday lifeMoving Abroad from Austria: Deregistration and Essential Steps in 2026
Leaving Austria involves more than packing. Several services, registrations and contracts may need to be cancelled or updated, sometimes before your moving date.
Money & pricesKlimabonus 2024 in Austria: Amounts and How It Was Paid
The Klimabonus 2024 was paid according to where you lived in Austria, with final amounts ranging from 145€ to 290€. Here are the payment methods, regional categories and practical steps.
HousingHousing Support in Austria: How It Works in Each Province
Austria’s housing support system is managed by the nine Bundesländer, so eligibility and benefits vary by province. Learn about the main types of support and where to find current information.
Learn GermanGerman Vocabulary: Parts of the Neck and Torso
Build your German vocabulary with these words for parts of the neck and torso. Each entry includes the German article, plural form and an example sentence.
Work & taxesFamilienbonus Plus 2026: €2,000 tax credit per child and changes from 2027
The Familienbonus Plus reduces Austrian income tax by up to €2,000 per child under 18. The amount stays unchanged in 2027, but the sharing rules will change.
Transport & drivingAustrian motorway vignette 2026: Is there a grace period?
Austria has no grace period for driving on motorways without a valid vignette. Find the 2026 prices, replacement tolls and important digital-vignette rules.
HealthPflegestipendium 2026: AMS support for care and social care training
The Pflegestipendium provides a regular living allowance while you train for a care or social care profession in Austria. Find out who qualifies, how much you can receive and how to apply.
Residence & paperworkPermanent Residence in Austria: Rights, Proof and Fees in 2026
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally acquire the right of permanent residence in Austria after five years of lawful, uninterrupted residence. This guide explains the proof, authorities, fees and practical application steps.
Family & benefitsVolksschule enrolment in Austria: A guide for families
Volksschule is Austria’s four-year primary school for children aged approximately 6 to 10. This guide explains enrolment, required documents, school hours and German-language support.
Everyday lifeMoving to Austria with Pets: What You Need to Know in 2026
Moving to Austria with a dog, cat or ferret involves several requirements before and after arrival. This 2026 guide covers pet passports, dog tax, registration and local rules.