Anmeldebescheinigung in Austria: Is It a Residence Permit?

Important: Anmeldebescheinigung is not the same as a residence permit in Austria. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, so this article explains the difference and the application process.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who have a right under EU law to stay in Austria for more than three months can receive an Anmeldebescheinigung, meaning a registration certificate, from the Austrian authorities. It is not issued automatically: you must apply for it within four months of entering Austria. After five years of lawful and continuous residence, you may acquire the right to Daueraufenthalt, meaning a residence permit.

Who can receive an Anmeldebescheinigung?

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who want to stay in Austria for more than three months may apply if they:

• Are employed or self-employed in Austria.
• Have sufficient means of subsistence for themselves and their family members, as well as comprehensive health insurance.
• Are primarily studying or completing vocational training at a public or recognised private school or educational institution, and have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their family members.
• Meet the conditions that demonstrate to the Austrian state that they will not become dependent on social assistance during their stay.

The certificate must be requested for both a main residence and a secondary residence.

Deadline and application process

You must register your stay within four months of entering Austria with the responsible BH (Bezirkshauptmannschaft), the competent immigration authority. If all requirements are met, the authority issues the registration certificate. Collection may be in person; in one case, the BH informed the applicants of the appointment by letter.

The application and supporting documents must be submitted to the responsible BH. In one case, the documents were placed in the official mailbox outside the BH in Hartberg. The required form can also be downloaded online. For children under 14, the legal representative must submit the application.

If you need help with the administration or want more information about the subject, contact us.

Which documents are required?

• One completed form per person.
• Valid identity card or passport.
• Rental agreement; for property owners, an extract from the land register or a housing-use agreement.
• Translated and certified birth certificate.
• Proof of address registration (Meldezettel).
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance in Austria.
• Proof of secured means of subsistence, such as an employment contract, business licence or bank statement; companies may provide an income confirmation from their Austrian accountant.
• The last 3 payslips.
• Marriage certificate or proof of a registered partnership, including a translation.
• Proof of admission to a school or educational institution, comprehensive health insurance, and a declaration or other proof of adequate means of subsistence. For pupils and students, this may include proof of school enrolment or a certificate of enrolment.
• Some applicants have also been asked for a certificate of good conduct with a German translation, so this may also be required.

The fee for issuing the Anmeldebescheinigung is 15 EUR.

Translations must be certified. Failure to register may result in an administrative fine. Lack of knowledge of the rules is not a reason to avoid the penalty.

Practical steps

1. Confirm that you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and that you meet the requirements for staying in Austria for more than three months.
2. Apply within four months of entering Austria at the responsible Bezirkshauptmannschaft.
3. Download and complete one application form for each person.
4. Collect the required identity, address, insurance, income, family-status and education documents.
5. Arrange certified translations where required, including a German translation of any certificate of good conduct if requested.
6. Submit the application and documents to the BH and pay the 15 EUR fee.
7. Attend the appointment to collect the certificate if the authority requires personal collection.