Life in Austria

Attention! The Anmeldebescheinigung is not equivalent to a residence permit in Austria, but this term has been adopted into common language, so we also use this expression in the title. You can find more detailed information about this in the article. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who are entitled to stay in Austria for more than three months under EU law receive a registration certificate from the Austrian state. This permit is not automatic and must be applied for. The application must be submitted within four months of entering Austria. After five years of legal and continuous residence, one can acquire the right to a permanent residence permit. Who Can…

In the world of jewellery, silverware, and valuables, hallmarks play a crucial role, providing authentic information about the precious metal content and origin of objects. In Austria, the hallmarking system is subject to strict regulations, which make the precious metal product market transparent and secure. What is a Hallmark? A hallmark (in German: Punze or Feingehaltsstempel) is a stamp applied to jewellery or other precious metal objects that provides information about the fineness, or purity, of the precious metal. The numerical value in the hallmark expresses in per mille (‰) the proportion of the specified precious metal in the item. For example, “585” means that the object contains 58.5% gold.…

Austrian highway vignettes are essential for driving on motorways in Austria. But what happens if we forget to purchase the vignette before entering the motorway? Is there a grace period during which we can drive without a vignette without being fined? Unfortunately, the grace period is a myth. In Austria, there is no grace period for purchasing motorway vignettes. If you drive onto the motorway without a vignette, you can expect a fine. The amount of the fine varies depending on the type of vignette and the duration of driving without a vignette. If someone is caught on Austrian highways or expressways without a valid sticker, an immediate on-site fine…

The Austrian income tax (Einkommensteuer) is calculated using a progressive system with multiple tax brackets. The tax is determined annually, and every natural person with a registered residence in Austria is obligated to pay it, provided that a tax liability arises based on their annual income. Every natural person who has a residence in Austria is subject to income tax. By income, we mean the total amount of all revenue, reduced by special expenses, extraordinary burdens, and deductions for children. The tax rate is determined based on the income tax return. Note: The text appears to already be in UK English, so no translation was necessary. 2025 Income Tax Rates…

In Austria, all vehicles participating in traffic must have mandatory liability insurance that covers the damages caused. In accordance with Austrian legal regulations, every vehicle owner must ensure the presence of liability insurance. This insurance primarily covers damages caused to third parties while driving a vehicle, whether material or personal injury. Since every perpetrator is liable with their entire assets for damages, the existence of insurance is of paramount importance. Minimum Coverage Amount According to Austrian law, motor third-party liability insurance must cover damages at least £6.5 million, with insurance companies potentially offering higher amounts. The minimum coverage amount ensures that adequate compensation is available even in the case of…

In Austria, the legal health insurance covers almost the entire population (99.9 percent). This system provides comprehensive protection for insured individuals and their dependents in case of illness. Note: Since the text is already in UK English, no translation was necessary. Currently in Austria, the following insurance companies operate, which cannot be chosen but are organized based on occupations, and thus the insurance is allocated to the specific person to be insured: Austrian Health Insurance Fund, ÖGK – Austrian Health Insurance Fund Insurance Institution for Public Employees, Railways and Mining BVAEB – Insurance Institute for Public Servants, Railway Workers and Miners Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed, SVS – Social…

In Austria, the value-added tax (VAT, Mehrwertsteuer) system applies multiple tax rates to different products and services. The most important tax rates are the 20% standard tax rate, as well as the 10% and 13% reduced tax rates. In this article, we will review in which cases these reduced rates can be applied and what conditions apply to them. Standard Tax Rate: 20% (Note: Since the original text was already in English, no translation was necessary.) The 20% standard tax rate applies to most products and services in Austria. This is the standard tax rate that is used by default, unless the law provides otherwise. Note: The text appears to…

Drink driving is a serious hazard on the roads, as alcohol significantly impairs reaction time and driving abilities. In Austria, strict legal regulations protect road safety, which include not only fines but also licence suspension and mandatory retraining. This article provides a detailed overview of the legal consequences and official procedures for drink driving. According to the law in Austria, the permitted blood alcohol level is less than 0.5 per mille. Drivers with probationary licenses, as well as truck and bus drivers, are subject to even stricter rules: for them, the limit is only 0.1 per mille. (Note: The text appears to already be in UK English, so no translation…

The e-card is the electronic card of Austrian social insurance, which is essential for accessing healthcare services in Austria. The purpose of the e-card system is to simplify administrative processes, ensure the protection of patient data, and make healthcare more efficient. You can find the official e-card website here in German. (Note: The text was already in English, so no translation was necessary.) History and Introduction The introduction of the e-card system was part of the modernisation of the Austrian healthcare system, which began in the early 2000s. The Austrian government’s goal was to create an integrated system capable of managing health data, providing quick and secure access to healthcare…

In Austria, parents raising children, regardless of their employment or income, are entitled to family allowance. (Note: The text appears to already be in UK English, so no translation was necessary.) Until what age is Austrian family allowance provided? By default, family allowance is provided until the child is 19 years old. If the child is still studying (higher education, vocational training, further education, etc.), it is provided until a maximum of 24 years of age. The child’s income does not count until the age of 19; from 20 years old, their total taxable income must not exceed £15,000 per year. What is considered taxable income for family allowance purposes…