New in Austria? What do I need to do first?
1Register your address
Register within 3 days of moving in at the registration authority (municipal office or city administration; in Vienna at any registration office). Bring an ID and the signed registration form.
2Clarify your residence status
If you are not from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland, you usually need a residence permit. The responsible authority is the residence authority for your place of residence (usually the district authority or the city administration; in Vienna, MA 35). Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland do not need a residence permit, but if they stay longer than three months they apply for a registration certificate. Pay attention to the deadlines in your documents.
3Sort out health insurance
Find out early how you will be insured (for example through your employer with ÖGK). You need the e-card when you see a doctor.
4Learn German and get advice
Sign up for a German course early. Services are offered, for example, by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), which is present in all federal states; some services are only available to certain groups of people.
5Documents and help
Keep copies of all important documents (passport, birth certificate, diplomas). For questions about forms and public offices, Behördenkompass can help you.
All information is provided without guarantee. The statements of the responsible authorities are decisive.