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🇦🇹

Austria

Capital: Vienna

Last verified: 2026-02-20

Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Key Registrations & Procedures

Residence Registration (Meldezettel)

Local Registration Office (Meldeamt)

Deadline: Register within 3 days of moving in
Processing Time: Same day — certificate issued immediately at the counter
💰Fees: Free
📅Appointment: No appointment needed. Walk-in at any Meldeamt during office hours.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or national ID card
  • Completed Meldezettel form (get from Meldeamt or download online)
  • Landlord's signature on the Meldezettel (Unterkunftgeber section) — your landlord must sign before you go
  • Rental contract (Mietvertrag) — recommended but not always required
Where to Do It:

Any Meldeamt (registration office) in your district. In Vienna, these are in each Bezirk's Magistratisches Bezirksamt. In other cities, go to the Gemeindeamt or Stadtamt.

If You Don't Do It:

Fines of up to approximately €726 for late or missing registration. Landlords who refuse to sign can also be fined. Without a Meldezettel, you may not be able to open a bank account, get a phone contract, or register for social insurance.

Regional Variations: Vienna has MA 35; other states have local immigration offices. Required nationwide, even for short stays.
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Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung)

MA 35 - Immigration Office (Vienna) or local BH/Magistrat

Deadline: Apply within 4 months of arrival for stays over 3 months
Processing Time: 2–4 weeks processing. Certificate valid for 5 years.
💰Fees: €15 application fee
📅Appointment: Required in Vienna (book online at MA 35 website). Other states vary — check your local BH.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card
  • Meldezettel (proof of registered address)
  • Proof of employment (e.g., Dienstvertrag/employment contract) OR proof of self-employment OR proof of sufficient funds (bank statement showing ~€1,200/month)
  • Health insurance confirmation (e-Card or private insurance)
  • Passport-sized photo (some offices require one)
Where to Do It:

In Vienna: MA 35 (Am Tabor 18, 1020 Wien). Outside Vienna: your district's Bezirkshauptmannschaft (BH) or Magistrat. EU/EEA citizens only — non-EU nationals apply for a different residence permit.

If You Don't Do It:

Fines of up to approximately €250 for missing the 4-month deadline. Without it, you may face issues with employment verification, banking, and accessing certain services.

Regional Variations: Vienna has centralized MA 35; other Bundesländer handle this at local district authorities (BH).
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Tax Number (Steuernummer)

Local Tax Office (Finanzamt)

Deadline: Apply when starting employment or self-employment. Employers usually handle this.
Processing Time: 2–4 weeks by post. Can take longer in busy periods.
💰Fees: Free
📅Appointment: No appointment needed for simple applications. Can apply by mail or in person.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport or ID card
  • Meldezettel (residence registration)
  • Employment contract (if employed) or business registration (if self-employed)
  • Completed tax registration form (Fragebogen) — available at Finanzamt or online via FinanzOnline
Where to Do It:

Your local Finanzamt, determined by your registered address. You can also register online via FinanzOnline (finanzonline.bmf.gv.at) if you have a mobile phone signature (Handy-Signatur).

If You Don't Do It:

No direct fine, but without a Steuernummer you may not be able to be legally employed or file taxes. Your employer may not be able to process your payroll.

Regional Variations: Assigned by local Finanzamt based on residence. The office you use depends on your Bezirk.
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