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Moving to Austria as an EU or EEA citizen requires completing several official registrations. This guide covers the three mandatory steps: registering your address at the Meldeamt (Anmeldung), obtaining a Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) as an EU citizen, and registering for an Austrian tax number (Steuernummer) with the Finanzamt. Austria requires address registration within three days of moving in. All procedures are explained with required documents, fees, processing times, and office locations.

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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 Bundeslander 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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