US Embassy Vienna Austria
US Embassy Vienna
About the EmbassyAbout The USPolicy and Issues
HomeSitemapSearchGerman
Die Botschaft
 Quick Links

American Citizen
 Services


U.S. Visa Information

Immigrant Visa Section

Travel to the U.S.

Study in the U.S.

Doing Business
 with the U.S.


GEI/SNAP Recruitment
 Services


Foreign Agricultural
 Service


America.gov

Press and Culture

U.S. Embassy Programs

American Reference
 Center


Publications

Fulbright Commission

Frequently Asked
 Questions


 Contact Us


About the Embassy
Consular Section


ESTABLISHING RESIDENCE IN AUSTRIA

RESIDENCE REGISTRATION AND DE-REGISTRATION

Persons establishing their residence in Austria, changing residence within Austria, or changing their primary residence (Hauptwohnsitz) must register to the responsible authority

Deadlines:
  • Registration: within three days
  • De-registration: within three days prior to or after moving


  • Responsible authority:
  • In the provinces: the residence registration service of the Municipal Offices (Gemeindeamt) or in cities with own statute the Municipal Authority (Magistrat)
  • .
  • In Vienna: the residence registration service of the Municipal District Office (Magistratisches Bezirksamt)
  • .

    Documents to be presented:
  • Travel document (e.g. passport)
  • Birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
  • optionally Documentary Proof of Academic Degrees (urkundlicher Nachweis akademischer Grade)
    Please note: In the case of a primary apartment leasehold, the "Meldezettel." (download application form) must be signed by the real estate management company. In the case of a sublet, by the primary leaseholder, and in the case of a condominium or house, by the owner.


  • You can register or de-register an existing registration
  • in person,
  • through a person whom you trust (using the original documents of the person obliged to register, or with a notarised copy of these documents), or
  • through the post (using the original documents of the person obliged to register, or with a notarised copy of these documents).


  • Registration by fax or e-mail is not currently permitted by law!

    TIP:
    Information about residence registration of a newborn is available in the chapter "After the Birth."

    Tourists staying at a hotel or hostel temporarily (up to 60 days) are asked to provide their personal data for the guest book (Gästebuch/Gästeblatt). Longer-term guests need to register with municipal authorities.

    Failure to comply with registration regulations may result in a fine or, if the fine cannot be paid by the individual concerned, in imprisonment of up to two weeks. Such fine or imprisonment is imposed in summary administrative proceedings by a police magistrate.

    NOTES ON OBTAINING AN AUSTRIAN VISA

    http://www.usembassy.at/en/embassy/cons/a_visa.htm

    AU PAIR INFO

    Au pairs (by definition, between the ages of 18 to 28) from non-EEA countries, including the U.S., are exempt from the provisions of the Law Governing the Employment of Foreigners (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz).

    Under Austrian Law, the host family is required to submit a formal notification of employment (Anzeige) in advance to the regional office of the Austrian labor authorities (Arbeitsmarktservice/AMS). Arrangements can be made through an agency authorized to sponsor au pairs (Au-Pair-Vermittlungen: http://www.ams.at/sfa/14106.html), or, in the case of private arrangements, information and forms may be accessed directly through the AMS homepage: http://www.ams.at/sfu/14186_1464.html.

    The labor authorities will issue a confirmation authorizing the employment (Anzeigebestätigung: http://www.ams.at/_docs/Anzeigebestaetigung_AB_A_AuPair_4_7-2007_V04-09.pdf) upon submission of the formal notification request (Anzeige) and a contract of employment (Au-Pair-Vertrag: http://www.ams.at/_docs/Au-pair-Mustervertrag_08.pdf).

    The Austrian residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung für den Aufenthaltzweck Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit) can generally only be applied for and obtained outside of Austria at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate by submitting the labor office confirmation (some nationalities, including American citizens, may also apply within Austria upon arrival, at the Bezirkshauptmannschaft/Magistrat). The maximum validity is 12 months, but renewal after 6 months is mandatory.

    EMPLOYMENT IN AUSTRIA

    Under most circumstances it is very difficult for foreigners to obtain employment in Austria. This is particularly true at the present time given the current tight labor market in Austria. Employment by non-Austrians is generally discouraged and no one other than an Austrian national may accept a position here without first obtaining a work permit. Work permits are difficult to obtain and are usually granted only to persons qualified to fill posts in specialized fields for which Austrian nationals or other EU-nationals are not available. (Work permits are granted with less stringent requirements to persons married to Austrian citizens and other EU-nationals.)

    The employer may apply for the required work permit from the labor office (Arbeitsamt) serving the local area in which the employment will be located. Thus, it is necessary to find a specific prospective job before making an application for a work permit.

    The Embassy itself has very few positions, which can be filled locally. Preference for these positions is given to family members of U.S. Government employees. In general, recruiting for American-filled positions in Embassies and Consulates is done in Washington, D.C. and employees so recruited must be available for service anywhere in the world.

    Further information regarding this type of employment may be obtained from the:

    Employment Division/Department of State
    Washington, D.C. 20520

    or at the

    U.S. Embassy/Human Resources Section
    Boltzmanngasse 16
    1090 Vienna

    The Embassy has no information regarding specific positions available with private firms in Austria. In most circumstances, Austrian firms have little if any requirement for non-Austrian employees. Knowledge of the German language is indispensable for employment in the local labor market. Information regarding possible job openings may be obtained from local Austrian labor offices (Arbeitsamt). There are no private employment agencies in Austria. Most American firms here have only minimal numbers of American employees.

    Americans who come to Austria with pre-arranged employment should ensure that arrangements have been completed for approval of the work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis). The necessary residence visa (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) can be applied for at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate outside of Austria before leaving for Austria or locally, in Austria.

    Teaching English

    Native speakers without formal teaching qualifications can often find work giving private English lessons and at adult education institutes (Volkhochschulen). You will find these listed in your local telephone book or by visiting the website of the Verband Österreichischer Volkshochschulen, association of Austrian adult education institutes.

    If you are interested in becoming a teacher of English it is possible to do a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adult speakers of other languages (CELTA) in Austria. This is an internationally recognized qualification, administered by the University of Cambridge. For further details, visit the CELTA pages on the University of Cambridge ESOL examinations website.

    CRIME VICTIMS COMPENSATION

    http://www.usembassy.at/en/embassy/cons/compens.htm

    CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

    American citizens who establish residence in Austria and who can prove that they lived outside the European Union for a consecutive period of at least twelve months, may import their household goods, furniture and clothing into Austria duty free.
    They may also import their automobile(s) duty free, provided the vehicle(s) has (have) been in their possession and use for a minimum of six months prior to the date of shipment. Otherwise, a 10 per cent customs duty (Zoll), a 20 per cent value added tax (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer), and a fuel consumption tax (NoVA/Normverbrauchsabgabe), ranging between 0 and 16 percent, is payable.
    The amount of duty and taxes depends on the origin of the vehicle(s). In the event the automobile(s) were imported duty and tax free as described above (minimum of six months in possession and use of importing owner prior to entry into Austria), such automobiles may not be sold in Austria within a one-year period from the date Austrian customs clearance was obtained, unless duty and taxes (as described above) are paid prior to the sale.

    For further information and publications, please contact the Hauptzollamt Wien at (43) (1) 79590-0 or access the Austrian Ministry of Finance homepage.

    TAXES

    U.S. TAX ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
    There is no IRS office in Austria.

    For immediate assistance from a taxpayer specialist, you can call, fax or email the International Customer Service Site located in Philadelphia. The Service Site is open Monday through Friday, for 20 hours each day, from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM, Eastern Time. The customer service representatives there can be contacted as follows:
    Tel: 001 215 516 2000
    Fax: 001 215 516 2555 E-mail inquiries: http://www.irs.gov/help/page/0,,id=133197,00.html.

    Inquiries regarding taxpayer identification numbers should be made at Tel: 001 215 516 4846
    Fax: 001 215 516 3271

    All inquiries must be in the English language.

    The IRS office in Frankfurt will accept tax returns, tax payments, W-7 applications, and taxpayer correspondence. Our mailing address is:
    U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt
    Internal Revenue Service
    Giessener Str. 30
    60435 Frankfurt/Main
    Tel: 49 69 7535-3834
    Fax: 49 69 7535-3803
    E-mail: irsfrankfurtmailbox@irs.gov

    This e-mail address is now available for taxpayer, Consulate or Embassy use. We will respond to questions, or requests for forms, publications or instructions. Please be sure to include all contact information when requesting some sort of a response.

    All papers sent to IRS Frankfurt will be routed to the proper office in the United States via regular mail.

    Important Tax Information for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

    Selected IRS forms are normally available end-February at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy, Parkring 12a, 1010 Vienna, Tel.: 313 39 - 7546.
    The IRS in Philadelphia can be reached at the following telephone number:
    [001] (215) 516 2000.

    TAX FORMS VIA THE WORLD-WIDE-WEB:

    Internal Revenue Service

    For local assistance, inquirers may wish to refer to the following private services to American citizens abroad (Please note that the Embassy can take no responsibility for their performance. Clients should inquire about the fee before engaging an adviser.):

    In Austria:

    Dr. Harald Weiler
    Certified U.S. Public Accountant
    Kärntnerstrasse 8, 1010 Vienna
    Tel. 512 26 76
    Fax 512 26 76 44
    E-mail: office@weiler.at

    In the United States:

    Mr. Itzhak Cohen CPA
    30 East 9th Street Suite 3N
    New York, New York 10003
    Tel. (212) 979-8585
    Fax (212) 979-1515
    E-mail: cohencpa@gmail.com
    http://www.MyUScpa.com

    Ms. Sherry von Klitzing
    594 Hazelwood Point
    Morganton, GA 30560
    Tel. (239) 297-2200
    E-mail: svonklitzing@comast.net

    Mr. Arthur J. Lieb, CFP
    3704 Sleepy Hollow Road
    Falls Church, VA 22041
    Tel./Fax (703) 941 1816
    E-mail: alieb@cox.net


    In Germany:

    Denise C. Butler
    Im Weingarten 17
    D-53175 Bonn
    Tel. [0049](228) 914 8270
    Fax [0049](228) 914 8271
    E-mail: DeniseButler@ngi.de
    http://www.Tax-R-US.de

    Dominic C. Ferguson E.A.
    Ferguson Consulting International Limited
    Goethestrasse 58
    10625 Berlin
    Tel.: [0049] 30 3136056
    Fax: [0049] 30 3136061
    E-mail: mail@fergusonconsultingintl.com
    http://www.fergusonconsultingintl.com
    U.S. Tel.: +1 (888) 549-1116
    U.S. Fax: +1 (775) 205-8478

    Ines A. Voigt
    Certified Public Accountant
    Am Borsigturm 40
    13507 Berlin
    Tel.: [0049] 30 43774055
    Fax: [0049] 30 43774054
    E-mail: ines.voigt@cpa-berlin.com
    http://www.cpa-berlin.com

    In Hungary and Serbia:

    Mr. Les Edelman, J.D.
    Edelman Tax Services
    Tel. Budapest (0036) (70) 215 9267
    Tel. Belgrade (00381) (64) 376 2740
    E-mail: Les@edelmantax.com
    http://www.edelmantax.com

    In France:

    Ms. Marika Gibson, Director
    Gibson Expatriate Tax Services
    Tel. (0033) 1 426 427 95
    Fax (0033)1 426 427 17
    E-mail: mgibson@gibson-expat-tax.com
    http://www.gibson-expat-tax.com

    In Spain:

    John G. Kearins CPA JD
    Avenida Baviera 9
    Madrid 28028
    Tel. (0034) 91 726 2151
    E-mail: johnkearins@yahoo.com


    Personal taxes are levied on worldwide income for persons who are residents of Austria. For purposes of taxation, any person regardless of citizenship is considered a resident if living in Austria for more than half a year. General information from the Austrian Ministry of Finance is available online at http://english.bmf.gv.at/Publications/tax2005.pdf.

    In general, for or non-residents, only income earned in Austria is subject to Austrian taxation. However, income of persons moving to Austria from abroad may be partially exempt from foreign sources.
    There is a convention between the Republic of Austria and the United States of America for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income, which entered into force February 1, 1998. The text (in English and German) is available at http://ris1.bka.gv.at/bgbl-pdf/RequestDoc.aspx?path=bgblpdf/1998/1998c006.pdf&docid=1998c006.pdf

    More detailed information on taxation in Austria may be obtained directly from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abteilung IV/4, Himmelpfortgasse 3, 1010 Vienna.

    CURRENCY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE REGULATIONS

    Under the provisions of the Austrian Foreign Currency Law (Devisengesetz), residents of Austria are required to report their foreign assets to the Austrian National Bank and may dispose of these assets in whole or in part only with the consent of the Austrian National Bank. At present, consent is granted liberally.

    The unit of currency is the Euro, divided into 100 cents. Euro may be obtained at any Austrian bank. The rate of exchange fluctuates a bit from day to day. Railroad stations, airports, and most travel agencies and hotels also offer exchange services. In connection with tourist travel unlimited amounts of foreign exchange and Euro may be brought into the country and up to 7000 Euro or the equivalent amount in foreign exchange per person may be taken out of the country.

    For foreign exchange transactions in convertible currencies for the purpose of capital investment, purchase of real estate, tangible assets of securities or stocks of Austrian companies, transfers of profits, dividends, interests, license fees and realities as well as retransfers of investment capital please contact the Austrian Embassy, Austrian Consulate General or Austrian Trade Commission nearest you.

    HOUSING

    Hotel accommodations are usually easily found except at the height of the summer tourist season. Nevertheless, it may be advisable to make reservations prior to the departure for Austria. Detailed information on hotels and Bed & Breakfast (Pensionen) in Austria can be obtained from the Austrian National Tourist Office in New York.

    A successful method of obtaining living quarters is advertising in a local newspaper of large circulation or dealing through a real estate agent. This latter approach requires payment to the agent of an amount usually equivalent to one to six months' rent or up to five per cent of the purchase price. The employment of a real estate agent will save a lot of wear and tear, but one should exercise caution and understand the agent's commission requirements before entering into any agreement.

    Rents depend on the location, the standard of the building, and the available facilities. Rent laws and regulations are applicable in various cases, particularly to older buildings. As their provisions are a rather complex and often complicated matter, it may be advisable to seek legal advice before signing a rent agreement or lease.

    Rents for unfurnished apartments in Vienna or other major cities and towns may vary between $ 700 and $ 3,000 up per month for a two-bedroom apartment with bathroom and kitchen (utilities not included).

    PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE

    Purchase of real estate in Austria by foreigners has become more and more restricted in recent years. Jurisdiction in matters of real estate transactions remains with the provincial governments. In most provinces real estate purchases by foreigners are either prohibited or have to be approved by a governmental commission. Any real estate agent in Austria should be able to provide you with the details of local requirements and conditions.

    For detailed information, please see
    http://www.wien.gv.at/english/administration/civilstatus/immigration/landacquisition.htm
    l
    and http://www.bmeia.gv.at/up-media/2628_ausl_ndergrunderwerb.pdf.

    COST OF LIVING

    Living costs in Austria are difficult to evaluate. One cannot definitively state that the living cost in Austria is any particular percentage above or below that of the United States. Patterns of personal consumption and taste vary between the United States and Austria and between the rural areas of Austria and the large cities including Vienna.

    Reports of studies have appeared in the International Herald Tribune, however, which purport to show that Vienna is the sixth most expensive city in the world. In any event, one would be safe in concluding that the cost of living is generally more expensive in Austria than in the United States. As in most European countries, the cost of living in Austria is rising steadily.

    The current rate of exchange fluctuates around 1.20 Euro to the dollar. Food prices are probably somewhat higher than those in the United States. Canned goods, frozen goods, chicken and turkey, and some meats are more expensive in Austria. During winter months, fresh vegetables are in short supply and of limited variety. Manufactured items in Austria are generally more limited in selection and more expensive than in the United States.

    LEGAL HOLIDAYS (fixed and movable)

    http://www.usembassy.at/en/embassy/holidays.htm
    January 1; January 6; Easter Monday; May 1; Ascension Day; Whitmonday; Corpus Christi; August 15; October 26; November 1; December 8; December 25; December 26.

    SCHOOLS

    http://www.usembassy.at/en/embassy/cons/schools.htm

    MEDICAL INFORMATION

    http://www.usembassy.at/en/embassy/cons/med.htm
    There are an adequate number of hospitals available in Austria. Local hospitals will not settle their accounts directly with American insurance companies. The patient is obliged to pay the bill to the local hospital and later claim a refund from his insurance carrier in the United States. MEDICARE payments are not available outside the United States.

    PUBLIC HEALTH CONDITIONS

    Public Health Conditions in Vienna are excellent. The level of community sanitation in Vienna meets or exceeds that of most large American cities. Disease incidence and type are similar to that seen in the major cities of Western Europe and the United States. At the present time, air pollution is not a major health problem in Vienna.

    WATER in Austria is pure and safe to drink.

    HEALTH INSURANCE FOR NON-AUSTRIANS


    Any person, regardless of citizenship, who wants to take up residence in Austria, must be covered by some health insurance plan that covers full medical treatment in Austria. American citizens interested in joining the health insurance plan under the Austrian system should apply to the Health Insurance Agency (Gebietskrankenkasse) in the province (Land) where they reside. The monthly premium is 303 Euros. The premium may be increased if and when Austrian social security contributions are raised. The premium may be reduced in case of individual hardship.

    As health insurance coverage will start six months after joining the health insurance plan and in view of the fact that full health insurance coverage is a prerequisite for obtaining an Austrian visa, American citizens wishing to take up residence in Austria are advised to make appropriate arrangements well ahead in time.

    Further information may be obtained from the appropriate Gebietskrankenkasse. Inquiries should be directed to the office as listed below:

    For Vienna:
    Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Wienerbergstraße 15-19, 1101 Vienna, Tel: 60-122-0

    For Lower Austria:
    Niederösterreichische Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Dr. Karl-Renner-Promenade 14-16, 3100 St. Pölten, Tel:(02742) 899-0

    For Upper Austria:
    Oberösterreichische Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Gruberstraße 77, 4020 Linz, Tel: (0732) 7807-0

    For Burgenland:
    Burgenländische Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Esterhazyplatz 3, 7000 Eisenstadt, Tel: (02682) 608-0

    For Styria:
    Steiermärkische Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Josef-Pongratz-Platz 1, 8010 Graz, Tel: (0316) 8035-0

    For Carinthia:
    Kärntner Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Kempfstraße 8, 9020 Klagenfurt, Tel: (0463) 5855-0

    For Salzburg:
    Salzburger Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Faberstraße 19-23, 5020 Salzburg, Tel: (0662) 8889-0

    For Tyrol:
    Tiroler Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Klara-Pölt-Weg 2, 6020 Innsbruck, Tel: (0512) 5916-0

    For Vorarlberg:
    Vorarlberger Gebietskrankenkasse für Arbeiter und Angestellte
    Jahngasse 4, 6850 Dornbirn, Tel: (05572) 302-0

    MOTORING/DRIVER'S LICENSE

    A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. The U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an international driver's permit (obtainable in the U.S. from AAA) or by an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). This arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months of driving in Austria, after which all drivers must obtain an Austrian license.

    SPEED LIMITS

    100 km/h on highways; 130 km/h on freeways (Autobahn); 50 km/h in residential areas between the signs marking the city limits, if not otherwise posted.

    DRIVING ON THE AUTOBAHN AND EXPRESSWAYS (VIGNETTE)


    Austria requires all vehicles using the Autobahn to display a highway tax sticker Autobahn Vignette on the inside windshield of the vehicle. The sticker may be purchased at border crossings, gas stations in Austria, as well as small Tabak shops located in Austrian towns. Fines for failing to display a valid Autobahn vignette on the windshield of your car are usually around $200.00.

    Since the 1st of January 1997, Austria's motorways and expressways (Autobahnen und Schnellstrassen), which formerly were free of toll, can be used only after paying a time-restricted toll called VIGNETTE. This is a legal obligation, which everybody, Austrian citizens as well as foreigners, have to adhere to.

    To inform all foreign visitors at the border crossings, the Austrian government has installed large information boards in three languages (German, English, and the language of the neighboring country). Inside Austria, signs are only in the German language.

    Background: Austria has followed the Swiss example of a general toll on freeways (Autobahnen and Schnellstrassen), introduced by Switzerland in the 80s. Austria did not follow the French and Italian freeway-toll system where the toll has to be paid at toll stations directly on the motorways. The Vignette can be bought at all Austrian border crossings, post offices and all branch offices of the two Austrian automobile clubs ÖAMTC and ARBÖ. (There are also short-time Vignettes available). All sales outlets are indicated with the toll label symbol.

    It is the responsibility of the agents of the gendarmerie, customs authorities and the police to ensure the compliance with the duty to possess tax labels on Austria's motorways and expressways. The police is obliged by law to make no exceptions or compromises. The use of motorways and expressways without a valid tax label is deemed to be a violation of administrative orders and will incur a fine when there is a tax label control. According to the law the Austrian Vignette has to be properly fixed on the windscreen. There is no exception.

    DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL (OR DRUGS)


    Is severely punished. Minimum fine of Euro 364, and loss of driver's license. Maximum limit of blood-alcohol level is 0,5 promille.

    All traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to police or Gendarmerie. Accidents involving material damage (fender benders) must be reported only when the identity of the other party cannot be established.

    In several cities there are designated short-period parking zones (blue or yellow zones) in which parking is limited to 1 hours. Parking in these zones in bigger cities is usually subject to payment. In smaller towns it may be free of charge.

    AUTOMOBILES


    American automobiles imported into Austria must be converted to Austrian specifications, which can be expensive. A road tax, depending on the engine horsepower, is administered by the car insurance. It amounts to Euro 0,40 per month and horsepower. (There is a road tax exemption for cars under 24 horsepower).

    INFORMATION REGARDING AUSTRIAN DRIVER'S LICENSES


    The Vienna Police Headquarters, Department of Motor Vehicles, has provided the following information to the Embassy:

    1. Effective November 1, 1997, a valid U.S. driver's license entitles the bearer to drive a vehicle of the category stipulated in the license, if accompanied by an International Driver's License or with an official translation provided by the Austrian Automobile Associations (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, for up to six months from the first date of entry into Austria.

    2. After the six-month period, only the possession of an Austrian driver's license entitles one to drive a motor vehicle in Austria. There are only exceptions for non-EU foreign nationals who can prove (with a letter from employer/contract, etc.) that they will be in Austria for work or educational reasons for no longer than one year. These people are entitled to drive up to twelve months in Austria from the first date of entry into Austria.

    3. How to obtain an Austrian driver's license

    The following provides some more detailed information on the procedures related to having a U.S. driver's license "transferred" (Umschreibung) to an Austrian driver's license.
    In Vienna, the office responsible for processing applications for an Austrian license, based on having a valid U.S. driver's license, is:

    Bundespolizeidirektion Wien
    Verkehrsamt
    Josef-Holaubek-Platz 1
    1090 Wien
    Tel. 313 100

    In the Austrian provinces the Bezirkshauptmannschaft should be contacted.
    The Verkehrsamt corresponds to the Department of Motor Vehicles in U.S. federal states.

    Information on the process of Führerscheinumschreibung is available outside of room 3128 of the Verkehrsamt. Application forms (Führerscheinantrag) and lists of the physicians entitled to provide legally recognized physical examinations (Sachverständiger Arzt der Allgemeinmedizin) also are available in the same place.

    1. Applicants must have their "main residence" (Hauptwohnsitz) in Austria. Please note that the Austrian police registration forms (Meldezettel) indicate whether or not the applicant's current address is their "main residence" (Hauptwohnsitz, in the form of a Ja or Nein boxes which are filled out, when you register). If you marked Nein on your original Meldezettel, the authorities may require you to re-register with the police. This entails filling out a new Meldezettel, marking the appropriate box (Ja) that indicates that your current Austrian address is your main residence, and submitting this new Meldezettel to the appropriate Meldeamt.

    2. If the applicant has a driver's license that has been issued by a state of which he or she is not a resident, the applicant is obligated to document either that he or she had a main residence in the state issuing the license or lived there for a period of at least six months.

    3. Applicants must submit the following documentation:

    1. A completed application (Führerscheinantrag)

    2. A physical given by a qualified physician (Sachverständiger). Lists of these physicians are available at the Verkehrsamt, Austrian automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ) or police precinct offices (Bezirkspolizeikomissariat). Physicals have to have been taken within the last year. A vision test is part of the physical. Therefore, if applicants have corrective lenses or contacts, the physicians will ask them to bring documentation from their ophthalmologists or opticians regarding their corrective lenses. (For wearers of corrective lenses, this document this is the so-called Brillenpass. If you do not have this information with you, local opticians can measure and document the attributes of corrective lenses and issue a Brillenpass. The wearers of contact lenses may need to consult an ophthalmologist.)


    3. A translation of the applicant's driver's license. (ÖAMTC, provides official translations of U.S. driver's licenses for a fee of Euro 8.--) NOTE: Although U.S. driver's licenses routinely include a date of expiration, not all U.S. states record the date of issue on driver's licenses, and this is a piece of information that may interest the Austrian authorities because it normally is included on all documents. Therefore, applicants may want to bring additional information with them, if available, that might be used to document either how long they have been driving or when their current driver's license was issued, e.g. previous driver's licenses that have been "clipped" or have expired, receipts related to the application fees for current licenses, etc.


    4. Passport (original) and two photocopies of the relevant pages, i.e. pages 2 and 3 and the page with your visa and/or residency permit. Note: U.S. citizens are required to apply for residency permits after 90 days. If you do not have a residency permit, you cannot plausibly declare Austria as your "main residence" (see above).


    5. Meldezettel (original) and 1 photocopy thereof. (See above regarding the issue of "main residence.")


    6. Driver's license (original) and 2 photocopies thereof (front and back sides if relevant information is on both sides).


    7. Two identical passport size photos (standard European dimensions available from photo automats or at photo studios, not U.S. size passport pictures, which are too large).
    According to the Austrian authorities, the processing of an application takes 4-6 weeks. Applicants are notified by mail when their licenses are ready and must pick them up in person. A processing free of Euro 56.-- is charged. In order to obtain an Austrian driver's license based on their U.S. license, (Umschreibung) American citizens must apply at the Verkehrsamt after taking up residence in Austria (Hauptwohnsitz) and show that they have a valid driver's license from any state in the U.S.

    They will have to have a medical exam and provide other standard information as well.

    If they do not meet all of the above prerequisites, they have to take the full Austrian theoretical and practical tests.

    Please note that, whatever car categories the U.S. driver's license comprised, the Austrian driver's license issued on the basis of the U.S. license will be for the category "B" only.

    The current law is an improvement over the old in that Americans from all 50 states are now exempt from both a written and practical driving test, as long as they meet the above requirements.

    We understand that the following should be presented at the time of application for a driver's license:

    • U.S. driver's license (if applicable)
    • Translation into German of the U.S. driver's license, to be obtained at the:
      ÖAMTC, Schubertring 1-3, 1010 Vienna, Tel. 711 99 - 0
    • Passport
    • Registration slip (Meldezettel)
    • 2 passport photographs
    4. Mopeds can be operated in Austria after the 16th birthday. However, a special license (Mopenführerschein) is required - please conctact ÖAMTC or ARBÖ for details.

    5. The provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1967 are in force in the entire territory of Austria.

    6. Applications in Vienna for the issuance of a driver's license are to be addressed to the Verkehrsamt, Liechtenwerderplatz 5, 1090 Vienna, Tel.: 313 450. Questions should be directed to the Verkehrsamt der Bundespolizeidirektion Wien, Tel.: 313 450, ext. 8742.

    7. After the exchange of drivers licenses, Austrian authorities will send the U.S. drivers license to the Department of Motorvehicles (www.dmv.org) in the state the license was issued.

    PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

    Austrian Federal Railroads offer excellent railroad service to all major towns of the country and also direct connections with all major cities in Europe. Trains are well maintained and fares are reasonable. There is also an extensive network of bus lines operated by the Austrian Postal Service. All major cities also offer excellent public transportation services.

    VARIOUS OTHER SERVICES

    Zollamt Wien
    Brehmstr. 14, 1110 Vienna
    Tel: +43 1 79590-0
    Fax: +43 1 79590-2152
    (Customs office, vehicle tourist license plates and other customs matters)

    Polizeipräsidium
    Schottenring 7-9, 1010 Vienna
    Tel: 3131-0
    (Police headquarters - various police functions)



    Privacy Notice and Disclaimer

    e-mail: embassy@usembassy.at






























    Ambassador

    Biography

    Speeches/Articles

    Art in Embassies

    Commercial Service
    Consular Section

    American Citizen
    Services (ACS)

    Federal Benefits
    Unit (FBU)

    Non-Immigrant Visa Section

    Immigrant Visa Section

    Economic/Political Section
    Foreign Agricultural Service
    JOB OPPORTUNITIES
    Key Officers
    Public Affairs Section

    American Reference
    Center

    American Studies Publications

    International Visitor
    Program

    Press Section

    Press Releases

    U.S. Embassy
    Programs

    Voluntary Visitor
    Program

    Study in the U.S./Fulbright Commission