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Austrian Immigration for EU and EEA Citizens

EU/EEA citizens

Foreigners who originate from European Union countries, Switzerland, or countries that are part of the European Economic Area (EEA) can live and work in Austria by claiming the EU/EEA rights associated with freedom of movement.

However, if a national of an EU/EEA country wishes to stay in Austria for more than three months, they must notify the appropriate authorities.

EU/EEA citizens settling in Austria must submit the following:

  • proof of employment or self-employment in Austria
  • adequate health insurance for themselves and their relatives
  • sufficient means to live on
  • documents stating the completion of training at a school or educational institution

If all the requirements are satisfied, a document called an "Anmeldebescheinigung" allowing the right to live in Austria will be granted.

EU/EEA citizens do not require any permission for work-related activities, unless they are citizens of the new-member states that joined in 2004 and 2007. Citizens of these countries are considered equals to third country nationals until Austria decides to open its labor market to them or the transitional provisions expire over time.

The only requirements for EU/EEA residents is that they register within three days of establishing their residence in Austria and that they hold a valid passport or identity card.

Relatives of EU/EEA citizens

Relatives of EU/EEA citizens may also be allowed to live in Austria provided they are:

  • a spouse
  • direct descendants (up to the age of 21 years and above) of an EU/EEA citizen or his/her spouse, on condition that they are supported
  • direct ascendants (parents, grandparents, etc) of an EEA citizen or his/her spouse, on condition that they are supported
  • other relatives who have had their principal residence in Austria for an uninterrupted period of ten years (in the case of spouses, it will only apply if they have been married to an EU/EEA citizen for more than half of this period)
  • other relatives in need of urgent health care

Settlement permits for relatives are not subject to quotas. However, a "statement of liability" must be presented by the sponsoring EU/EEA citizen.