Austria: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:08, 23 February 2025

Austria is a comparatively LGBTQIA+ friendly country located in the European Union, with some legal protections for trans people.

Why Austria? (In Progress)

Legal gender recognition:
Anti-discrimination laws:
Public healthcare:
LGBTQ+ rights and community:
Immigration pathways:
Trans Life Satisfaction: In a 2021 report on Trans Discrimination in Europe Austria Ranked 6th out of 30 countries in average life satisfaction reported by trans respondents. See page 42 for the ranking.

Why not Austria? (In Progress)

Recent Political Developments: Austria is sadly no exception to the larger trend of the rise of right-wing populist politicians seen in many places in Europe. See more about political developments below.
City-living only: While Vienna is progressive a lot of the rest of Austria is largely transphobic with a sparse to non-existent support network and poor social acceptance of trans people. If you are trans and looking to live in a more rural location Austria is sadly not a good choice at all.
Racism: This is such a big issue in Austria it sadly deserves its own section. See also the section on Law Enforcement.
Language: While you will usually be able to somewhat navigate most of Vienna without being able to speak or write German it will be a pain. Generally most people over the age of 40 will have poor to no English at all.
Legal issues
Housing issues
Visa issues

Political Situation for Trans People (In Progress)

Recent Political Developments

Rise of the Freedom Party (FPÖ)

In the September 2024 national elections, the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ), led by Herbert Kickl, secured approximately 29% of the vote, emerging as the leading party. The FPÖ is known for its conservative stance on social issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights. Historically, the party has expressed opposition to policies supporting transgender individuals, raising concerns about potential rollbacks of existing rights. Shortly after the election coalition talks started between the far right FPÖ and the slightly more centrist right-wing ÖVP, with talks including plans like banning gender inclusive language and limiting immigration.

Protests

Vienna, known for its progressive and inclusive environment and left-leaning local government, has witnessed public demonstrations in response to the FPÖ's electoral success. In October 2024, anti-fascist protesters marched through the city, expressing dissent against the FPÖ's far-right positions. Protesters carried placards with slogans like "FPÖ ist so 1938" and chanted "Nazis raus!" to voice their opposition. This reflects a broader concern among Vienna's residents about the potential erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights under a far-right government. Despite national political shifts, Vienna's city administration remains steadfast in its support for the LGBTQIA+ community. You can read more about this under the LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities section on this page.

Breakdown of Negotiations

On February 12, 2025, FPÖ leader Herbert Kickl announced the collapse of FPÖ and the ÖVP government formation talks due to disagreements over key issues, including control of the Interior and Finance Ministries. In response to this development, the ÖVP, Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and NEOS (A centrist liberal political party) have resumed discussions to establish a coalition government, aiming to exclude the far-right FPÖ from governing. These negotiations are reportedly in their final stages.

Access to Trans Healthcare (TODO)

A great first stop for gender affirming care is Transgender Team Austria, who specialize in helping people get the medical care they need and overcoming discrimination and bureaucratic hurdles.

Another useful source (German): https://www.wien.gv.at/menschen/queer/transgender/geschlechtswechsel/

Healthcare without residency

If in country with a tourist visa, not residing, how can healthcare be accessed and are there any caveats?

Immigration Policy (TODO)

US citizens need/don't need a visa to move to COUNTRY for. Which languages are the processes done in? What are the options/limitations/etc? Examples are below

Student Visa: Available to …
Family-Route: …
Work Visa: …

Medical Inadmissibility

Does the COUNTRY in question have immigration laws that would find people with disabilities or health challenges inadmissible to emigrate there?

Permanent Residency

There are a few ways to achieve permanent residency. Some of these require a visa.

Citizenship Pathway

How do you get to be a citizen if at all?

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Cities

While Vienna may be a more obvious choice, there are resources in many other Austrian cities, some of which you can find here.

Vienna

Vienna combines strong legal protections, an active LGBTQIA+ community, visible city support, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it one of the best places in Europe for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Whether you're looking for support networks, healthcare services, political advocacy, or social spaces, Vienna has a well-established infrastructure to provide for its LGBTQIA+ residents and newcomers.

Historical Significance

Vienna's engagement with LGBTQIA+ issues dates back to the late 19th century, positioning it as a hub for progressive thought and activism. Pioneering figures and events have contributed to a longstanding culture of inclusivity.

Active LGBTQIA+ Community

The city boasts a dynamic LGBTQIA+ scene, with numerous spaces and organizations catering to the community:

Cafés and Bars: Vienna has a longstanding café history with a rich coffee culture and detailed layered cakes. A great place to start and to feel truly welcome is the historical Café Savoy, which is very out and proud in their inclusivity. Many particularly LGBTQIA+ friendly places are found in and around Naschmarkt.
Naschmarkt: Naschmarkt is Vienna’s largest and most famous open-air market, stretching over 1.5 kilometers in the sixth district, close to the city center. Known for its diverse food stalls, fresh produce, and international cuisine, it is also a cultural hotspot with a lively, alternative atmosphere. Over the years, it has become a hub for Vienna’s LGBTQIA+ community, with several queer-friendly cafés, bars, and nightlife venues located nearby. The area is especially vibrant in the evenings, making it a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors.
An inclusive Hackerspace / Creatorspace: Metalab.at are incredibly inclusive not just to the LGBTQIA+ community but also for people with disabilities.

Annual Events

Vienna hosts several major LGBTQIA+ events every year, making it a lively and welcoming city for queer residents and visitors:

Vienna Pride & Pride Village – A multi-week celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture that includes performances, discussions, and community gatherings. The Pride Village is set up at Rathausplatz, providing a central location for activism and entertainment.
Rainbow Parade (Regenbogenparade) – Austria’s largest LGBTQIA+ demonstration, taking place on Ringstraße, attracting thousands of participants who march for equality and human rights.
Queer Film Festivals – Vienna is home to notable queer film events, including the “identities” Queer Film Festival (held biennially) and the “Transition” International Queer Minorities Film Festival, which runs annually.
LGBTQIA+ Balls – Vienna’s long tradition of elegant ball culture extends to the LGBTQIA+ community with events such as the Rainbow Ball, where people of all genders and orientations gather to celebrate.

Municipal Support

The city's commitment to inclusivity is evident through various initiatives:

Anti-Discrimination Measures: Established in 1998, the Vienna Anti-Discrimination Office for LGBTIQ Affairs offers support and works towards the equal treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Here is their page specifically on trans people. And here is a particularly lovely Vienna government page explaining the various complexities of sex and different categories of gender.
Public Symbols of Support: During Pride Month, Vienna adorns public spaces with rainbow flags and symbols, showcasing solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. In June of 2024 a zebra crossing was painted in the colors of the trans flag. You can see the government article celebrating it here.

Cultural and Social Infrastructure

Vienna provides a range of resources and venues that enhance the quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors:

Dedicated Guides: The city's official app, ivie, includes an LGBTIQ+ guide highlighting significant locations and events.
Diverse Nightlife: From traditional cafés to modern clubs, Vienna's nightlife offers inclusive spaces for all.

Salzburg (City)

Salzburg City LGBT

Community & Support Resources (In Progress)

National Organizations

COURAGE* Founded in 1999, COURAGE* is a counselling center specializing in partner, family, and sexual counselling with a focus on LGBTQIA+ lifestyles, including transgender issues. They offer free and anonymous counselling services for individuals and their families, addressing topics such as coming out, relationship issues, and experiences of discrimination. COURAGE* has locations all over Austria.
TransX An organization focused on the rights of transgender individuals, promoting the understanding of gender as a fluid concept. They organize excursions, workshops, festivals, and engage in political actions and legal lobbying to advocate for transgender rights. While they are based in Vienna they also offer many phone or online services, making them useful for any trans person seeking help in Austria.
QueerBase Established in 2016, Queer Base supports LGBTQIA+ refugees in Austria, including transgender individuals. They provide assistance with legal matters related to asylum, social counselling, community networking, and support for medical and psychological concerns. Their services are designed to help refugees navigate the complexities of their new environment while addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. While they are technically based in Vienna they primarily offer phone or online services.
HOSI Salzburg and HOSI Vienna are Austria’s oldest and most influential LGBTQIA+ organizations. They advocate for trans rights through political lobbying, legal support, and public awareness campaigns. Both Vienna and Salzburg branches offer trans-specific support groups, such as Trans*Stammtisch and Trans Selbsthilfegruppe*, providing safe spaces for trans individuals. HOSI also organizes major events like Vienna Pride and the Rainbow Parade, promoting visibility and inclusivity. Most smaller local HOSI events are sadly German based.
Transgender Team Austria (TTA) TTA provides counselling, support, and information specifically for transgender, intersex, and homosexual individuals and their families. Their services include assistance with coming out, addressing workplace discrimination, and navigating the transition process. They also offer lectures and workshops aimed at raising awareness about transgender issues.

Vienna Based Organizations

Rosa Lila Villa serves as a multifaceted hub, providing housing, events, and counselling services for LGBTQIA+ people. While the website is only available in German, counselling services are available in many languages including English.

Cost of Living (TODO)

The cost of living in COUNTRY is how comparable to the US/where in the US?
Rent is…
Healthcare is free/expensive…
Grocery prices …
Education is

Public transport

Relevant: https://www.klimaticket.at/regionen/

Housing Access & Cost

add details on discrimination in rentals if applicable
also how easy is it to rent/buy etc

Visas

National Visas (Type D)^[1]

The national visa (the D category) is granted to individuals who intend to study, work, or establish permanent residence in a Schengen country. Like the Schengen (C) Visa, it allows freedom of movement within the Schengen Area, but it only allows you to work, study, or live in the Schengen country that issued it.

National (D) Visas are typically issued for the following reasons:

To study in a Schengen country for longer than three months
To work in a Schengen country
To move to a Schengen country for family reunification with an EU national (e.g., your spouse)
For “Work and Travel” programs
For retirement in a Schengen country
For investment or setting up a business in a Schengen country
For working in a Schengen country as a digital nomad

Types of National Visas (Type D)

National D-type visas are typically categorized into the following types:

Work Visa
Job Seeker Visa (for "highly qualified" workers)
Student Visa
Family Reunification Visa
Visas for Working Holiday Programs
Retirement Visa
Investment Visa (Golden Visa)
Digital Nomad Visa
Visa for Other Long-Term Needs

Different Types of Work (related) Visas

Many of the requirements for the Visas below are points based. A good starting point to check your eligibility is this Points Calculator


Visa	Who is this for	Requirements	Duration of Validity	Useful Links
Job Seeker Visa	People who don't have a job lined up yet and are highly skilled according to the points system	70 points (Highly Skilled worker scale)	6 months	Work in Austria
Red-White-Red card	People who already have a job offer lined up or are already legally staying in Austria	70 points (Highly Skilled worker scale)	24 months
Red-White-Red card Plus

Immigration Practical Info (TODO)

SIM cards and Banking

To get a SIM card you will need an Austrian bank account. There are a few different banks, but often the preferred one for non-German speaking people is Bank Austria as it offers documentation in English. Their employees also speak English. Sadly for some specific services (es.: change from Euro > US Dollars) you will still need to go in the German online banking app/website. You can manage your account and operations through Online banking via web or a mobile app.

With a work contract, opening a bank account shouldn't be a problem.

Language

Generally speaking your life will be a lot easier in Austria after learning German. While most of the younger generations will understand and be able to speak English some Austrians will refuse to try. This can even happen to you in some government appointments. When in doubt bring a translator along if you can.

Driving

Before you worry too much about your drivers license definitely consider if you will really need a car in Austria. Most things can be accomplished with a combination of public transport and delivery services. See the section on Public Transport for that.

A US driver’s license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. It must be accompanied either by an international driving permit (obtainable in the U.S. from AAA) or by an official translation of the U.S. driver’s license (obtainable at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). If you reside in Austria, this arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months in Austria, after which all drivers must exchange their U.S. license for an Austrian one.^[2]

General information about driving in Austria^[2]

For more detailed information, check the Austrian Official Travel Portal: Austria by Car ➢ Start Your Road Trip to the Alps Here

The Austrian Road System: During summertime, driving conditions on Austrian roads and highways are excellent. All the main roads are paved and kept in good shape. In winter, however, from November 1 to April 15, drivers may encounter snow on all Austrian roads; this applies above all to mountain roads at higher altitudes. Depending on the weather, winter equipment is obligatory.

Traffic regulations: Similar to other European countries, the speed limits are 100 km/h [62 mph] on freeways (Bundesstraße) and 130 km/h [81 mph] on highways (Autobahn). In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is usually set at 50 km/h [31 mph], unless posted otherwise.

Toll roads: Since January 1, 1997, it has been compulsory for vehicles to carry a toll sticker, the so-called Vignette, on Austrian highways. The Vignette is available for purchase at automobile clubs (e.g., ÖAMTC , ARBÖ), in post offices, tobacco shops (Trafik), at some gas stations or online through of the Austrian publicly owned company responsible for the highways, the ASFINAG . If driving without a valid toll sticker or a sticker not properly affixed, you will be subject to high fines. The police and customs authorities are authorized to collect the toll evaded, together with an additional sum as a substitute fine.

Alcohol while driving & Traffic accidents: Driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is severely punished. The minimum fine is approx. € 300, and loss of driver’s license. The maximum limit of blood-alcohol level is 0.05. All traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to the police. Accidents limited to material damage (fender benders) must be reported only when the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Driving in Austria for an extended period (more than six months)^[2]

If you are a resident of Austria, your U.S. driver’s license in connection with an international driving permit can only be used for 6 months. If you are planning to stay in Austria for a longer period, you must exchange your U.S. driver’s license for an Austrian driver’s license within 6 months of taking up residence in Austria. You must be over 18 to be able to obtain the Austrian driver’s license. The responsible authorities for this conversion are the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat). For more detailed information and the relevant links please check the official Austrian website: Foreign driving licenes – conversion (oesterreich.gv.at) .

Required documents for the conversion of a non-EU/EEA driving license:

Application form, obtainable on the above website
Passport, original and two copies
Foreign driver’s license, original and two copies
International driving permit or a German translation of the driver’s license
One photo (portrait, 35 mm x 45 mm) in which the applicant is clearly recognizable (if possible in line with passport photo criteria )
Medical certificate , detailed information is available on the official Austrian website
Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy
In some cases, additional documents may be requested.

A fee of 60.50 Euros will be charged.

Law Enforcement ("How bad are the cops?") (TODO)

please add details, especially around safety for trans people

Transphobia

Relevant Resources

Racism