Austria

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

Why Austria?

• Legal gender recognition: Comparatively easy for Austrians, defers to rules of country of citizenship for other nationals.
• Anti-discrimination laws: Yes.
• Public healthcare: Yes
• LGBTQ+ rights and community: Yes
• Immigration pathways: Many, but work visas might be the easiest as it covers a lot of bases instantly. Student visas and work-seeker visas are also possible. There are also reparation pathways to citizenship or family-unification options for temporary or permanent residency.
• 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?

• 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 and a lot of the larger cities are 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 bigger cities and most tourist places without being able to speak or write German, more complex interactions will be rather difficult. Generally most people over the age of 40 will have poor to no English at all.
• No Dual Citizenship: If you are intending to acquire the Austrian citizenship (which is impossible except for in specific cases), you will need to likely renounce your prior citizenship(s) Some exclusions apply - see Citizenship Route section for more info.
• Legal issues: If you have a criminal record you may have trouble entering or staying in Austria long term.
• Housing issues: Like most major cities in the western world Austria has issues with scarcity / unaffordability of housing.
• Visas: need to be renewed every few years (duration depends on type of visa) So you will need to keep on doing some paperwork on a regular basis.

Political Situation for Trans People

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 trans people, raising concerns about potential rollbacks of existing rights. This election result caused a nation-wide outcry and anti-fascist protests. 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. These talks broke down on the 12th of February 2025. 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. As of the 27th of February this has succeeded, which results in an exclusion of the FPÖ from the current government coalition.

Trans Rights

Despite the country shifting right politically trans rights are currently very much on the progressive side in Austria and should presumably remain stable until the next election in 2029.

Legal Stuff

To get your documents in line with your gender is easy enough as long as Austrian law applies to you. Generally people living in Austria without Austrian citizenship the law of their current citizenship usually applies for gender changes. That law might in turn point to the law of the country the person resides in, in which case Austrian law would still apply. An exception is made for stateless people living in Austria and for those having been granted asylum in Austria. Additionally it can also apply to those who have severed the relationship with their own country for similarly severe reasons and have lived in Austria for some time.

Legal Gender Changes

Legally changing your gender on documents has been possible in Austria since 1983. Once it is clear that the Austrian law applies to your specific legal gender change these are the steps to get legal gender recognition in the central civil status register:

1. You need a report from a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapeutic medicine or a clinical psychologist or a psychotherapist, which contains the following points:
   • the diagnosis of gender dysphoria or transsexualism in the classification of the currently valid version of the DSM or ICD;
   • the determination that, from today's perspective, the gender dysphoria or transsexualism can very likely be classified as permanent and irreversible without treatment;
   • the statement that the external appearance has come significantly closer to the desired gender role.
2. Use this report to apply at your applicable civil status authority. More info here

* It is noteworthy that it is NOT necessary to undergo any specific medical procedures, like gender affirmation surgery or even HRT. The expert only has to note that a reasonable effort is being made to physically look more like the gender the desired entry would be for.

In Austria you get to pick one of the following gender entries:

• Female
• Male
• Inter (intersex)
• Offen (open)
• Divers (various / multiple)
• Kein Eintrag (no entry)

Legal Name Changes

The rules on if Austrian law applies to your name change is the same as for the legal gender change. Legally changing your name in Austria is a bit more complex and requires more documentation. Generally there are 2 pathways to a legal name change: 1. A name change WITH a valid reason and 2) a name change WITHOUT a valid reason. The main difference being that the second one is more expensive. Your name not matching your gender is one of the valid reasons.

The list of valid reasons (German)

The list of required documents and forms and associated costs (German)

Anti-Discrimination Laws

The Gleichbehandlungsgebot ("Law of equal treatment") states that no one may be discriminated against on the basis of:

• gender,
• age,
• ethnicity,
• religion or belief,
• sexual orientation or
• disability.

This law is generally applicable in work related situations. More info here (German)

Access to (Trans) Healthcare

Public Health insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. A lot of people living in Austria are automatically covered by this public health insurance:

• almost all those in paid employment
• most self-employed persons
• persons claiming unemployment benefits
• pensioners
• dependents of all these groups

This page (German) has a good overview of the general state of medical care and health insurance in Austria.

Trans Healthcare

Public health insurance covers trans healthcare if you get a double-diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a psychiatrist and at least 1 more from either a psychotherapist of a clinical-psychotherapist. Mental health therapy, HRT and operations are all covered, but only as prescribed and under supervision of a medical provider.

If you are regularly employed, your HRT medications are provided and paid by the insurance you get as part of your work contract. Such medications are picked up from local pharmacies (Apotheke).

You can find specific trans-approved medical providers with the help of organizations like 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/

Relevant resources:

Overview of Gender Dysphoria Treatment Recommendations used in Austria (will download a German PDF)

Healthcare without Public Health Insurance

If you are a resident but are not covered by public healthcare you will need to cover this with some form of private insurance. This might also be the case if you are not (yet) covered by public healthcare as there can at times be a mandatory waiting period before you are eligible for coverage (~6 months). You could use a travel insurance from a different country or a specialized local insurance like this one (German) made for people with an Austrian Visa. You can compare different private health insurances here (German).

If you are in Austria without residency you have a right to access healthcare, but unless you are covered by some form of private (travel) insurance you will be paying out of pocket. The out of pocket costs are not comparable to anything you might be used to from the US as most costs are standardized by the Austrian government.

Immigration Policy

US citizens need a visa or some form of other valid permit to move to Austria.

Temporary Residency

If you want to only live in Austria for a limited time this is a good first overview of the options.

Permanent Residency

Here is a great first overview of the different ways to more permanently settle in Austria.

Family-Reunification

Here is basically everything you need to know to start the process of moving to Austria to be with an Austrian family member.

Family members according to this law are:

• spouses
• registered partners and
• unmarried minors including adoptive and step children

Medical Inadmissibility

There are no known reasons for medical inadmissibility though some conditions or disabilities could make it more difficult to fit the other requirements for residency.

Citizenship Pathway

It is important to note that in general, Austrian citizenship law does not permit dual or multiple citizenship. If you have another citizenship and acquire the Austrian one you will lose your prior citizenship if it is considered to be "possible and reasonable" by the provincial government. Exceptions to this is the acquisition of citizenship by descent and the citizenship for persecuted persons or descendants. The other way around the same principle is applicable: if you have the Austrian citizenship and acquire another citizenship you automatically lose the Austrian citizenship unless you were granted a permit of retention.

Here are the (relevant) ways to acquire the Austrian nationality:

Birth right

• Born to an Austrian mother (unmarried)
• Born to an Austrian father (married)
• Children under 14 whose fathers are Austrian but who were born outside of wedlock. These children can be legitimized. Alternatively the parents still marrying has the same effect. The children and/or legal guardian needs to consent to the legitimization within 3 years of the parents marriage.

Awarded

• Being adopted as an unmarried minor under the age of 14 at the time of adoption
• In the special interest of the Republic of Austria
  • This should be possible after 6 years of residency as long as the language skills are B2 and it can be proven that the person is well integrated into Austrian society.
• Former Austrians (under specific circumstances)

Declarations

• Presumed Austrians by descent (see also birth right and awarded)
• Persecuted persons and their direct descendants. See below.

Citizenship for persecuted persons and their direct descendants

If you or your direct ancestor was in any way in and around Austria before 1955 you might want to consider looking if this route could be an option. There is potentially a lot of paperwork involved, but to give you a first idea if this option may apply to you if you or your direct ancestor falls into one of these categories:

• Had the Austrian nationality in or around WWII
• Lived in Austria in or around WWII
• Fought on the side of the allies in or around Austria (arguably "defending Austria")

Your ancestor could have been deported, fled Austria, was killed in Austria or felt forced to not return to Austria due to fear of persecution.

Direct ancestors is a direct relation in the bloodline above you, like parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. Also noteworthy: any adoptions while the adoptee was still a minor have the same status as blood relations in this case.

If any of the above sounds at all like something that might be applicable to you please check the following resources:

• Citizenship for Persecuted Persons and their Direct Descendants (General Overview)
• Declaration pursuant to § 58c of the Austrian Citizenship Act (More detailed info including documentation)
• A great step-by-step guide to the persecution citizenship path
• Questionnaire to help you figure out which documents you need for your case
• Preview of the questionnaire (PDF)
• Also noteworthy: A Guide for Family and genealogical research in Austria

Visas

National Visas (Type D)

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)
• 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 Name	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	Job Seeker Visa
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	Definition of Highly Skilled
Red-White-Red card	People who are skilled in a shortage occupation and have a job offer	55 points (Skilled workers in shortage occupations)	24 months	National shortage Regional shortage Definition of skilled
Red-White-Red card	"Other key workers" - someone who is more qualified for an open position than any work-seeking person already in Austria. Needs a job offer	55 points (Other key workers)	24 months	Other key workers
Red-White-Red card	Seasonal workers in agriculture, forestry or tourism.	job lined up, prior experience and basic German	24 months	Seasonal workers
Red-White-Red card	Self Employed Key Worker - has a business or is intends to create a business	€100k investment or creates new jobs or includes transfer of skills or introduction of technology, or is of significance to region.	24 months	Self Employed Key Workers
Red-White-Red card	Startup Founders	Startup capital, equity share and business plan requirements. Also 50 points (Startup Founder)	24 months	Startup Founder
Red-White-Red card Plus	Holders of a Red-White-Red card or an EU Blue card or family members of card holders	Card holders, validity depends on requirements fulfilled	12 - 36 months	Red-White-Red card plus
EU Blue Card	Job offer lined up relevant to completed higher education.	Job offer needs to be binding for 6 months, minimum annual salary €51.5k and more qualified than local job seekers	24 months	EU Blue Card

Digital Nomad Visa

Austria does not currently have a dedicated digital nomad visa for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. Instead, these individuals can enter Austria on a tourist visa or a visa-free travel agreement and work remotely for up to three months without any restrictions.

In most cases, you will be required to pay tax in Austria. Austria has a residence-based tax system, which means that if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a tax year, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes and will be subject to Austrian taxation on your worldwide income.

However, if you are a resident of another country with which Austria has a double tax treaty, you may be able to avoid paying taxes twice on the same income. You can check the tax treaty between your home country and Austria to see if you are eligible for tax relief.

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 is a lively medium sized city, capital of the omonym Austrian State, in the center of Austria.

Salzburg is the hometown of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With its small airport connecting it to various European capitals, it is considered the gateway to the Alps, especially during the winter season. From Salzburg, it takes about 2 hours of train to get to Munich, while a trip to Vienna takes about 4 hours of train. Salzburg has a strong presence of international people due to who comes to study for the music of Mozart, Red Bull which is a huge employer of international people, its status as gateway to important alpine resorts and tourism, which represents one of the main economical drivers. All together, they make the city mostly navigable with English and without German.

In general, people in the city tends to keep to their own and don't really care about you, as one of many. Shops tends, on average, to either be indifferent or friendly to transgenders. As long as you follow the basic rules of safety, such as keep an eye on what you drink, after a certain hour don't walk around alone, things should be good.

The city is served by a network of local and regional busses, suburban trains and a lot of people use the bike to move around, even in the colder season.

COURAGE* (see organisations below) has a local office in the city center.

The city's official website has a page dedicated to LGBT visiting the city: Salzburg City LGBT. Relevant is also the Gay Salzburg website.

Active LGBTQIA+ Community

There are 2 main queer groups in Salzburg:

• HOSI Salzburg is one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ organizations of Salzburg. 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 Salzburg Pride and HOSI Festivals, promoting visibility and inclusivity. Most smaller local HOSI events are sadly German based but it also heavily depends on the people attending.
• Quekusa is a LGBTQIA+ organizations dedicated to promoting queer culture in Salzburg, hosting drag shows, film nights, workshops and book clubs.

Regular Events

• Salzburg Pride - A week long celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture that includes performances, discussions, and community gatherings. It ends with the Pride march rolling from the Hauptbahnhof (the main train station of the city) down through Mirabel Platz to end at ArgeKULTUR in the southern part of the city.
• HOSI Festival(s) - A regular, quarterly party.

Community & Support Resources

National Organizations

• List of financial resources for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants (not Trans exclusive)
• COURAGE* Founded in 1999, COURAGE* is a counseling center specializing in partner, family, and sexual counseling with a focus on LGBTQIA+ lifestyles, including transgender issues. They offer free and anonymous counseling 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 counseling, 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 counseling services for LGBTQIA+ people. While the website is only available in German, counseling services are available in many languages including English.

Cost of Living

• Healthcare is kind of free, see Access to (Trans) Healthcare
• Education: Public schools are free. Universities are mostly free. More info on the cost of universities here (German).
• This page has a great general overview of many different aspects of the cost of living.

Public transport

The Klima Ticket is a public transport ticket, where, for a fixed fee, you gain access to all public transports (rail, both suburban, regional, and intercity trains, trams, and busses) either in your region/State (es.: Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol ) or to the whole country.

For Salzburg, the ticket can be ordered online and the physical card is shipped to the address you provide during registration. The card is also available in digital form through the local transport provider application.

Further details can be found here: https://www.klimaticket.at/regionen/

Every state has their own busses providers, with local and regional busses available.

Rail wise, the state company is OBB. OBB has a timetable website/app to look for train and busses connections. Westbahn is a private company which provides service only on specific routes, mainly servicing the east-west corridor from Vienna to Munich/Innsbruck.

Housing Access & Cost

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

Immigration Practical Info

Import of Medications

Bringing medication with you to cover your usual personal needs (a maximum of three retail packs of the smallest size) does not require a permit. If this is prescription medication, proof of your personal needs is required in the form of confirmation from the doctor treating you. More strict rules apply to medicines that contain addictive substances (examples include: painkillers or psycho-pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants). Read more about importing medication here.

Meldezettel

The Meldezettel is a document which officially recognizes you as living in Austria. As it used for many other documents and as a proof that you really in Austria, it is considered one of the first things to do once landed and settled. The Meldezettel can be filled in with a temprorary address and then, such address can be changed later on requesting a new Meldezettel.

Requesting the Meldezettel involves filling out a form, submit it to the appropriate office, they will ask for your ID and a Meldezettel will be issued to you right there and then.

Banking

There are a few different banks available, 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 and a Meldezettel, opening a bank account shouldn't be a problem.

Telephony and internet

To get a SIM card or an internet plan you will need an Austrian bank account.

Mobile telephone providers includes:

• A1
• Magenta
• Tre
• Spusu, considered one of the low cost
• Aldi, which is a chain of discount supermarkets. Their SIM can be bought at one of their stores.

Landline internet providers includes:

• A1, the old state monopoly
• Magenta (Deutsch Telecom)
• Tre
• Local providers, such as Salzburg AG

Utilities

Water is provided by municipalities.

Electricity is, as for the rest of Europe, free market, with different companies competing for customers.

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.

General information about driving in Austria

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)

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.

Discrimination, Racism and Law Enforcement

Chances are that you will encounter some people who will stare at trans people, people of color and people wearing garments related to religions other than Christianity. People of 60+ are more likely to be traditionally conservative (think old-school Republican), but more notably 37% of the age group between 35-59 having voted for the ultra far right in the 2024 election. Generally speaking major cities are more tolerant than rural areas.

Transphobia

No country is exempt from transphobia at the moment, however as far as EU countries go Austria is actually kind of ok. 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. That being said the far right is anti-trans and they were the largest party at 29% in the last election in 2024. So your mileage may vary.

Racism and Religious Discrimination

Sadly racism is a real issue in Austria. Most white Austrians have not had much exposure to people of different skin colors, so stereotypes run rampant. A black person may frequently find that they are the only black person in a building. Once again people in cities are more likely to be more accepting. Language based discrimination is sadly fairly frequent with some Austrians even in positions of power or government positions outright refusing to even attempt to communicate in anything but German.

Islamophobia has sadly been a huge issue for the last 20-30 years. People wearing hijab are the most frequent targets with incident reports being freely shared online of physical assaults including pushing, shoving, spitting and forcefully removing the target's hijab. Since 2017 burkas and other face coverings are illegal in public spaces

Antisemitism sadly never fully left Austria. Additionally to the old-school antisemitism there is also a rise in newer antisemitism. While the newer kind of antisemitism is mainly based in anti-Zionism it has sadly led to a rise in assaults of Jews in general. Recent political developments have also led to the emboldening of Neo-Nazi groups, however Nazi symbolism like the Hitler salute and swastika remain illegal and will lead to arrests and fines.

Law enforcement is no exception to the prejudice in (parts of) the Austrian population. While Austrian police is usually armed to some extent, the use of guns is exceptionally rare. It is so rare that this article from 2021 details all deadly incidents from 2008 - 2021 where a police officer killed a civilian using a gun. This is 12 incidents total in 13 years. Being stopped while driving a car is also exceedingly rare.

Relevant Resources

• Austria: Victim or suspect – A question of colour: Racial discrimination in the Austrian justice system
• ZARA Racism Report 2020: Analysis of racist attacks and structures in Austria
• Expanded, systematic hate crime data collection and reporting by the Austrian police
• Amnesty International Austria 2023

Ease of Travel to Other Countries

• Austria is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel to 26 European countries.
• Trains, budget airlines, and buses make travel cheap and easy.
• EU residency may allow work rights in other European countries. Austrian citizenship comes with freedom of movement, residence and work permit in all EU countries.

Animal Policies

• Austria is generally pet-friendly.
• Bringing pets into the country requires compliance with EU regulations. The EU section of Traveling with pets applies.

Traveling with Cats and Dogs

• A maximum of five animals per person are allowed.
• Each animal must be identified by a microchip. However, a tattoo carried out before July 3, 2011 is still valid, provided that it is clearly legible.
• Each animal must have a pet passport issued by a veterinarian authorized by the competent authority. It must also show that the animal in question has a valid rabies vaccination and, if applicable, a valid booster vaccination. The rabies vaccination is valid for 21 days after completion of the basic immunization, if the animal has undergone regular booster vaccination thereafter.

For more information on entry, validity of rabies vaccination and entry requirements for puppies, please visit the website of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection. There you will also find information on entry and re-entry with pets from third countries to Austria.

Relevant links

• More information on traveling with cats and dogs.
• Excessive amounts of information on importing animals (not limited to cats and dogs) here

Renting with Pets

Renting with pets is generally fine, however you will need to find a pet friendly rental for this to work. This is a page that makes it easy to find pet friendly rentals (German).