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The following section provides information that people, particularly British Nationals might find useful around moving to Austria and/or living in Austria.
There are several national and provincial advice centres that can offer advice to people in English (and other languages). They are for people who want to live, work and study in Austria or who are already living in Austria. The list below contains some of the well known advice centres.
Advice CentresHere is an overview of the mobile operators in Austria. Note:- In Austria a Mobile is called a "Handy".
Mobile OverviewHealthcare in Austria is not free and it is essential that you maintain an approved health insurance product. This typically comes as part of your employment, but failing that you may need to take out private insurance. Failure to do so may result in issues with residency permits. Non working Family members of employees should look at co-insurance (Mitversicherung)
This link contains a list of those Health private insurance products that are acceptable to MA35 in Vienna, they also accept OeGK, BVAEB & SVS. Choosing products not on this list could mean the application is not approved. Below is some further information that may be useful to British Nationals or anyone coming from the UK.
If you have a device that is capable of receiving TV signals, you MUST pay a TV licence fee. Costs depend on the Province where you live and can cost up to €240 per year. This compares to the BBC licence fee of £159 per year. From 1st January 2024 the GIS was replaced by the ORF-Beitrag (contribution fee)
ORF-BeitragFrom 1 November to 15 April there is an obligation to fit winter tyres to vehicles in Austria. In the event of an accident during this time, if you are driving without appropriate tyres, the burden of proof will be on you to prove that having the wrong tyres didn't cause the accident. It may also cause insurance issues. Neighbouring countries also fine drivers for not having the correct tyres.
Winter TyresIf you plan on getting married in Austria you may need something called a "Certificate of No Impedimient". British Nationals can email the Consulate Team in Vienna for instructions as a Notary may be able to assist with some of the activity. Austria also recognises Registered Partnership for same sex and different sex couples. Please note, if you want to get married in church your ability to do so may be determined based on payment of the Church tax.
.GOV.UK Getting Married AbroadUnlike the UK and other countries Austria has a Church Tax. The Religion information that is entered on the Meldezettel will determine whether you are liable to the Church Tax or not and is based on a percentage of your income. More details below:
BiA Church TaxTick Season in Austria runs from the start of early Spring (March) to late Autumn (November).People should not be afraid of the outdoors but you may need to take precautions (e.g. Vaccination, longer clothes, checking) .People should investigate getting FSME vaccinated via their GP or employer. If you have never been vaccinated before, it may take many weeks/months so be prepared.
ECDC Tick AdviceMartens (Marder in German) are beautiful creatures, however in Austria they sometimes do like to cause damage to motor vehicles. Speak to your neighbours to see if they are an issue and take precautions.
BiA Martens Article