How to register in Austria and why it’s required

After moving to Austria, you must register your address within 3 working days. Find out the process in this guide.

Greta

2 minute read

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Updated on 20 May 2024

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Living

When moving to Austria for more than 3 months, you’re legally required to register your address in Austria. This Austria residence registration process needs to be completed as soon as you move into your Austrian home. Although the process involves some paperwork, registering your address and obtaining a registration certificate is quite simple. Let’s get right to it!

Whether you're moving to Austria for the first time or relocating within the country, you must register your residence (Anmelden) within 3 working days. This mandatory residence registration is crucial for basic services like opening an Austrian bank account or joining a gym. Failure to register within 3 days may result in a fine of up to €250.

Now that you're about to begin, let's go through the steps you need to take to register in Austria:

Step 1: Make an appointment at the resident registration service center

Since you have to register your new home within 3 working days, schedule your appointment well in advance at the resident registration service center.

Every Austrian city has its own resident registration service center (Meldeservicestelle), and Vienna has a whopping 19 of them! You can schedule an appointment by calling or online, using their website's online reservation tool.

To help you find the right center easily, here's a list of major cities in Austria and their resident registration service centers:

• Vienna
• Salzburg
• Innsbruck
• Graz
• Linz

After choosing an office, you can use the calendar to select a date and time for your appointment. It's as simple as that! Just set a reminder in your calendar to stay on top of it.

Important to note: You can’t register at your new home in Austria before moving into your residential address.

Step 2: Collect the required documentation

Here’s the checklist of documents needed for the registration process:

• Residence registration form (Meldezettel). Before your appointment, make sure to fill out the registration form and bring it along. Keep in mind that the form is only available in German, and you must complete it in German as well. You can use an online translator, like Google Lens, or ask a German friend for help.
• Landlord’s signature. To complete the Meldezettel, both you and your landlord must sign the form.
• Birth certificate. If your birth certificate isn’t in English or German, make sure to have it translated and legalised.
• Identification document. Remember to bring your national identification card, Austrian residence permit or passport when you go to the registration center.

Step 3: Visit the resident registration service center

You're almost there! The next step is your appointment. It's essential to be punctual — being on time is highly valued in Austria.

At the registration service center, you might receive a number that will be called out or displayed on the screen when it’s your turn. When your number is up, approach the clerk and present your documents. Follow their instructions carefully. Remember, if you miss your turn, you might have to reschedule your appointment.

Once you complete the registration process, you’ll receive a registration certificate, also known as a Meldebestätigung. We advise you to keep the original safe and make a copy of this document because you’ll need it for a variety of administrative procedures in Austria.

Registering in Austria is free, but you must pay around €15 for any additional copy.

In the future, when you need to change your address within Austria, you can do it online.