Welcome Home

Returning to Austria – How to make a fresh start

Whether you’re coming back after decades abroad or following a shorter stay overseas, WORK in AUSTRIA supports Austrians returning from abroad as they make a new start – with tailored advice, job opportunities, and practical guidance for life in Austria.
Free of charge. Personal. Step by step.

Our services for returnees:

  • Advice and support: Information on right of residence, recognition of pension contribution periods, taxation, school choice, and funding opportunities. 
  • Career opportunities: Access to jobs, networks and personalised career advice
  • Community and exchange: Events, experts, and a strong network throughout Austria 

 Discover our services now and get started.

Testimonials

Success stories: How Austria became home again

Austrians who have returned share how they rebuilt their lives in Austria – from finding a job to helping their families settle in.

© Westend61
Customized Solutions

Individual solutions for returnees with a family or partner

WORK in AUSTRIA understands the challenges involved in returning home – from residence and social security issues to double taxation, remote work, or exit taxes linked to a Green Card. We offer personalised guidance to ensure that your restart is smooth.

Our services at a glance:

  • Initial consultation and legal information:
    Assessment of your overall situation, up-to-date information on residence requirements, and document verification for EU and non-EU countries.
  • Family integration and career:
    Support with school choice, relocation, and housing search
    Advice on job hunting, re-entering the labour market, and freelance or remote working options
    Access to a professional network for partners – including events, webinars, and expert networking opportunities.

Planning your return to Austria with your family or partner?
→ Take advantage of our free consultation service and find individual solutions for your return. – Contact us now

Get your free consultationGet your free consultation ()

Connect Success

Working and Starting a Business in Austria: Your Path to Success

WORK in AUSTRIA supports international professionals and entrepreneurs with in-depth local expertise and a strong network – from company founding to entering the job market.

Our services:

  • Founding and funding:
    Advice on business registration, choice of legal form, available grants, and research incentives
  • Working and networking:
    Information on remote work, the social security system, and tax regulations
    Access to the Talent Hub and contacts with start-ups, headhunters, and research institutions

Start your own success story in Austria today – with our free consultation service for entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

Get in touch nowGet in touch now ()

© Westend61
Community Spirit

Settling in Together in Austria

Become part of the community today!

Join our LinkedIn groupJoin our LinkedIn group ()

  • WORK in AUSTRIA connects returnees through a strong network spanning academia, business, and innovative businesses.
  • Networking and exchange: Contacts with experts, regional development agencies, research institutions, and companies
  • Events and meet-ups: Welcome Home Meet-Up in Vienna and online webinars with experts on specialist topics
  • Knowledge and guidance: Up-to-date information on taxation, remote work, and social security

Meet us at following events

Show all events
16.04.2026

Austrian Community Night Boston 2026

Program
Welcome address and moderated Q&A with Victoria Reggie Kennedy, former
U.S. Ambassador to Austria together with Sebastian Schütze, Rector of the
University of Vienna


Opportunity to connect with senior executives and decision-makers in an elegant setting


Moderator: Hannelore Veit

Our new Austrian Abroad Ambassador will be introduced: Barbara Widholm
 

Boston, United States
Event in Detail
06.03.2026

AIT tour for the Welcome Home Community

AIT tour for all Welcome Home Community members

Vienna, Austria
Event in Detail
11.12.2025

Webinar: ABA-BDO Tax Law Consultation Hour

Are you returning to Austria after a long stay abroad and have questions about tax law in Austria? BDO and the Austrian Business Agency look forward to your participation in our webinar on tax law for Austrians living abroad.

Online, Austria
Event in Detail
20.11.2025

AUKSA Real-World Impact Lab: From Research to Practice

Together with Advantage Austria UK and the Austrian Business Agency (ABA), the Austro-UK Science Alliance (AUKSA) is organising a new bilateral series on the topic of real-world impact: ‘From research to practice’.

London, United Kingdom
Event in Detail
17.11.2025

Webinar: ABA-BDO Tax Law Consultation Hour

Are you returning to Austria after a long stay abroad and have questions about tax law in Austria? BDO and the Austrian Business Agency look forward to your participation in our webinar on tax law for Austrians living abroad.

Online, Austria
Event in Detail
16.10.2025

Austrian National Day Atlanta

National Day Celebration by Paul Seefried, Honorary Consul in Atlanta for all Austrians and Austrian friends living and working in Atlanta

Atlanta, United States
Event in Detail
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Stay on top of everything you need to know before and after returning to Austria

Navigation line

  • Before entering the country

    • Check your travel documents and certificates
      (e.g., passport, marriage and birth certificates) – renew, translate, or have them legalised with an apostille if required

    • Clarify residence rights for family members
      → See the Immigration GuideSee the Immigration Guide ()

    • Start your housing search
      Buying or renting? The “ordering party” principle has been in effect since 2023: that means no estate agent fees for tenants

    • Take out travel insurance
      As a temporary solution until your Austrian health insurance takes effect

    • Deregister at your previous place of residence

    • Check entry requirements for pets

    • Apply for an ID Austria
      This can already be done abroad through an Austrian consulate or embassy using an Austrian or foreign mobile number
      → https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/id-austria.htmlhttps://www.oesterreich.gv.at/id-austria.html ()

    • Arrange an initial consultation with ABA
      → Get in touch nowGet in touch now ()

  • After entering the country

    • Register your place of residence
      → Submit your registration form at the local municipal office

    • Set up utilities

    • Exchange your driving licence
      → Deadline: 6 months

    • Import your car
      → Pay NOVA bezahlen (more information is available in the Personal GuidePersonal Guide ())

    • Open a bank account

    • Arrange childcare and schooling
      Enrolment in public institutions is only possible once you have registered your residence, via the central municipal authority 

    • Take out health insurance with the ÖGK
      → Co-insurance for family members is available

    • Activate your ID Austria
      → At a registration office in Austria

    • Download tip: Our complete „Welcome Home“-Checkliste as a PDF

ABA Help Desk

First consultation? We're happy to help!

Katja-Otter
Katja Otter
Key Account Companies
k.otter@aba.gv.at

Brochure download

Welcome home (German)

ABA-Willkommen-daheim-cover
  • Support for returning and starting anew in Austria
  • Personal advice on jobs, authorities, and family matters
  • Practical checklists and services for a smooth start


Guide for Austrians abroad (German)

  • Practical information on taxes and social security abroad
  • Helpful tips for returning to Austria
  • Key deadlines and contact points at a glance

Pension entitlement (German)

  • Requirements and calculation of pensions in Austria
  • Recognition of foreign periods and international agreements
  • Application, payment, and tax treatment made simple

Austria – a family-friendly country

Everything you
need to know about
financial support for families
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