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.

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 ()

ABA portrait with hike backdrop — © digitalwerk

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

Stay on top of everything you need to know before and after returning to Austria

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