Moving to Austria: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Austria: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 7 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Austria the top income tax rate is 55%, dividends are taxed at up to 27.5% and companies pay 23% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Austria from arrival once you take up residence (Wohnsitz: home available for own use (register) → unlimited liability from move-in). The typical route is EU/EFTA free movement (EU/EFTA citizens: register as self-sufficient): Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required There are 7 open residence programmes in Austria — see the list below.
Living there
Vienna has a temperate oceanic climate with winter highs around 3.5 °C and summer highs around 26.5 °C. The economy grew +0.3% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 0.8% for 2026. Its passport opens about 164 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No fighting; terror threat level 4/5 since 2023; Vienna Russian spy hub (Ott trial 2026); counter-drone exercises.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 55% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 27.5% |
| Corporate tax | 23% |
| Tax residence | from arrival — Wohnsitz: home available for own use (register) → unlimited liability from move-in |
| Typical residence route | EU/EFTA free movement (EU/EFTA citizens: register as self-sufficient) — Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 164 countries |
| Economic growth | +0.3% (2025), forecast 0.8% (2026) |
| Climate type | temperate oceanic · 3.5° / 26.5° (Vienna) |
| War & conflict | hybrid — No fighting; terror threat level 4/5 since 2023; Vienna Russian spy hub (Ott trial 2026); counter-drone exercises |
| All natural hazards | 2.5/10 |
| Banking strength | 8.5/10 · AA |
| Property protection | 8.5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 10/10 |
Residence programmes in Austria
- EU/EEA/Swiss registration certificate (free movement) — freeMovement
- Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excluded — Income / yr CHF 29'517
- Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers — Investment CHF 94'000
- Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders — Investment CHF 28'200
- Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card (employment) — employment
- Citizenship for extraordinary achievements in the special interest of the Republic (§10(6) StbG) — citizenshipByInvestment
- Family reunification with a third-country national — Income / yr CHF 23'283
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Austria to become tax resident?
from arrival. Wohnsitz: home available for own use (register) → unlimited liability from move-in Habitual abode >6 months alternative
How much tax will I pay in Austria?
In Austria the top income tax rate is 55%, dividends are taxed at up to 27.5% and companies pay 23% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Austria offer?
EU/EEA/Swiss registration certificate (free movement); Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excluded; Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers (CHF 94'000); Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders (CHF 28'200); Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card (employment)
What is the usual way to move to Austria?
EU/EFTA free movement (EU/EFTA citizens: register as self-sufficient). Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required
Compare with nearby countries
Albania · Andorra · Belarus · Belgium · Bosnia and Herz. · Bulgaria · Croatia · Cyprus · Czechia · Denmark · Estonia · Finland
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