What is Anmeldung?
Anmeldung (address registration) is a mandatory process in Austria where residents must register their place of residence with the local authorities. This applies to both Austrian citizens and foreigners staying in Austria.
Who needs to register?
Everyone who moves to a new address in Austria must register within 3 working days after moving in. This applies to:
- Austrian citizens
- EU/EEA citizens planning to stay longer than 3 months
- Non-EU citizens (who also need additional residence permits)
- Students staying for a semester or longer
- Anyone establishing their main or secondary residence in Austria
Main Residence vs. Secondary Residence
In Austria, you can register an address as either your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) or secondary residence (Nebenwohnsitz):
- Main Residence (Hauptwohnsitz): Your primary place of living. This is where you spend most of your time and have your center of life interests. You can only have one main residence.
- Secondary Residence (Nebenwohnsitz): Additional places where you live but don't consider your primary home. You can have multiple secondary residences.
If you're staying in Austria for less than 6 months, you would typically register a secondary residence. For longer stays, a main residence registration is usually appropriate.
Where to register?
You need to register at your local municipal office (Meldeamt), which is typically located in:
- Municipal District Offices (Magistratisches Bezirksamt) in Vienna
- City Hall (Rathaus) or Municipal Office (Gemeindeamt) in other cities and towns
In Vienna, you can register at any Municipal District Office (Magistratisches Bezirksamt), regardless of where you live in the city.
What documents do you need?
To complete your registration, you'll need:
- Registration form (Meldezettel): Available at the registration office or downloadable from official government websites
- Valid ID: Passport or national ID card
- Landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung): Your landlord or property manager must sign the registration form to confirm you live at the address
- Rental agreement: While not always required, it's good to bring it as supporting documentation
Benefits of registration
Proper address registration in Austria provides several benefits:
- Legal compliance (avoiding potential fines)
- Ability to open a bank account
- Access to healthcare services
- Eligibility for residence permits (for non-EU citizens)
- Ability to register a vehicle
- Access to municipal services
De-registration when moving out
When you move out of your registered address, you must de-register (Abmeldung) within 3 days of moving out if:
- You're moving abroad
- You're not establishing a new address in Austria
If you're moving to another address within Austria, your new registration automatically cancels the old one.
Friends in Flats Assistance
As a Friends in Flats tenant, your landlord can provide you with the necessary confirmation for your registration. If you need assistance with the registration process, don't hesitate to contact our support team.