Moving to Austria: the complete checklist
Between signing the lease and your first visit to a government office lie several steps that are closely linked. This checklist puts them in the right order.
Moving to Austria (or within the country) comes with several official and private to-dos that are closely interlinked. The following order has proven itself:
1. Before moving in
- Review and sign the lease
- Create a handover protocol with meter readings (electricity, gas, water)
- Clarify whether the landlord is renting out furniture or a kitchen — only then may they require household insurance (more in Is Household Insurance Mandatory?)
2. Within 3 days of moving in
- Fill out the Meldezettel and have it signed by your accommodation provider
- Register with the responsible authority — the complete guide is in The Meldezettel, step by step
- Find your responsible registration office by federal state in the directory (DE)
This deadline is the most important one in the whole moving process: many of the following steps require your registration confirmation.
3. After registration
- Open a bank account or update your address with your existing bank — more in Opening a Bank Account: Why the Meldezettel Matters
- Apply for a tax number at the tax office, if required
- Inform social insurance and your employer of the new address
- Transfer or newly register electricity, gas and internet providers
4. Optional, but recommended
- Take out household insurance — usually not legally required, but recommended by consumer protection organizations
- Set up mail forwarding with the post office
In short
The Meldezettel is the linchpin: it must be done within 3 days, because banks, tax offices and often employers require it as proof of address.
The Meldezettel is the linchpin: it must be done within 3 days, because banks, tax offices and often employers require it as proof of address.