The Republic of Austria is located smack in the middle of Central Europe, bordered by the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Switzerland and Italy. This central location makes Austria a prime European destination, blending influences from several different cultures.
The official language spoken throughout Austria is German, and the landscape of the country is mountainous, thanks to its location in the Alps.
Whether you're relocating to Austria for employment, family or a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs.
Here's what you need to know when preparing to travel to Austria from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
Traveling is stressful, especially when you're moving from your home country to a foreign land. With everything going on during this time, it can be easy to forget things. However, it's important to remember your identification and other documents that you'll need to get through customs in your new country.
In addition to the usual documents required when traveling abroad (passport, visa, etc.) there are several more important documents that you'll need if you're going to be relocating to Austria.
- Passport (original)
- Inventory in triplicate
- Original Residence Permit (Meldezette)
- Certificate of Residence Change
- Entry Certificate from the Police Station of municipal office concerned
- Exit Certificate stating stay abroad was for at least twelve months
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
When you're relocating to another country, you're going to be bringing a bit more than a few pieces of luggage and a carry-on. For that reason, you'll need to have most of your belongings shipped overseas to your destination. Here are some of the customs regulations currently in place for people entering Austria:
- Used household goods (owned and used for at least six months) and personal effects are generally duty-free provided the customer has been abroad for at least twelve months, and the goods will not be sold for at least twelve months after import
- Goods must be imported within two years from the change of residence of the customer
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Laws are different all around the world, including the rules and regulations regarding what you can bring with you when entering a foreign country. Before you move, take a moment to familiarize yourself with what items are prohibited in your destination country. The following items are prohibited from entry into Austria through customs and may be seized upon arrival:
- Pornographic material
- Meat and milk and any other similar items from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries
- Protected species and products as listed by the CITES (Washington Convention) for example ivory, tortoise shell, coral, reptile skin, wood from Amazonian forests
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list are not completely prohibited from entering the country through customs, there may be a tax or duty placed on them upon arrival, or other restrictions. The following items are dutiable and/or restricted:
- Alcohol, tobacco products, perfume
- Foodstuffs, beverages and other consumables
- New items, appliances and gifts are subject to duties
- Weapons and ammunition require a special license
- Plants and certain plant products require a plant protection certificate
- Objects of art, antiques, invoice for goods in duplicate (if applicable, expert appraisal)
- Maximum of 10 kg of meat, milk and dairy products coming from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland
- Powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pets food) may be allowed if they need not to be refrigerated prior opening and that it is brand packaged food and the packaging has the original seal (unless in use at the time) and its quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Færøer Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries
- Fish only if it is disemboweled and does not exceed the weight of 20 kg
- Currency - no restrictions if coming from an EU country. Declarable for all travelling outside EU when the amount exceeds 10,000 euro or equivalent in another currency.
- Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals will need special authorization
- Medication - for personal use only
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you're relocating to Austria, you may want to have a car with you in your new country. If you already own a car and you are considering having it shipped to Austria, you should pay close attention to the rules and regulations regarding motor vehicle shipments. If you will be shipping your car to Austria, the following guidelines and regulations will apply:
- Motor Vehicles are exempt from duties if owned and used abroad for at least six months, and cannot be sold or otherwise transferred for two years
- All cars must meet Austrian specifications and may require extensive modifications
- Proof of automobile insurance is required
- Application for Austrian license plates must be made immediately; plates from original country must be available
- Separate customs clearance at the main customs office in Vienna is necessary
- Documents required:
- Log Book
- Purchase Invoice and contract
- Passport (copy)
- Registration with police or local authority in Austria (original)
- Exit Certificate stating stay abroad was for at least 12 months
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
It always helps to have a companion by your side when you're beginning your new life in a new country. Bringing your pet along is a great way to enjoy the comforts of home as you begin your new life. However, you should first familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding traveling with pets to Austria, as well as what kind of documents you'll need to clear customs:
- Dogs and cats are permitted with a Health and Vaccination Certificate in German
- Pets need to be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system), vaccinated against rabies and have a health certificate
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
Relocating from one country to another requires a great amount of preparation and planning. In addition to securing the services of an international moving company to handle your shipment, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations vary from country to country and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move and ease you into your transition, we've provided a few helpful links to learn more about the complicated international moving process: