Austria (AT)
Austria is a landlocked Central European republic of nine federal states (Bundesländer), renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, imperial history, world-class classical music, and high standard of living.
Leaving Austria
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Start 3 months before departure: give rental and utility notice periods; begin job end/handover. 2 months: transfer banking arrangements; notify FinanzOnline of departure; consult PVA on pension portability; deregister with AMS if claiming benefits. 1 month: file/prepare tax return for partial year; return e-Card to employer; cancel ORF Beitrag and other subscriptions. Last week: conduct apartment handover; take meter readings; return keys; complete Abmeldung at Meldeamt within 3 days of departure. After departure (24 months): if non-EU without totalization agreement — apply to PVA for pension contribution refund.
Deregistration
You must officially deregister your address (Abmeldung) at the Meldeamt or Magistrat when leaving Austria permanently. Do this within 3 days of moving out (same deadline as for registration). Bring your passport, Meldezettel, and complete the Abmeldeformular. In Vienna: do this at your local Magistratisches Bezirksamt (MBA) or online at mein.wien.gv.at. Non-EU residence permit holders: also notify MA 35 (Vienna) or the BH (other states) that you are departing — this may affect future re-entry under your permit category.
Tax clearance
File your final Austrian tax return (Steuererklärung) for the partial year you were resident. Notify the Finanzamt of your change of address and departure from Austrian tax residency. If you have outstanding tax liabilities, settle them before leaving. Capital gains on Austrian assets (property, shares) remain taxable in Austria even after departure. Austrian source income (e.g. rental income from Austrian property) continues to be taxable even for non-residents. Use FinanzOnline to file your final return and update address.
Pension portability
Austrian state pension (PVA — Pensionsversicherungsanstalt) contributions are earned as pension points. EU/EEA citizens: contributions are fully portable and aggregated with home country contributions under EU social security coordination rules (Regulation 883/2004). Non-EU citizens from totalization agreement countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, India): benefits are coordinated — you do not lose Austrian contributions. Non-EU citizens without a totalization agreement: contributions remain in the Austrian system and you can claim a small Austrian pension at retirement age, or — if you had fewer than 15 contribution years — you may be eligible for a Beitragserstattung (contribution refund) of the employee share only, 24 months after departure. Contact PVA (pva.at) before leaving to understand your options.
Health insurance
ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse) coverage ends on the last day of employment or the last day of contribution payment. For employed persons: coverage continues for 4 weeks after employment ends (Nachbehaltensfrist). During job search: register with AMS within 3 days to continue health insurance via Arbeitslosengeld. Self-employed (SVS): coverage ends when SVS membership ends. Arrange replacement health insurance (international private insurance or home country NHS/social insurance) before your ÖGK coverage lapses. Return your e-Card to ÖGK or your former employer's HR when leaving.
Bank account
Austrian bank accounts (Bankkonto) remain open after departure unless you close them. Consider closing and transferring funds if no longer needed — fees for inactive accounts can apply. Transfer your balance to a new account abroad. Cancel all direct debits (Daueraufträge) and standing orders. Notify pension and investment providers of your new address. Non-resident bank accounts may be subject to Austrian Kapitalertragsteuer (KESt) on interest — confirm with your bank. Online banks (N26, Revolut, Wise) may be easier to maintain internationally. Credit rating (KSV1870) records remain for 3 years after negative entries.
Utilities
Give written notice to all utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet) in accordance with contractual notice periods. In Vienna: Wien Energie (electricity/gas), Magenta/A1/Drei (internet). Take final meter readings (Zählerstand) when leaving. Cancel the ORF Beitrag (broadcasting fee) through the ORF GIS portal (gis.at) — must be cancelled with the correct notice. Internet: check if you are in a fixed-term contract (Bindung) — early termination fees may apply. Cancel any Austrian subscriptions (gym, newspapers, streaming with Austrian accounts).
Rental contract
Give notice according to your rental contract (Mietvertrag) terms. Austrian law (Mietrechtsgesetz — MRG) requires tenants to give 1 month's notice (Kündigungsfrist) to terminate at the end of a month in most cases. Fixed-term contracts (befristete Verträge) run to their stated end date — early termination may incur fees. Return the apartment in the agreed condition. Conduct a formal handover (Wohnungsübergabe) with the landlord or property manager and document the apartment's condition with photos and a signed protocol (Übergabeprotokoll). Ensure your deposit (Kaution) is returned within the legally expected timeframe (usually within a few weeks after final utility billing). Contact Mieterhilfe (Vienna) or Mietervereinigung for advice on deposit disputes.
Leaving the Country
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