New in Austria
If you come to Austria to study, there is a lot to sort out in the first weeks. Here is an overview, with a link to the source for each topic.
Registering your address
When you move into a flat or a room, you register within three days. In Vienna, this happens at the district office (Magistratisches Bezirksamt). Elsewhere, it is the registration office of your new town. You need a registration form (Meldezettel), signed by the person who gives you the room or flat, and your passport or another travel document. Registration is free.
You will often need the Meldezettel later, for example for health insurance.
Residence
From the EU, the EEA or Switzerland: Within four months of arriving, you apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung). In Vienna, the office in charge is MA 35. For students, the documents include an ID, proof of your studies, health insurance and enough money to live on. The fee is 44 euros.
oesterreich.gv.at: Registration certificate for EU citizens and Swiss nationals
From other countries: Depending on your nationality, you need a visa, a residence permit, or both. For studies, there is the "Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student" (residence permit for students). You apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate abroad, or, after lawful entry, at the authority in Austria. An application in Austria does not extend your visa-free stay. The OeAD advises starting about three months before your trip.
Study in Austria (OeAD): Entry and visa · oesterreich.gv.at: Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student (in German)
Health insurance
From the EU or the EEA: If you have public health insurance at home, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) also works in Austria.
From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia or Turkey: There are special agreements with these countries. You need a form from your health insurer at home (A3) and exchange it at the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK).
From other countries, or without insurance: Under certain conditions, students can take out their own insurance with the ÖGK. In 2026 it costs 78.84 euros a month. Your income has to be below 15,000 euros a year.
The ÖH insurance is not health insurance. With the ÖH fee, you are insured against accidents and liability as part of your studies, not against illness.
BOKU: Insurance for international students · oesterreich.gv.at: Student self-insurance (in German) · ÖH: Insurance
People and places to ask
The first place to ask is usually the International Office of your university. The ÖH is the legal representation of all students in Austria. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) has groups in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Kufstein, Linz, Salzburg and St. Pölten.
Public transport in Vienna
Everyone under 26 can get the Jahreskarte Jugend (youth annual pass), whether studying or working. It costs from 294 euros a year. Since 1 February 2026, it has replaced the semester ticket.
Bank account
Anyone who lives legally in the EU has the right to a basic bank account (Basiskonto). This includes students.
Ministry of Social Affairs: Basiskonto info sheet (PDF, in German, 2020)
Emergency numbers
112 is the European emergency number. It also works on a locked phone. There are also 144 ambulance, 133 police, 122 fire brigade and 141 emergency doctor. All emergency numbers are free from any phone in Austria.
Your phone
With a plan from an EU country, you use your phone in Austria like at home. If, over four months, you spend more time here than at home and also use more data here, your provider may warn you and, if nothing changes within 14 days, add a surcharge. More in our guide "Where does EU roaming end?"
With a plan from outside the EU, your provider's terms apply.
An Austrian prepaid SIM card has to be registered with an official photo ID before first use. This has been the rule since 2019.
An eSIM with a data plan for Austria can be set up before you leave. Your own SIM and your number stay as they are. We offer this: Data plans for Austria
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to register my address?
Within three days of moving in. Registration is free.
Does the ÖH insurance replace health insurance?
No. It covers accidents and liability as part of your studies, but not illness.
Is there still a semester ticket in Vienna?
No. Since 1 February 2026, there is the Jahreskarte Jugend for everyone under 26 instead.
Does my phone from the EU work in Austria?
Yes, with EU roaming like at home. If you stay longer and are mostly here, your provider may warn you after four months and, if nothing changes within 14 days, add a surcharge.
Which number do I call in an emergency?
112. It works all over Austria, is free and also works on a locked phone.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Checked against the sources on 23 October 2026.