Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Dutch citizens need neither a visa nor a residence permit. If you stay longer than three months, apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within four months (€44).
- You have free access to the labour market, without a permit.
- When buying property, you are treated the same as Austrians.
- Austria and the Netherlands have double taxation agreements on income and on inheritances and gifts.
- Austria and the Netherlands have an agreement on equivalences in higher education.
Mountains, culture and a central location in Europe: Austria attracts many Dutch people too, whether to work, start a business or retire. As an EU citizen, you have it easy. Even so, a few steps in Austria are mandatory. Here you will find the most important ones, brief and verified.
Your status as a Dutch citizen
You enjoy EU freedom of movement. You may stay for three months without conditions. After that, you have a right of residence if you
- work as an employee or are self-employed,
- have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance cover, for example as a retiree, or
- are in education or training and can prove sufficient funds and insurance.
After five years of continuous lawful residence, you receive a certificate of permanent residence (Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts) on application. Read on: Permanent residence, Citizenship.
Entry and where to apply
You enter with your identity card (identiteitskaart) or passport. You do not need to apply at the Austrian Embassy in The Hague. In Austria, the following applies:
| Step | Deadline | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Register your residence (Meldezettel) | within three days of moving | registration office (EU citizens’ guide) |
| Registration certificate | within four months of entry | settlement authority; in Vienna, the MA 35, EEA unit (details) |
You apply in person. If you are not in employment, you prove sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance. Family members from third countries receive a residence card (Aufenthaltskarte).
Working in Austria
You do not need an employment permit. Eligible family members may also work freely, whatever their nationality. The Red-White-Red Card and the EU Blue Card apply only to third-country nationals.
Studying in Austria
At public universities, EU citizens only pay a tuition fee (Studienbeitrag) if they exceed the standard duration of their programme by more than two semesters: €363.36 per semester. Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen) may charge at most €363.36 per semester. More: Studying in Austria.
Starting a company and investing
You may register a trade just like Austrians, unless it is reserved for Austrian nationals. Regulated trades require a certificate of competence (Befähigungsnachweis). You can have your Dutch qualification recognised by the provincial governor (Landeshauptmann). Alternatively, you can appoint a managing director under trade law (gewerberechtlicher Geschäftsführer).
Typical routes:
- your own company: Founding a GmbH or FlexCo
- a Dutch company with a location in Austria: Branch office (Zweigniederlassung)
- investing capital without relocating: Investing without relocating, Investors
The Start-up Founder Card and the Self-employed Key Worker route apply only to third-country nationals.
Real estate
When acquiring property, EU citizens are treated the same as Austrians. You do not need approval under the law on property acquisition by foreigners. Provincial rules, for example on holiday homes, still apply. More: Buying property.
Taxes and social security
Taxes: A double taxation agreement on income taxes applies between Austria and the Netherlands. The BMF cites it, for example, in the Transfer Pricing Guidelines 2021. Double taxation is avoided through exemption or credit. The DTA on inheritance and gift taxes has applied since 1 January 2003 (BMF).
Important for retirees: in 2022, the Federal Fiscal Court (Bundesfinanzgericht) ruled that a Dutch social security pension may be taxed in the Netherlands under Art. 20(4) of the DTA. Austria takes it into account only when setting the tax rate (progression proviso, Progressionsvorbehalt). In that case, occupational pensions from Dutch pension funds were taxed by Austria. Have your case reviewed by a tax adviser.
Social security: Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 applies. You are only ever insured in one country, usually the country where you work. For a posting of up to 24 months, the A1 certificate proves cover under the Dutch system.
Qualifications and driving licence
For regulated professions, EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications applies. For university degrees, there is also the bilateral Agreement on the Recognition of Equivalences in Higher Education. Nostrification (Nostrifizierung) is only needed if the law requires an Austrian degree.
Your Dutch driving licence remains valid. Exchanging it is voluntary. You may use a car with Dutch number plates for no more than one month after establishing your main residence. When the car is first registered in Austria, the standard fuel consumption tax (NoVA) is due.
Business links between the Netherlands and Austria
According to the WKÖ country profile, Austria imported goods worth €5,754 million from the Netherlands in 2025. Exports to the Netherlands amounted to €3,810 million, which is 2.0% of all goods exports.
Your point of contact is ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA The Hague, the commercial section of the Austrian Embassy. The office brokers partners and supports market entry. For the private label trade fair PLMA Amsterdam 2027, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA is bringing 64 Austrian exhibitors to the Austria Pavilion.
Frequently asked questions
As a Dutch citizen, do I need a work permit? No. You have free access to the Austrian labour market.
Can I move to Austria as a retiree? Yes, if you have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance.
Where is my Dutch pension taxed? That depends on the type of pension. The DTA distinguishes, for example, between social security pensions and occupational pensions.
How much does the registration certificate cost? €44. You apply for it in person; in Vienna, at the MA 35.
Can I buy a holiday home in Austria? EU citizens buy property like Austrians. However, the provincial rules on holiday homes apply to you as well.
Is Austria right for you? Take the free Quick-Check or talk to our founders: Contact.
