europe Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Austria: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Austria for US/EU companies. Visa options, tax implications, best cities, and practical tips for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Austria with relative ease. EU citizens enjoy automatic work rights, while non-EU citizens can leverage Austria’s relatively accessible self-employment visa or the newer remote work visa options. Known for exceptional quality of life, coffee culture, Alpine beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Austria offers remote workers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor recreation.
Visa Options
For EU/EEA Citizens
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Austria without visa requirements thanks to freedom of movement. Simply arrive, register with local authorities (Meldezettel) within three days, and you can legally reside and work. Access to healthcare, banking, and all services is straightforward.
For Non-EU Citizens
90-Day Schengen Visa Citizens of approximately 60 countries (including US, Canada, Australia, Japan) can visit Austria visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. You can work remotely for foreign employers during this time, though technically you’re on a tourist visa.
Self-Employment Visa (Aufenthaltsbewilligung - selbständige Erwerbstätigkeit) One of Europe’s more accessible routes for remote workers and freelancers. Requirements include:
- Proof of professional qualifications/expertise
- Business plan demonstrating economic viability
- Sufficient funds (typically €12,000-15,000 in Austrian bank account)
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Austria
- Clean criminal record
This visa is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually. After 5-6 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent settlement.
Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) Points-based system for skilled workers in shortage occupations. Requires job offer from Austrian employer or exceptional qualifications. Categories include:
- Very highly qualified workers (university degree + minimum €67,152 annual salary)
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations
- Other essential workers
Initial validity is 12-24 months, renewable, and leads to permanent settlement after specific periods.
Startup Visa For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. Requires approval from an Austrian startup accelerator or having a business concept that benefits Austria’s economy. More stringent than the self-employment visa but offers a clear pathway if you have startup funding.
Student Visa If you’re enrolled in an Austrian university, a student visa allows limited part-time work (20 hours/week), which can include remote work for foreign employers.
Tax Implications
Tax Residency
You’re an Austrian tax resident if:
- You have a permanent home in Austria, OR
- You spend more than 6 consecutive months in Austria (regardless of permanent home)
Tax residents pay Austrian income tax on worldwide income. Non-residents only pay tax on Austrian-sourced income.
Income Tax Rates
Austria has a progressive income tax system with rates updated in 2024:
Income Tax Brackets:
- Up to €12,816: 0% (tax-free allowance)
- €12,817-€20,818: 20%
- €20,819-€34,513: 30%
- €34,514-€66,612: 40%
- €66,613-€99,266: 48%
- Above €99,266: 50%
Social Security Contributions
Employees contribute approximately 18.12% of gross income to social security (health, pension, unemployment insurance), with employers contributing an additional ~21.23%. These contributions provide comprehensive healthcare, pension, and unemployment benefits.
Self-employed individuals pay approximately 26.83% on net income for social security, with minimum contributions around €500/month regardless of income.
Self-Employment Tax Structure
Self-employed individuals file annual tax returns and pay income tax on net profit after deducting business expenses. You can choose between:
- Actual accounting (tracking all income and expenses)
- Fixed-rate expense deduction (simplified system with predetermined expense percentages)
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Standard VAT rate is 20%. Self-employed individuals must register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds €35,000 (or immediately if providing services to other businesses). You charge VAT on services and can reclaim VAT on business expenses.
Tax Treaties
Austria has double taxation agreements with over 90 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and most European nations, preventing you from being taxed twice on the same income.
Special Tax Benefits
Austria offers no special digital nomad tax breaks like Portugal or Italy, but the relatively moderate income tax rates combined with excellent public services and infrastructure provide good value.
Best Cities for Remote Work
Vienna
Austria’s capital consistently ranks as the world’s most livable city and it’s easy to see why. Exceptional public transportation (€365/year annual pass), stunning architecture blending imperial grandeur with modern design, world-class museums and opera, and over 100 coworking spaces. Rent is moderate for a capital city (€1,000-1,600/month for 1-bedroom in central districts). Large international community, thriving tech and startup scene, and abundant English-speaking opportunities. Perfect work-life balance with Vienna Woods for hiking and the Danube for swimming just minutes from the city center.
Salzburg
Mozart’s birthplace offers Alpine charm, baroque architecture, and proximity to stunning mountain landscapes. Much smaller than Vienna (150,000 population) but with high quality of life and well-developed infrastructure. Rent is similar to Vienna (€900-1,400/month for 1-bedroom) despite the smaller size due to tourism demand. Growing tech scene, several coworking spaces, and strong expat community. Perfect for remote workers who prioritize outdoor recreation - you can ski in winter or hike in summer within 30 minutes of downtown. More conservative and traditional than Vienna.
Graz
Austria’s second city with a young, dynamic atmosphere thanks to multiple universities. Lovely old town (UNESCO World Heritage site) combined with contemporary architecture and design. Most affordable of the three cities (€700-1,200/month for 1-bedroom) while maintaining excellent infrastructure. Growing tech and startup ecosystem, particularly in automotive and green technology. Less international than Vienna but friendly and increasingly English-friendly. Only 2.5 hours from Vienna by train, 1.5 hours from Ljubljana. Ideal for remote workers seeking authentic Austrian life without tourist crowds and high costs.
Timezone Overlap
Austria operates on Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) in winter and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2) in summer, with changes in late March and late October.
Working with US Companies
- East Coast: When it’s 9 AM in New York, it’s 3 PM in Vienna (CET) or 4 PM (CEST). You have 4-5 hours of afternoon overlap if working standard European hours.
- West Coast: When it’s 9 AM in San Francisco, it’s 6 PM in Vienna (CET) or 7 PM (CEST). Challenging overlap - requires early starts (6-7 AM Vienna time) or late evenings.
- Central Time: Manageable with 5-6 hours of overlap if you maintain some schedule flexibility.
Working with European Companies
Ideal timezone for European collaboration. Austria is in sync with Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and most of Europe, making real-time collaboration effortless.
Working with Asian Companies
Difficult overlap. When it’s 9 AM in Singapore, it’s 2 AM in Vienna. Early morning meetings (6-8 AM) necessary to connect with Asian afternoon business hours.
Moving to Austria Checklist
- 1 Apply for appropriate visa at Austrian embassy (3-4 months before move)
- 2 Secure accommodation with rental contract (required for visa application)
- 3 Complete registration (Meldezettel) within 3 days of arrival at local authority
- 4 Open Austrian bank account (necessary for rent, utilities, and tax)
- 5 Obtain residence permit card (collect within 90 days if approved)
- 6 Apply for tax number (Steuernummer) at local tax office
- 7 Arrange health insurance (mandatory - public or private)
- 8 Register for e-card (health insurance card) if using public insurance
- 9 Set up utilities and internet at your apartment
- 10 Consider getting Austrian phone number (helpful for banking and services)
- 11 Register as self-employed with tax office and social security if freelancing
- 12 Start learning German - essential for integration and daily life
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is learning German for remote work in Austria?
German is very important for daily life and integration, even though many Austrians speak English well. While you can work remotely in English and navigate Vienna's international districts, learning German is essential for dealing with bureaucracy, landlords, healthcare, and building deeper connections. Official documents and government websites are primarily in German. Most remote workers start with English but commit to learning German for long-term success and quality of life.
How does Austria's quality of life compare to other European countries?
Austria, particularly Vienna, consistently ranks at or near the top of global quality of life indices. You get exceptional public transportation (Vienna's annual pass is just €365), world-class healthcare, very low crime, clean air and water, abundant green spaces, and rich cultural offerings at reasonable costs. The balance of urban amenities with nature access (Alps for skiing, lakes for swimming) is hard to match. The tradeoff is more bureaucracy and formality compared to Southern European countries.
Is the self-employment visa difficult to obtain?
Austria's self-employment visa is more accessible than many European countries, but it requires thorough preparation. You need a solid business plan showing how you'll support yourself, proof of funds (€12,000-15,000), health insurance, and accommodation. The process takes 3-6 months. Success rates are good if you're genuinely self-employed with established clients and can demonstrate professional expertise. Working with an immigration lawyer or consultant increases approval chances, especially for the business plan component.
What are the downsides of living in Austria as a remote worker?
Main challenges include: 1) High tax rates (up to 50% for higher earners) and social security contributions, 2) Bureaucracy - expect paperwork and formality in all official matters, 3) Shops close on Sundays and most close by 7-8 PM on weekdays, 4) More conservative and formal culture than Western/Southern Europe, 5) Weather can be gray and cold November-March. However, many remote workers find the exceptional infrastructure, safety, and quality of life far outweigh these drawbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Austria for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Austria for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Austria.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Austria?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Austria visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Austria?
The cost of living in Austria is moderate, with monthly budgets of $2,000-3,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Austria have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Austria's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Austria?
The best cities for remote workers in Austria typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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