Introduction
As a counterpart to our Moving from the UK to Austria guide we have produced this overview of the things you need to consider when you go the other way (i.e. moving from Austria to the UK).
This guide is primarily aimed at British Nationals and their family members.
De-registration
When you leave Austria for good you need to de-register your main residence within 3 days of moving out. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to €726 (2023). Futher details are on this website.
Residence Permits
The generic advice we have received from Vienna is that MA35Magistratsabteilung 35 Residency and citizenship issues in Vienna are handled by Magistratsabteilung 35 (MA35). It has several offices in Vienna and where you need to go depends on whether or not you are an EU citizen (you go to one or other of its EU Referat offices depending on the district you live in), or its premises for third country nationals. would like the Article 50 cards back when you leave for good. You can put it in an envelope with an explanation as to why it is being returned or put in a postbox near the entrance. For other areas in Austria, please ask at your local Bezirkshauptmannschaft.
Your Article 50 card is linked to the ZMR database, which in turn is liked to your MeldezettelMeldezettel Austria requires everyone living in Austria (both Austrians and foreigners) to register their place(s) of residence with the local authorities. The confirmation of this registration is called a Meldebestätigung (EN: confirmation of registration), although it is still affectionately known to many by its former name (the Meldezettel). This is done at your Meldeamt in the Gemeinde or Bezirk you live in. You are required to do your registration within three days of arrival. It is important to do this also because your qualification for permanent residence starts to run from the point of your registration.; so updating your Meldezettel should also update the ZMR data.
CAUTION: For those with a 5-year Article 50 card it is valid for up to 12 months (6 months in most cases) after leaving and for those with a 10 year card you can have up to a 5 year continuous absence before it becomes invalid. If you hand your card back and you change your mind, it will be more difficult and costly to get it back.
Non-Article 50 residence permits have different rules (e.g. An RWR or EU Blue is tied to an employer), so different rules might apply especially on absence rules and restrictions.
Transfer of residence to the UK
The UK Government has produced a comprehensive guide on importing belongings, pets and motor vehicles here. There is also a guide on Returning to the UK as a British National
Church Tax
If you are currently paying the Austrian Church Tax, please ensure that you notify them that you are leaving the country. You do not need to pay the Church Tax if you are permanently resident in the UK.
TV Licence
The ORF Beitrag has now replaced GIS. If you leave Austria, you should inform them.
Non-British Spouses/Partners
Non-British Family Members wanting to settle in the UK with their British Spouses need to apply for a Family Visa. Associated with this are minimum income requirements. From 11th April 2024 the minimum income requirement has risen from £18,600 to £29,000 and by early 2025 this is due to rise to £38,700 (link). The NHS Health Surcharge is also due to rise to £1035 per year in 2024 for adults and £776 for children/students.
If you are the unmarried, non-registered partner of a British National, then your options will be limited with a stricter criteria (e.g. providing proof you have been living together for over 2 years).
Austrian Tax Residency and Exit Tax
More details on this article
Consolidating Pensions
The BiA Guide on Pensions is worth reading as it could be used to increase your entitlement in the UK if you have acquired pension rights in Austria
Pets
There are rules on taking your pets (e.g. cats and dogs) back to UK, this link may be useful, including where to get additional help. This may take a bit of extra planning if you want to take the pets back by air. There are currently restrictions on doing this and it is likely that you may have to employ a specialist freight cargo handler (extra time and expense). BA have a sister company British Airways – Information about Pet Travel to handle this, Austrian airlines currently do not offer this service. Of course you can go by ferry.