Information for
Austrians abroad
How do I contact Austrian representations?
What options of political participation do I have?
How can I find out about current events and life in Austria?
Austrian representations abroad
There are currently 101 Austrian professional representations abroad (i.e. embassies, consulates general, permanent representations). They are supported in their activities by more than 300honorary consulates. Here you will find the contact details for the Austrian representation that is responsible for you abroad.
Consular matters
As an Austrian citizen, the services of the Austrian embassies and consulates general are available to you at all times. In particular the consular departments are the points of contact for all Austrians abroad. Like the authorities in Austria, they are responsible for issuing civil status documents such as proof of nationality. You can also apply for a new passport there. You will find some of our services below:
People search, family and genealogical research
Certificates, certification, apostille
Documents, civil status, family
Citizenship for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution
National and European citizenship
If necessary, the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs can quickly and reliably contact Austrians living and travelling abroad, and support them when they have registered beforehand with the respective representation as Austrians abroad. You can register via the website of the Foreign Ministry or via the Service Abroad app (for iOS and Android). With your consent, you can also receive informational mailings on important topics such as amendments to the law or events.
In addition to the travel registration and registration abroad, the free Service Abroad app also has other useful functions: There you will find travel information and current advice, including regarding entry provisions and safety, for more than 190 countries; emergency tips if you lose your passport, fall ill, have an accident or in the event of death abroad; as well as the contact details of all Austrian representations.
Obligation to report for a medical examination and to perform military service, basic military service or civilian service
The obligation to perform military service commences for male Austrian nationals when they turn 17 and lasts in principle until they turn 50 or, in special cases, until they turn 65.
Obligation for Austrians abroad to report for a medical examination
Obligation for Austrians abroad to perform military service or basic military service
Civilian service for Austrians abroad
Austrian nationals with dual or multiple nationalities who are obligated to perform military service
As a fundamental rule, a volunteer service abroad can be commenced by Austrian nationals at any time from when they turn 17 and, depending on the respective agreement, lasts between six and twelve months. In the process, the focus is primarily on the strengthening of social skills, the consolidation of prior school education and on personality development. The special goal of the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service is to promote remembrance of the victims of National Socialism and the associated raising of awareness and provision of information.
Further information can be found at Peace, Holocaust Memorial and social service abroad
Right to vote, voting options
As an Austrian, you have the possibility to help shape Austrian politics. You are eligible to vote from the age of 16 in elections at the national level (election of the Federal President, Austrian parliamentary elections, European elections), referenda and public opinion polls. If you live abroad, you need to file an application in order to be included or remain in the (European) electoral register. This application can be made at any time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Austrian representations abroad.
Elections and direct democracy
Further contact options
There are many associations abroad with links to Austria and these can be found on the website of the World Federation of Austrians Abroad (AÖWB)
Media
The World Federation of Austrians Abroad publishes the magazine ROTWEISSROT three times a year. If you have an AÖWB member card and benefits card, you will automatically receive the printed issue. As an Austrian abroad, however, you can also order the magazine free of charge from the AÖWB or get it on the internet.
ROTWEISSROT Archive – World Federation
The “Österreich Journal” has been published online since 2002. The focus is on the topic of “Austria, Europe and the world”. It is published six times a year.
“Österreich Journal” (kiosk format)
The Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, other agencies and the federal provinces provide news in press releases and through social media, on an almost daily basis. Here you will find the current press releases of the Foreign Ministry:
Austria. Figures. Data. Facts
A lot of interesting key data regarding Austria can be found in a publication from Statistics Austria – for instance, regarding population, education, employment and the labour market, economy, science and technology, tourism, environment or transport and, in a separate section, about the characteristics of the nine federal provinces:
Austria. Figures. Data. Facts.
Art and culture abroad
The goal of “Auslandskultur” (or “Culture abroad”) is the positioning of the contemporary art, cultural and scientific landscape of
Austria abroad. You will find general information on the diverse work of Austrian culture abroad on the website of the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. The newsletter, which is published on a regular basis, provides information about current activities, projects and exhibitions at the Austrian representations and cultural forums abroad.
German-language courses abroad
The „Österreich Institut“ provides German-language courses in ten East, South and South-East European cities: Belgrade, Bratislava, Brno, Budapest, Krakow, Moscow, Rome, Sarajevo, Warsaw and Wroclaw: