Information Help – Lighthouse Global Association

Just Arrived in Austria? What to Do in the First Days

To ensure that your stay in Austria is smooth and free from unnecessary difficulties, please follow the steps below: If You Do Not Have Accommodation — Contact a Reception Centre If you do not have accommodation, your first step should be to contact a temporary reception centre. There is...

Initial Accommodation Options in Austria

For Persons with Temporary Protection from Ukraine (as of 09.01.2026) In most federal provinces of Austria emergency accommodation is currently not available. Before submitting an application for housing or for basic welfare support Grundversorgung prior registration with the police Erfassung is mandatory. The provision of organized accommodation...

Registration for Temporary Protection in Austria

Temporary Protection Status for Displaced Persons Since 4 March 2022 the temporary protection mechanism under the EU Mass Influx Directive has been in force for Ukrainian citizens in the European Union. In Austria this status has currently been extended until 4 March 2027. Temporary protection grants the right of...

Registration of Residence

According to the Registration Act Meldegesetz persons staying in Austria for more than three days are required to register their place of residence with the competent registration authority Gemeindeamt or Magistrat. Registration is mandatory regardless of citizenship or residence status. Registration Deadlines Registration of residence must be completed...

Basic Support in Austria (Grundversorgung)

Persons granted temporary protection who do not have sufficient financial resources or housing may apply for basic support (Grundversorgung, GVS). Basic support is a state form of assistance and is granted following an assessment of need (Hilfsbedürftigkeitsprüfung). During this assessment, existing income, assets, and the actual need for support...

Private and Organized Accommodation within the Basic Welfare Support System Grundversorgung

In Austria the basic welfare support system provides different forms of assistance for persons with temporary protection. In Vienna the amount of support may be up to 425 € per month for persons living in private accommodation or up to 812.50 € per month for persons living in organized accommodation....

Ukrainian Pension in Vienna: New Rules as of 1 August 2025

As of 1 August 2025, new rules have been introduced in Vienna regarding how Ukrainian pensions are taken into account when calculating basic support (Grundversorgung). The changes apply to Ukrainians who: Have temporary protection status; Receive basic support (Grundversorgung); Receive a Ukrainian pension. What Is Changing Previously, the Ukrainian pension...

Family Allowance and Childcare Allowance in Austria

Changes Effective from 1 November 2025 From 1 November 2025 changes enter into force concerning the rules for granting family benefits and childcare allowance to displaced persons from Ukraine residing in Austria under temporary protection. Main Requirements for Applications After 01.11.2025 Persons who reapply for family benefits after this...

German Language Courses (ÖIF, AMS)

One of the key aspects of integration in Austria is learning the German language. Displaced persons from Ukraine who have temporary protection status have the opportunity to attend German language courses free of charge, provided by the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and through the Public Employment Service (AMS). Courses...

School Education for Children in Austria

Compulsory School Attendance All children who permanently reside in Austria are required to attend school regardless of citizenship or health insurance status. Age and Duration of Education Compulsory education lasts 9 years School attendance begins on 1 September of the calendar year following the year in which the child...

Higher Education in Austria for Ukrainian Citizens

Exemption from Tuition Fees Persons from Ukraine staying in Austria under temporary protection are exempt from paying tuition fees at public universities. Validity of the exemption: until 28 February 2026 (including the winter semester 2025/26). Under standard regulations, students from non-EU/EEA countries pay EUR 726.72 per semester. For...

Health Insurance in Austria for Ukrainian Citizens

General Information Automatic health insurance for displaced persons from Ukraine no longer applies. To obtain full access to medical services, it is necessary to independently arrange one of the legally предусмотренных types of health insurance. Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for receiving free or partially reimbursed medical...

Free Psychological Support for Citizens of Ukraine in Austria

Persons experiencing stress anxiety or in need of support can receive free psychological assistance in Ukrainian and Russian within Austria. Online and Telephone Support Hotline “How Are You?” initiative of Olena Zelenska Phone +43 800 017 967 Free psychological support in Ukrainian and Russian. Europe Direct Phone 00 800...

Employment and Professional Integration in Austria for Persons with Temporary Protection Status

Persons who hold temporary protection status in Austria displaced person identity card from Ukraine Ausweis für Vertriebene have free access to the labor market. This means they may work as employees or engage in self-employed activities without a separate work permit. Basic Welfare Support Grundversorgung and Employment Income If...

Red White Red Card Plus RWR+ for Displaced Persons from Ukraine

What Is RWR+ The Red White Red Card Plus Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus is an Austrian residence and employment permit for third country nationals meaning persons who are not citizens of the EU EEA or Switzerland. The card grants free access to the Austrian labour market without being tied...

Unaccompanied Minor Children and Adolescents in Austria

Who Is Considered an Unaccompanied Minor? Unaccompanied minor refugees are children and adolescents who are present in Austria without their parents or legal guardians. If it is not possible to place the child in the care of relatives or other responsible persons the competent guardianship court appoints an official guardian....

Ukrainian Vehicles and Basic Welfare Support (from 01.01.2025)

As of 1 January 2025, vehicles registered in Ukraine are taken into account when assessing eligibility for basic welfare support (Hilfsbedürftigkeitsprüfung). Previously, such vehicles were considered “vehicles for escape” and were not taken into account. Now the general rule applies: ownership of a car may be regarded as realizable...

Information on the Use of Public Transport in Austria for Persons from Ukraine

The “Erstankunft Ukraine-Ticket” program, which provided a one-time free ticket for persons from Ukraine upon their first entry into Austria, expired on 31 December 2024. Currently no nationwide discounts or free use of underground trains, trams, buses or trains are available for displaced persons from Ukraine. Public transport...

Planning Permanent Departure from Austria? Information on Required Steps Before Leaving

In the event of permanently leaving the territory of Austria it is important to regularize your legal status in due time, notify the relevant authorities and terminate residence-related rights and obligations. Legal Grounds for Termination of the Right of Residence Pursuant to § 4 para. 3 of the Regulation...

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