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 lawful residence in Austria by operation of law (ex lege). This means that the right of residence remains valid regardless of the expiry date indicated on the plastic displaced person identity card.
Even if the date on the card has not yet been updated the right of residence remains valid. Updated cards with the extended validity period will be sent automatically to the address registered in the Central Register of Residence ZMR. It is not necessary to submit a new application for extension.
Who Is Eligible for Temporary Protection
The following persons may obtain temporary protection:
- Ukrainian citizens who were residing in Ukraine and were forced to leave the country after 24 February 2022 due to the war
- Stateless persons or third country nationals who had international protection or subsidiary protection status in Ukraine
- Family members of the above persons including spouses registered partners minor children and other close relatives who lived in the same household and were dependent
- Ukrainian citizens who were lawfully residing in Austria as of 24 February 2022 and cannot return to Ukraine
- Persons who left Ukraine shortly before 24 February 2022
A mandatory condition is actual presence in Austria and the absence of exclusion grounds such as the commission of serious crimes.
Transfer from Another EU Country
Persons who previously received temporary protection in another EU Member State may apply in Austria. In such cases registration in the previous country must be terminated in accordance with its rules.
Registration Procedure for Temporary Protection in Austria
- Initial Registration with the Police
After arrival in Austria an initial registration must be completed at a designated police registration office Erfassungsstelle. During registration personal data are recorded and a registration confirmation slip is issued which must be kept.
In Vienna appointments are booked online:
https://citizen.bmi.gv.at/at.gv.bmi.fnsetvweb-p/etv/public/sva/Terminvereinbarung?locale=en
A list of registration offices in the federal provinces is published on the official resources of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
- Registration of Residence ZMR
Within three days after arrival the residential address must be registered in the Central Register of Residents ZMR. Registration of residence is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the displaced person identity card.
Official information on residence registration:
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/leben_in_oesterreich/wohnsitz/1/1/1.html
- Issuance of the Displaced Person Identity Card
After completion of police registration and entry of the address into the ZMR the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum BFA issues the displaced person identity card which confirms temporary protection status.
Official BFA website:
- Application for Basic Welfare Support Grundversorgung
After registration persons may apply for basic support in the federal province of residence. If need is confirmed housing or financial assistance and health insurance are provided.
Information on temporary protection and related procedures:
https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/migration_integration/aufenthalt/1/1/1/
Where to Find Official Information
Up to date explanations information materials and answers to frequently asked questions are available on official resources:
- Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum BFA https://www.bfa.gv.at
- Austrian Government Services Portal https://www.oesterreich.gv.at
- Federal Ministry of the Interior of Austria https://www.bmi.gv.at
The above websites provide information in several languages including Ukrainian and English.
