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 assets (verwertbares Vermögen) and therefore may affect eligibility for assistance.

At the same time, decisions are made on an individual basis. The competent authorities assess the specific life situation of the person concerned, their financial circumstances and whether continued support is justified.

We recommend seeking advice from the relevant basic welfare authority in your federal province.

2. Registration of Ukrainian Vehicles in Austria

Due to amendments to §79 of the Road Traffic Act (Kraftfahrgesetz 1967), introduced on 19 July 2024, persons with temporary protection status (Vertriebenenstatus, “blue card”) are exempt from the obligation to re-register Ukrainian vehicles in Austria.

The one-year limit on the use of a vehicle with foreign registration does not apply to persons holding a residence permit pursuant to §62 para. 1 AsylG 2005.

Therefore:

• There is no need to register the vehicle in Austria
• There is no obligation to leave the country annually to “reset” the permitted period of use
• This rule applies for the duration of the temporary protection status

3. Sale or Purchase of a Ukrainian Vehicle in Austria

If a Person Receives Basic Welfare Support

In some federal provinces, authorities may require:

• Notification of the vehicle’s market value
• Sale of the vehicle within a specified period (for example 4 weeks)

Valuation of the Vehicle

Possible options include:

• Online valuation via the Autopreisspiegel portal (ÖAMTC members have a limited number of free checks per year)
• Technical appraisal at ÖAMTC (paid service)
• Consultation with an independent automotive expert

Please note that the average market price listed in databases does not always reflect the actual technical condition of the vehicle.

4. Specific Aspects of Purchasing a Ukrainian Vehicle in Austria

The main difficulty lies in additional costs for the buyer. Even if the vehicle is physically located in Austria, it is considered an import from a third country (non-EU).

Typically, the following apply:

• 10% customs duty
• 20% import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer)
• Possible NoVA tax (Normverbrauchsabgabe)

For approval for use within the EU, the following are required:

• Technical roadworthiness inspection
• Certificate of Conformity (COC) or equivalent documentation

For this reason, selling Ukrainian vehicles on the Austrian market may be financially challenging.

5. Road Tolls (Maut)

Humanitarian transport was temporarily exempt from road toll charges (vignette, Streckenmaut and LKW-Maut).

However, the exemption for Ukrainian vehicles expired on 31 October 2025.

From 1 November 2025:

• A valid vignette is required for motorway use
• Standard toll charges apply

Up-to-date information can be found in the applicable toll regulations (Mautordnung).

6. Parking in Vienna

General Rules

In the city of Vienna (Wien), parking is permitted only with:

• A resident parking permit (Parkpickerl)
• A valid parking ticket (Parkschein)

Since 1 June 2023, free parking for Ukrainian vehicles no longer applies.

7. Parkpickerl (Resident Parking Permit)

The Parkpickerl allows parking in the district (Bezirk) where the main residence is registered.

Requirements:

• Registered primary residence in the respective district
• Submission of an application online or in person at the district authority (by prior appointment)

Cost:

• Approximately €13 per month
• Additional administrative fees apply

If the registered address changes, the permit must be reissued.

8. Parking Tickets (Parkscheine)

Parking tickets can be purchased:

• At tobacco shops
• At petrol stations
• At post offices
• Via the Handyparken mobile application

9. Driving Licences

Ukrainian driving licences held by persons with temporary protection status remain valid under the current special regulations.

Attention: Legislation may change. We recommend regularly checking official sources or consulting advisory centres for updated information.