Below is a breakdown of three important terms for legally living in Austria:
Meldezettel (Registration Form)
Hauptwohnsitz (Main Residence)
Nebenwohnsitz (Secondary Residence)
When you move in, we will help you sign the Meldezettel.
However, only certain apartments we offer can be registered as a Hauptwohnsitz so pay special attention to the listing you're applying to.
It is your responsibility to figure out if you need to register your booking as a main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) or secondary residence (Nebenwohnsitz).
We've included some common cases at the bottom of this page.
Meldezettel (Registration Form)
The Meldezettel is the official form used to register your address in Austria. Everyone, including foreigners, must register within 3 days of moving into a new residence.
It is legally required for living in Austria and is necessary for things like opening a bank account, applying for a residence permit, university enrollment, and more.
The form must be signed by both you and your landlord or property manager.
You submit it at your local municipal office (Meldeamt) or online in some cities (e.g., Vienna).
You must submit a new Meldezettel every time you change your address.
Hauptwohnsitz (Main Residence)
Your Hauptwohnsitz is your primary residence—the place where you live most of the time. You can only have one Hauptwohnsitz in Austria.
This designation matters because it determines:
Your local tax authority (municipality)
Voting eligibility (for citizens or EU residents in local elections)
Access to certain public services and benefits
Eligibility for local student housing, school zoning, and vehicle registration
Nebenwohnsitz (Secondary Residence)
A Nebenwohnsitz is any additional residence you occupy part-time. You may register one or more Nebenwohnsitze in Austria, but they do not carry the same legal or administrative weight as your Hauptwohnsitz.
For foreign university students:
If your family home (in Austria or abroad) remains your main residence, your university city address can be registered as a Nebenwohnsitz.
However, if you live primarily in your student apartment during the academic year, it’s generally expected that you register it as your Hauptwohnsitz.
Some benefits, like student subsidies, transportation discounts, or local grants, may depend on having your Hauptwohnsitz in the university city.
For foreigners seeking employment:
If you're temporarily staying in Austria to look for work, you can register your residence as a Nebenwohnsitz.
If you plan to live and work in Austria long-term, it is recommended to register your main address as your Hauptwohnsitz.
Your Hauptwohnsitz can affect eligibility for services like job center registration (AMS), unemployment benefits, and your tax residency status.
Additional Notes for Foreigners:
Non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens generally need a residence permit, and a registered address (via Meldezettel) is a requirement for the application.
The Hauptwohnsitz must reflect where you actually live most of the time. Incorrect registration can lead to administrative penalties.
If you permanently leave an address (or leave Austria), you must submit a deregistration (Abmeldung) form.
Documents Needed to Register:
Completed and signed Meldezettel form
Valid passport or ID
Rental agreement or proof of accommodation (sometimes required)
Residence permit or visa (if applicable)