Austria is a highly popular destination for labor migration. High salaries, a stable job market, and excellent social benefits make this country attractive for labor migrants. In this article, we take a closer look at Austria’s family support and social welfare system, answering the question of what family benefits are available in Austria and who is eligible to receive them.
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Entry and Stay in Austria
Traveling to Austria for work does not require additional formalities. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register your address at the local municipal office or Bezirkshauptmannschaft (District Authority) within four months of arrival and obtain an Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate).
Who Can Obtain an Anmeldebescheinigung?
This certificate is granted to individuals who meet one of the following conditions:
- Have secured employment,
- Are enrolled in studies,
- Possess sufficient financial resources and health insurance.
After five years of continuous and legal residence, you can apply for a Daueraufenthaltsbescheinigung, which grants the right to permanent residence in Austria.
Work in Austria
EU citizens do not need a work permit to be employed in Austria. Once a job is secured, the employer is responsible for registering the employee with the Austrian social security system.
One of the key aspects of employment in Austria, emphasized by Austrians themselves, is full equality in the workplace. As the country attracts many foreign workers, strict anti-discrimination laws are in place, prohibiting bias based on age, gender, or origin. Only professional qualifications and skills matter.
The standard workweek in Austria is approximately 40 hours, though in seasonal jobs, it can be extended to up to 60 hours per week.
Professionals with vocational qualifications should bring a German-translated diploma. Austrian employers often require additional certification exams to verify an applicant’s skills in their respective profession.
In many fields, especially those requiring high qualifications, German language proficiency is essential. To facilitate language learning, Austria offers several governmental and local pograms, including Österreich Institut and StartWien.
Salaries in Austria vary depending on the industry, experience, and region. On average, gross monthly earnings range from €3,800 to €4,800.
Cost of Living in Austria
Although salaries in Austria are among the highest in Europe, it is important to note that the cost of living is also relatively high. The average monthly expenses are estimated at around €1,500, but they can vary significantly depending on the location.
The prices of basic goods and services can differ depending on the city, region, or even district, so it is advisable to research local costs before deciding to relocate.
Estimated Monthly Costs in Austria
- Studio apartment rental: €700–1,100
- Room rental: €350–450
- Monthly public transport ticket: €50
- Food expenses: €350–450
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Family Benefits in Austria – What You Should Know
The right to family benefits is granted to all individuals who legally work and pay taxes in Austria. This applies to:
- Austrian citizens,
- Citizens of EU, EEA countries, and Switzerland,
- Individuals with refugee status or permanent residency.
If a child is born in Austria, social benefits are granted automatically. Additionally, it is possible to apply for retroactive payments for up to five years, provided that taxes were paid during this period.
All formalities related to registration, application submission, and benefit payments can be handled through the official government platform: oesterreich.gv.at.
The Austrian government places great emphasis on family-friendly policies, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits supporting young families. These include:
- Familienbeihilfe (family allowance),
- Supplements to Familienbeihilfe,
- Familienbonus (tax relief for families),
- Kinderbetreuungsgeld (childcare benefit),
- Financial support for the period before and after childbirth.
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Familienbeihilfe – Family Allowance in Austria
This benefit is paid monthly for each child and is granted until:
- The child reaches legal adulthood (or up to 24 years old if they continue higher education),
- Their annual income does not exceed 10,000 EUR.
An additional requirement for receiving the allowance is that the child must be registered at the same address as the parents throughout the entire period of receiving the benefit.
Required Documents for Family Benefits Application in Austria:
To apply for family benefits in Austria, you need to prepare the following documents:
Proof of employment in Austria
Income certificate
Marriage certificate or birth certificate of the child
Proof of residence registration
Statement confirming that the allowance is not received in Poland
Copies of ID cards
Austrian tax number
University enrollment certificate (if applicable)
Bank account details for payments
Familienbeihilfe in 2025:
| Child’s Age | Monthly Amount |
| 0 – 3 years | 138.40 EUR |
| 3 – 10 years | 148 EUR |
| 10 – 19 years | 171.80 EUR |
| 19 – 24 years | 200.40 EUR |
Additionally, each payment includes a Kinderabsetzbetrag of 70.90 EUR per child per month.
Child Benefit for Large Families
Families with more children are eligible for higher Familienbeihilfe benefits, as the amount increases with the number of children. Additionally, the Austrian system provides special allowances for large families. If a family has at least three children, they can receive an extra 20 EUR per child per month.
Childcare Allowance (Kinderbetreuungsgeld)
Kinderbetreuungsgeld is a benefit granted alongside Familienbeihilfe. During the period of receiving this allowance, the parent or caregiver is not allowed to take up employment. However, it is important to note that the allowance can be shared between both parents.
This benefit is paid from the child’s birth until they reach 2-3 years of age, depending on the payment model chosen by the parents.
The amount of Kinderbetreuungsgeld depends on the selected option and the parents’ income:
- Basic Model:
1,436 EUR per month for 12 months, providing the full amount for one year.
- Flexible Model:
Parents receive approximately 800 EUR per month for 24 months, allowing for a longer period of support.
- Income-Based Model:
In this case, the amount of the allowance depends on the parents’ income and can reach up to 80% of their previous earnings.
Childcare Allowance
In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, Austria offers many other government programs designed to support young families. One of these is the Childcare Allowance, which includes subsidies for daycare, preschool, or school costs. The amount of this support depends on the family’s income, the number of children, and the local regulations in each region.
Familienbonus Plus Tax Credit in Austria
Familienbonus Plus is a tax credit designed to support families, particularly in relation to the costs of raising children. This allows families to significantly reduce their tax liabilities, positively impacting their household budget.
In 2025, the amount of this benefit is a maximum of 2,000 EUR annually for each child under the age of 18, which equals 166.68 EUR per month. For children over 18 who still qualify for family benefits, the amount is 700 EUR annually (or 58.34 EUR per month).
Family Benefits in Austria 2025 – In Brief
Familienbeihilfe (Family Allowance)
- 0-3 years: 138.40 EUR/month
- 3-10 years: 148 EUR/month
- 10-19 years: 171.80 EUR/month
- 19-24 years: 200.40 EUR/month
Kinderabsetzbetrag (Child Tax Credit)
- 70.90 EUR/month
Familienbeihilfe for Larger Families
- For families with more than 3 children: 20 EUR/month for each additional child
Kinderbetreuungsgeld (Childcare Benefit)
- Standard model: 1,436 EUR/month for 12 months (full amount for one year)
- Flexible model: Parents receive about 800 EUR/month for 24 months
- Income-based model: The amount depends on the parents’ previous earnings and can be up to 80% of their former income
Childcare Support
- Funding for daycare, school, or caregiver
Familienbonus Plus (Family Tax Bonus)
- Under 18: Up to 2,000 EUR/year
- 18+: Up to 700 EUR/year
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