Moving to Spain from Austria: Complete 2026 Guide
Austrian citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. No visa required. Simply register after 90 days and enjoy Mediterranean living with your EU citizenship benefits intact.
Key Facts for Austrian Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Must renounce Austrian citizenship (Austria does not permit dual citizenship except in limited cases)
EU Free Movement Rights
As an Austrian citizen, you have the right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This is one of the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by EU membership. You can enter Spain with your Austrian passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While you dont need permission to move to Spain, you are required to register with Spanish authorities if you plan to stay longer than 90 days. This registration process is straightforward and grants you official resident status.
Why Austrians Choose Spain
Spain offers Austrian citizens an attractive alternative lifestyle with several compelling advantages:
- Climate: Escape Austrias cold winters for Spains 300+ days of sunshine annually
- Cost of Living: Generally 20-30% lower than Austria, especially outside major cities
- Healthcare: Excellent public healthcare system accessible to EU residents
- Quality of Life: Relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, world-renowned cuisine, and vibrant culture
- Retirement Haven: Popular destination for Austrian retirees seeking warmer climates
- Property Prices: More affordable real estate compared to Austrian major cities
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate you have sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Austrian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most nationalities without special historical ties to Spain.
Important consideration regarding dual citizenship: Austria generally does not permit dual citizenship. If you acquire Spanish citizenship, you would typically need to renounce your Austrian citizenship. However, there are limited exceptions, such as if you acquired both citizenships at birth or if retention is approved due to special circumstances in the interest of the Republic of Austria.
Similarly, Spain generally requires renunciation of previous citizenship for nationals of countries without dual citizenship agreements. And Austria is not among Spains treaty partners. This means Austrian citizens must carefully consider whether Spanish citizenship is worth giving up their Austrian passport.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Austria
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Austria
Spain maintains several diplomatic representations in Austria for consular services:
Tax Considerations
Austria-Spain Tax Framework
Both Austria and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries to prevent being taxed twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Austrian Pensions: Generally taxed in Austria under the tax treaty, though you must declare them in Spain
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Rental Income: Property income taxed where the property is located
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime may apply for new residents, offering flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax that Austria does not. Important consideration for high-net-worth individuals
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish to register as an EU resident?
No, Spanish language skills are not required for initial EU registration. However, learning Spanish will significantly improve your quality of life and is required if you later seek Spanish citizenship.
Can I keep my Austrian citizenship if I become Spanish?
Generally no. Austria does not allow dual citizenship except in very limited circumstances. Spain also requires renunciation of Austrian citizenship when naturalizing. Most Austrians in Spain choose to maintain their EU residence rights without pursuing Spanish citizenship.
How long does the NIE registration take?
The NIE appointment itself takes about 30 minutes. However, getting an appointment can take several weeks depending on the location. In popular expat areas, appointments may be particularly difficult to secure.
Can I access Spanish healthcare with my Austrian health insurance?
With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can access emergency healthcare. For permanent residents, you can either join the Spanish public health system (if working or receiving a Spanish pension) or maintain private health insurance.
We Handle Everything
Moving to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Austrian citizens navigate the Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Austria and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Austria as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.