Introductory information
This information is intended to assist you in determining whether you may bring the goods that you carry with you to Austria duty-free, and whether and/or which formalities have to be observed on entering Austria.
In addition, the most important prohibitions and restrictions on imports are listed so that you can be informed in advance about possible barriers and/or requirements in connection with the import of goods.
Definitions
When you enter Austria, the statutory regulations and formalities basically differentiate between persons coming from an EU country or a non-EU country. Depending on whether you have an EU domicile or a non-EU domicile, different provisions need to be observed. Whether you enter Austria for private or business purposes, however, does not matter.
How do you define "domicile"?
The main point in connection with having an EU domicile or a non-EU domicile is the permanent center of your interests. This center is the result of looking at your personal and occupational circumstances, with your personal bonds binding of decisive significance. In most cases, the permanent center of your interests is the place where also you family is domiciled. This also applies to cases in which persons, for occupational reasons, must alternately stay in different places inside or outside the EU. However, unless you regularly return to your family's domicile (e.g. less than once every month), your regular domicile is where you work. Whenever you stay in a place for occupational reasons in order to carry out a task of a definite duration or to attend school or university, your regular domicile will always be the family's domicile.
What are prohibitions and restrictions on imports?
Certain goods must not be imported at all into Austria or the EU. Other goods may be imported but require specific import documents, such as certificates, confirmations or permits, which you must obtain either at your holiday destination prior to your entry into Austria, or from the competent authorities in Austria. The prohibitions and restrictions on imports are primarily intended to prevent any risk to the health of persons, animals or plants, caused by the goods brought to Austria. However, they also serve, for example, to maintain public order, safety and security or to protect the environment. Prohibitions and restrictions on imports may also be applied when entering Austria from EU countries. Moreover, similar regulations generally also apply to the entry into the country of your holiday destination.
The Ministry
