Austrian ID Card Explained: What It Is, How to Get It, and Why You Need One
When I moved to Austria, I thought my passport would cover everything.
Spoiler: it didn’t.
The first time I needed to submit a doctor’s bill (OGK) for a reimbursement, they asked me, “Do you have an Austrian ID?
I didn’t — and suddenly, the process got a lot more complicated.
That’s when I realized: while the Austrian ID card (Personalausweis) isn’t mandatory, it’s really, really useful.
So, What Exactly Is the Austrian ID Card?
The Personalausweis is an official photo ID for Austrian citizens.
It proves two things:
Your identity
Your Austrian citizenship
It looks like a credit card and is handy for daily life: banks, post offices, doctor’s offices — even traveling inside the EU without a passport.
Quick note: You’re not legally required to have one, but you’ll probably want it.
How to Get an Austrian ID Card
You apply at your local passport authority (Passbehörde).
You’ll need:
A valid passport
A passport photo
Proof of citizenship
Around €61 for the fee
Official info here:
Personalausweis at oesterreich.gv.at
What About Digital ID — ID Austria?
Austria also offers ID Austria, a digital version of your identity.
It’s used for:
Signing documents online
Accessing services like FinanzOnline
Receiving official letters electronically
You can set it up via the Digitales Amt app.
Learn more here: ID Austria explained
My Advice?
If you’re planning to stay longer, deal with official paperwork, or just want to avoid stressful moments like I had — get the ID card.
It’ll save you time, nerves, and a few awkward conversations.
P.S. This is just my experience! Always check official sources like oesterreich.gv.at for the latest info.
