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Ten percent of Britons living in Vienna have applied for Austrian residency since Brexit

The Local Austria
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Ten percent of Britons living in Vienna have applied for Austrian residency since Brexit
Photo: Hollie Adams/AFP

Around 500 of Vienna’s 5,000 Brits have applied for residency in Austria since Brexit came into effect.

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The British Ambassador to Vienna has confirmed that 500 Brits have applied for residency since January 1st - around ten percent of the 5,000 Brits who are estimated to live in the Austrian capital. 

Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr told Der Standard on Tuesday “It is important to us that as many Brits as possible stay in Vienna”. 

"There are appointment slots that can be booked online. We still have enough appointments to offer. We can manage around 400 a week," said Wiederkehr.

British in Austria? Here’s how to secure Austrian residency 

He encouraged Brits in Austria to apply as soon as possible, reminding them that the residency permit gives them permission to move freely within the Schengen zone. 

"With the submission of the documents, freedom of travel within the European Union is guaranteed," said the Deputy Mayor. 

READ MORE: What Brits in Austria must do to prepare for the realities of Brexit 

“It is important that the British do not have to wait for the applications to be processed.

"I am confident that many Brits who enrich Viennese society will also stay here and continue to be part of Austria and Vienna," said Wiederkehr.

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British Ambassador to Vienna, Leigh Turner, on Tuesday told Der Standard "It's a very good start."

While it represents around ten percent of the city’s British population, there are an estimated 11,000 British people all across Austria. 

READ MORE: What Britons in Austria need to know about exchanging UK driving licences 

Wiederkehr said that gaining residency was the preferred method of British people in Austria. As Austria does not recognise dual citizenships, becoming an Austrian citizen necessitates giving up British citizenship. 

The Brexit transition period ended on December 31st 2020. 

The deadline for submitting residency applications in Austria is December 31st, 2021. 

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