Safety in Austria: A Guide to a Worry-Free Expat Life

Published on April 26, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Austria means heading to one of the safest countries in the world. International rankings follow one after another and look alike: fourth most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index 2025, fifth in 2023, third in a global safety index for expats, and a “normal” alert level for the US, UK, Canadian, and Australian governments. For an expatriation project, these indicators are not trivial: they shape your daily quality of life.

This guide provides a concrete and reasoned overview to help you settle in peace of mind, understanding how safety works in Austria and how to benefit from it in everyday life.

An objectively safe country, but not detached from reality

The data provide a clear framework. In terms of “serious” crime, Austria is at the lower end of the global scale. The intentional homicide rate is around 0.5–0.6 per 100,000 inhabitants (54 homicides in 2017), well below the OECD average. The country regularly ranks in the global top 10 for peace, safety, and quality of life indices. For expats, a crime index around 28 and a safety index above 70 (out of 100) indicate an environment relatively little exposed to violence.

Understanding this tension between reassuring figures and diffuse concerns is useful when arriving from abroad. It explains, for example, the proliferation of local security initiatives (weapon ban zones, police reinforcements, prevention campaigns), even as some forms of crime are significantly declining.

Vienna, a showcase of Austrian safety

The capital concentrates nearly two million inhabitants, not counting commuters and tourists, yet its crime rate remains low for a metropolis of this size. Vienna tops quality of life rankings: the world’s most livable city according to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2024, regularly number one or two with Mercer and Monocle, and first in the world for personal safety in some recent reports.

Crime: a generally downward trend over the long term

Vienna police figures show an interesting trajectory. After a historic low in 2018 (lowest level in 19 years), crime rebounded after the pandemic: +16.7% in 2022, +10.8% in 2023, +4.6% in 2024. But this rebound occurs in a context where some key offenses have been reduced several times over since 2010.

Some telling figures:

In other words: yes, some indicators (violence, robberies, etc.) have recently increased, but the likelihood of being a victim of a burglary or car theft remains significantly lower than about fifteen years ago.

Perception on the ground

Opinion surveys complement this quantitative picture. On Numbeo, a database fed by residents, the city scores:

Anxiety levels for burglaries, assaults, insults, or corruption are all rated as “low” to “moderate”. The main source of distrust relates more to the idea that “crime is increasing,” a sign of a gap between objective long-term trends and public discourse.

For an expat, daily experience often matches the numbers: you can walk late at night in most neighborhoods, take night transport, let children go out alone relatively early. Testimonials from foreign residents mainly mention a few intoxicated marginal individuals, a certain “Viennese bad mood” (the famous Wiener Grant), and pickpockets in crowds, rather than widespread violence.

Emergency system: simple numbers, short response times

The quality of a secure environment is also measured by the ability to react quickly when something goes wrong. On this point, Austria relies on a dense and well-established system.

Essential numbers to memorize

Emergency calls are free, even from a mobile phone with no credit, and can be reached without a PIN via the European 112. Key numbers:

People who are deaf or hard of hearing have an emergency SMS service at 0800/133 133, and can use the DEC112 app to send a silent alert. Access to services is therefore designed to be inclusive.

How to make an emergency call properly

Call centers (Leitstellen) use a simple protocol that you will often be asked to repeat:

– Say where you are (exact address, landmark, tram stop, mountain, etc.).

– Explain what happened (accident, medical issue, fire, assault).

– Indicate how many people are involved.

– Describe the apparent severity (visible injuries, unconsciousness, breathing difficulties).

– Wait for the operator to end the call: never hang up on your own initiative.

The call is free and possible from any phone. If verbal communication is impossible (hostage situation, aphasic victim, disability), the DEC112 app allows you to send a written alert, forwarded to the appropriate services.

Police, law, and control: know your rights and obligations

The Austrian security system is based on a professional police force, governed by very detailed law. For an expat, understanding this framework avoids misunderstandings and helps you react calmly during checks.

Organization of law enforcement

Internal security falls under the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The Bundespolizei (Federal Police) is the main actor, present throughout the country through regional directorates. It resulted from a merger of former security forces in 2005. Some municipalities still have small municipal police forces (Stadtpolizei).

On the judicial side, the country is structured around district courts, regional courts, four courts of appeal, and a Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof). The Constitutional Court ensures compliance with fundamental rights.

Minor offenses are often treated as administrative infractions: they result in fines, without entry on the criminal record.

Identity checks: what the police can (and cannot) do

In Austria, the police cannot check your papers “just because you don’t look Austrian” or because you don’t speak German. The law precisely defines the grounds for identity verification (articles of the Sicherheitspolizeigesetz, the Aliens Act, etc.):

During a check, you will generally be asked: the documents necessary for verification.

– name, date of birth, address,

– sometimes place of birth, occupation, nationality depending on the reason.

Nationals of third countries (outside EU/EEA) must carry their passport or residence permit, or be able to present it within one hour in the same district. Refusing to identify yourself can lead to arrest, even if the refusal itself is not a criminal offense. The police can then use coercive measures, take fingerprints and photographs, and compare your data with the population register.

Conversely, you have the right to ask:

– whether you are required to show your papers,

– the legal basis for the check,

– the officer’s service number (mandatory, 7 digits).

Searches, house searches, and police custody

A body search or search of your belongings (backpack, bag) is possible if you are arrested, caught in the act, if the police suspect you of carrying weapons or drugs, or if the search is necessary for an investigation. Here again, a concrete reason must exist.

– they suspect a serious offense has been committed there or a dangerous attack is imminent,

– they believe several foreigners, at least one of whom is irregular, are staying there,

– or upon a warrant from the public prosecutor’s office, a court, or an immigration authority.

You can refuse entry in the absence of a reason or warrant. If in doubt, it is legitimate to ask to see the written order.

In case of arrest, some reference points:

You have the right:

Physically resisting arrest is not recommended: it can be prosecuted as resisting authority. However, you can later challenge the legality of the measures before an administrative court, contact the national ombudsman (Volksanwaltschaft), or NGOs like ZARA (specializing in discrimination and police violence).

Transparency but criticism

The legal framework is solid, but not without controversies. Reports by Amnesty International and the UN have pointed to a low conviction rate for police mistreatment compared to the number of complaints, and sentences considered lenient in some high-profile cases involving racialized individuals. These criticisms notably led to the creation in 2024 of a specific investigative unit for police violence (EBM) and the active role of the Volksanwaltschaft as a national prevention mechanism.

For an expat, the main issue is knowing your rights and knowing that there are remedies if something goes wrong.

Transport: a dense, safe… but highly controlled network

For an expat’s daily life, safety in transport matters at least as much as crime figures. In this area, Austria is among the good students: dense network, high punctuality, clean infrastructure, regular checks.

Trains, subway, trams: the backbone of the country

The national railway network is operated by ÖBB, with over 1.3 million passengers per day and a punctuality rate of about 97%. In Vienna, the Wiener Linien operator carries several billion passengers per year via subway (U-Bahn), trams, buses, and S-Bahn. Major regional cities (Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck) also have efficient trams and suburban networks.

Safety is ensured by:

– widespread video surveillance,

– regular presence of security guards and police patrols,

– emergency call devices in stations (green SOS cubes, intercoms),

– accessible entrances for people with reduced mobility (elevators, ramps, audio announcements, screens).

Inside trains, an emergency brake and an intercom allow you to contact the driver directly. Pulling the brake in a tunnel only stops the train at the next station, for safety reasons.

Tickets: honor system, but hefty fines

The system largely operates on trust: no turnstiles at entry, but an obligation to buy and validate your ticket. In return, inspections are frequent and fines are unforgiving.

Inspectors do not always wear uniforms; there are mass checks by plainclothes officers. You have the right to ask to see an official ID card. Digital tickets on smartphones are accepted, but if your battery is dead, you are considered a fare evader.

Some reference points for daily life in Vienna:

This system isn’t just about money, it also reflects a culture of rules. A “good citizen” is expected to validate their ticket, let passengers exit before boarding, stand on the right on escalators, and maintain quiet in trains (no loud music, no begging or selling).

Smoking (including e‑cigarettes) is banned in stations and vehicles, as is begging or commerce, and cluttering cars with waste. Eating in the subway is generally prohibited, except for small snacks for children or non-alcoholic drinks.

Car: good infrastructure, strict rules

The Austrian road network is of good quality, but the legal framework is rigorous. To drive, you need:

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l, lowered to 0.1 g/l for drivers on a probationary license and for bus or truck drivers. Using a phone while driving is only allowed with a hands-free device.

On highways and expressways, a vignette (sticker or digital vignette) is mandatory. Not having one exposes you to heavy fines.

In case of breakdown, two major automobile clubs provide 24/7 assistance:

Everyday crime: where are the real risks?

In a country with rare homicides, the issues for an expat lie more in petty and medium crime, scams, and new forms of crime like cyber fraud.

Pickpockets, trick theft, and small scams

As in any tourist destination, pickpocketing thrives where crowds gather: major train stations, Christmas markets, shopping areas, markets like the Naschmarkt in Vienna, highly frequented sites like around St. Stephen’s Cathedral or historic fortresses.

Methods are classic:

– distraction (asking for directions, charity petition, dropping objects, spilling liquid on your clothes),

– fake deaf people or fake donation collectors,

– “friendship bracelets” or a “found” ring,

– shell games.

The best protection remains common sense: bag carried in front, closed, no wallet in back pocket, no large amounts of cash, increased vigilance in crowds. Pickpockets mainly target phones and wallets.

Cybercrime: a strongly growing risk

Where numbers are exploding is in cybercrime. In 2021, over 45,000 cases were reported in Austria, causing millions of euros in damages. Online fraud is the most represented category, rising from 16,831 cases in 2019 to 22,440 in 2021. The clearance rate is improving (from 33.4% to 37.2%), but the volume remains significant.

– fake shopping sites or investment platforms,

– phishing impersonating authorities (Ministry of Finance, Post, Customs),

– delivery SMS with malicious link,

– romance scams on social networks,

– fake IT support services.

A recently dismantled criminal network illustrates the scale of the phenomenon: nearly 50 million fake accounts created, thousands of victims for several million euros, an arsenal of 1,200 SIM devices, 40,000 SIM cards, luxury cars, servers, and €700,000 seized.

Real estate and investments: a regulated market but not without pitfalls

Austrian real estate law (ABGB, tenancy laws, building code) is structured, but foreign investors and tenants remain prime targets for certain frauds:

– fake rental listings, with stolen photos and requests for deposit before viewing,

– fake owners or agents,

– deposit scams,

– Ponzi-type schemes in real estate investment,

– identity theft via fake notarized powers of attorney.

Authorities recommend checking ownership in the land register (Grundbuch), using notaries and lawyers, never transferring substantial money before seeing the property and signing a compliant contract, and being wary of offers that are “too good to be true.”

In case of doubt or loss, contact the police (Bundeskriminalamt), possibly report the site via platforms like ScamAdviser, and consult a lawyer.

Health and healthcare system: a pillar of daily safety

For an expat, safety is also the guarantee of being properly cared for in case of illness or accident. From this perspective, the Austrian healthcare system is a major asset.

A universal and efficient healthcare system

The healthcare system (Österreichische Gesundheitswesen) is based on compulsory health insurance for almost all residents. About 99% of the population is covered, with one of the lowest rates of unmet medical needs in Europe.

Funding is based on the principle of solidarity: employees, employers, and self-employed contribute proportionally to income, and access to care does not depend on age, gender, origin, or income level. The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care, and Consumer Protection regulates the whole system, while the Länder manage hospitals.

Once affiliated, you receive an electronic card (e‑card) that serves as a key with all contracted providers. On the back, it includes the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), useful for travel within the EU.

What public insurance covers

Basic coverage includes: essential health and safety risks.

– consultations with contracted general practitioners and specialists,

– hospital stays in public hospitals,

– emergency care,

– most examinations and treatments considered “necessary and appropriate,”

– part of prescribed medications,

– basic dental care (check-ups, certain fillings, extractions),

– maternity, pediatrics, rehabilitation.

Consultations are free with contracted doctors (Kassenärzte). For certain outpatient procedures, a 10–20% co-payment may remain. Hospital stays have no longer required direct patient contribution since 2017.

For expats, the main points:

– if you work for an Austrian employer, you are automatically affiliated with the competent health insurance fund (ÖGK, BVAEB, etc.);

– if you are a student, job seeker, self-employed, foreign pensioner, or inactive spouse, you can generally apply for voluntary affiliation;

– EU/EEA nationals can use their EHIC for temporary stays, but for settlement, registration in the Austrian system is still required.

Private supplementary insurance: comfort more than basic security

A minority of Austrians and expats take out private supplementary insurance. It is not essential for basic health safety, but it offers:

– private rooms in clinics,

– free choice of doctor in hospitals,

– better dental or optical coverage,

– faster access to certain specialists,

– benefits abroad, supplementary to EHIC.

Premiums vary greatly by age, health status, and options. As a rough order of magnitude, an “average” private contract is around €220/month, a child can be covered for about thirty euros, while a senior over 65 may be offered rates exceeding €450/month.

Women, children, mental health: specific provisions

Safety also relates to protection of vulnerable populations.

– Frauennotruf (women’s emergency hotline, 01 71 71 9): 24/7 support for victims of violence,

– violence protection centers in every Land,

– specialized hotlines for teenage girls (Mädchentelefon, 0800/21 13 17, weekdays),

– free distribution of alarm whistles by the women’s emergency service in Vienna.

For children, health insurance fully covers essential care, including vaccinations and basic dental care up to age 15, with possible co-insurance up to 18, or even 26 in case of studies. A national helpline (147) and child protection services are operational.

Mental health is also addressed through specialized centers, crisis lines (142, 01 313 30, 01 713 3374 for suicide prevention) and resuscitation training programs (Austrian Resuscitation Council). Demand is growing faster than supply, which can lead to wait times; private insurance often shortens the wait.

Natural and environmental risks: mountains, floods, climate

Austria is a country of mountains and rivers. Its main risks are not urban but environmental: avalanches, snow slides, flash floods.

Authorities manage these risks with a comprehensive apparatus:

– avalanche bulletins (Lawinen.at site),

– specific signage in alpine areas,

– dedicated mountain rescue services (number 140),

– warning systems (apps KATWARN, UBIMET),

– adapted infrastructure (dams, dykes, rockfall protections).

For an expat fond of outdoor sports, standard precautionary rules apply: check the weather, avoid going out alone in exposed terrain, respect trail and slope closures, equip yourself properly (shoes, clothing, safety gear), do not underestimate the speed of condition changes at altitude.

Housing safety standards: from reinforced doors to condominium regulations

Beyond the street, safety also plays out in your building. Austria has very advanced technical standards for buildings, as well as obligations for owners and tenants.

Standards and subsidies for securing your home

National standards ÖNORM B1300 and B1301 define the framework for regular safety checks in buildings (common areas, fire risks, owner responsibilities, etc.). For anti-burglary elements (doors, windows), European standard EN 1627 introduces RC (Resistance Class) classes. In Austria, RC 2 and RC 3 have become a kind of baseline standard for so-called “reinforced” doors and windows.

The official message is clear: good security is first based on mechanical protections (doors, windows), supplemented by electronic systems (alarms, motion detectors, video surveillance), vigilant behavior (not leaving tilt windows, locking even for short absences, not announcing vacations on social media), and communication with neighbors.

Building regulations: an often underestimated safety aspect

Hausordnungen (building house rules) go well beyond stairwell cleanliness. They notably govern:

These rules, very typical of the Austrian culture of order and prevention, also have a legal dimension: an owner can be held liable in case of an accident related to a breach (obstacle on stairs, dangerous storage, etc.).

Women, minorities, LGBTQ+: safety and limits

Available data highlight a relatively high level of safety for women. In Vienna, the rate of recorded violence against them would be around 4%, which remains low internationally. City authorities extensively communicate about women’s safety, with increased patrols, video-surveilled areas, and prevention programs.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in Vienna, the legal framework is protective (marriage equality since 2019, anti-discrimination legislation) and social visibility is significant. The city is considered the queer capital of the country. However, in some rural areas and among older generations, acceptance may be less evident. Again, there is a contrast between very open urban centers and more conservative peripheries.

Scams, fraud, and phone: vigilance, especially online

Austria is no exception to the worldwide proliferation of digital and telephone fraud. Scammers impersonate:

– delivery companies (SMS with fake tracking link, fake customs fees),

– tax authorities (SMS or emails demanding urgent payment),

– banks or telecom operators (phishing),

– hotels or travel platforms (requests for additional payment via another channel),

– relatives in need (scams like “mom, my phone is broken, send money to this number”).

Authorities recommend: following safety instructions, adhering to health recommendations, and staying informed about developments.

If you are a victim of fraud, it is useful to file a complaint with the Bundeskriminalamt (cyber unit), notify your bank, and, if you are a US citizen, file a complaint via the IC3 or the Federal Trade Commission.

Living in Austria: “structural” safety and integration challenges

From an expat’s perspective, Austrian safety rests on three pillars: a relatively low crime rate, robust institutions (police, justice, health, rescue), and a very regulated physical environment (traffic rules, housing, work). But settling here is not living in a sterile bubble.

Conversely, material safety – safe transport, recognized schools, accessible healthcare, high-quality drinking water, natural risk management – greatly contributes to a sense of stability once you have found your bearings.

In practice: how to make the most of this level of safety

For a smooth expatriation in Austria, a few reflexes are enough to fully benefit from the security context:

With these reference points, Austria’s very good structural safety becomes a real driver of quality of life: you can move around easily, children grow up in a protective environment, emergencies are well managed, and major risks are controlled.

Austria is not a world without crime or discrimination, but it is one of the countries where you have the most flexibility to prevent them, respond to them, and live your expatriation peacefully and confidently on a daily basis.

Embassy of France in Austria

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

Find me on social media: