Your rights and duties in Austria
This page explains your rights and duties during reception, the asylum procedure and after a positive or a negative decision.
Everyone who applies for asylum has certain rights and duties from the moment of application. If you do not follow your duties, this may have serious consequences for your future in Austria.
When do rights and duties apply?
Your rights and duties depend on your situation and the stage of your asylum procedure. Please select a topic below to learn more about your rights, duties and possible consequences.
Austria and its fundamental values
Austria is a democratic state based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. Everyone living in Austria is expected to respect the country’s fundamental values, laws and social principles. These values form the basis of the asylum system and apply to all persons, regardless of nationality or legal status.
Austria is a medium-sized country. Austria has approximately 9.2 million inhabitants. It consists of nine federal provinces (Burgenland, Carinthia, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Styria, Tyrol, Vorarlberg and Vienna). Vienna is a federal province as well as the capital of Austria.
The official language of Austria is German. Most people in Austria are Christians.
Austria is a safe and stable country. Most people in Austria are doing well. In Austria, people stick together. Solidarity is an important cornerstone of society. People ensure that Austria remains a stable and safe country. They pay taxes and fees for health, education and social system as well as for public safety.
What are the basic rules in Austria?
Click on one of the items below to learn more about the basic rules that apply when you live in Austria.
All persons have the same rights. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect. No one may violate the dignity and rights of others! Treat all people with respect! There should not be any differences due to gender, age, education, religion, origin or appearance.
Violence is prohibited in Austria. This applies within the family as well – there must not be any violence at home.
You are not allowed to make sexually suggestive comments or come close to another person, if that person does not want that! Sexual harassment and rape are strictly prohibited in Austria and have legal consequences. A prison sentence can be imposed!
Help when you see injustice! Civil courage is very important in Austria.
Courtesy is important in Austria – also between men and women. For example, extend your hand when greeting others.
Treat others with respect. For example, by being quiet at night.
Freedom is important in Austria! Everyone in Austria is free to express his opinion. But freedom also has its limits. One must not violate the dignity of others.
In Austria everyone is free to freely choose his religion. That means, everyone may pick his religion and live according to it. But the laws of the state take precedence over religious rules. That is, the authorities in Austria always decide according to the law. They never decide based on religious rules.
Austria is a democratic republic. That is, the Austrians may choose who governs their country.
In Austria, everyone is treated equally before the law. The state may act only according to the laws.
Police in Austria ensures the safety of all people. In case of danger please contact the police.
Women and men enjoy the same rights in Austria. In Austria, women determine their own lives just like men.
A woman can decide for herself whether and when she marries. She may live with a man even if she is not married to him. Every man is also free to choose his wife or partner.
Same-sex partnerships are allowed in Austria. Women may live together with women and men with men.
The state especially protects children.
Nobody may harass children or teenagers! Sexual harassment and abuse of children and teenagers are strictly prohibited in Austria and have legal consequences. A prison sentence can be imposed!
Violence against children is strictly prohibited.
In Austria, children have the right to education. All children must attend school. Support your children in school and in vocational training.
With a good education your children will have a better chance of finding good jobs later on in life.
There are sports and swimming lessons at school. Girls and boys must participate.
