Austria vs Germany
Side-by-side comparison of Austria and Germany: residency, citizenship, tax, cost of living and lifestyle. Updated 2026.
Austria versus Germany — Alpine neighbours with similar living standards but different citizenship and tax regimes. Germany allows dual citizenship as of June 2024 (a major reform); Austria still requires renunciation in most cases, with §58c (descendants of NS victims) as a notable exception. Tax: Germany applies worldwide income tax with extensive treaty network; Austria's standard rules are similar but its capital-gains regime on portfolio investments uses a 27.5% flat KESt withholding. Healthcare and education are both world-class in either.
| Field | Austria | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Region | europe / Central Europe | europe / Western Europe |
| Capital | Vienna | Berlin |
| Population | 9,120,000 | 83,800,000 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) | Euro (EUR) |
| Languages | German | German |
| Passport rank | 6 | 3 |
| Visa-free destinations | 191 | 190 |
| Dual citizenship | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Tax system | residence-based | residence-based |
| Territorial taxation | No | No |
| Special tax regime (NHR-style) | No | No |
| Citizenship by investment | — | — |
| Citizenship by descent | Available | Available |
| Years to naturalisation | 10 years | 5 years |
| Cost of living (NYC=100) | 67 | 67 |
| Safety index | 80 | 67 |
| Healthcare index | 80 | 78 |
| Quality of life | 195 | 195 |
| Climate | Temperate continental / Alpine | Oceanic / Continental |
| Schengen | Member | Member |
| EU | Member | Member |
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15. Verify with official sources before acting.