16-Jan-2026 | immigration Changes in Austria in 2026

Austria in 2026:

What Is Changing and Why It Matters

2026 brings an unusually high number of changes that affect everyday life in Austria. Many involve rules, fees and thresholds that have remained untouched for years and, in some cases, for decades.

Driven by cost pressure, system reform and long-planned measures finally reaching implementation, tighter public budgets are leading to frozen benefits, higher individual contributions and increased administrative and local fees. At the same time, authorities are pushing for systems to operate in a more standardised and digital way – from immigration processing and pensions to healthcare and transport. 

Some changes are substantial, others relatively small but widely felt. Together, they affect how people rent, commute, work, retire, raise children and move around Austria in 2026. This overview focuses on the changes most likely to shape daily life for residents and those considering a move to Austria.

Jump to the sections most relevant to you:

	Immigration and Integration
	Work and Income
	Housing and Renting
	Healthcare
	Pensions and Retirement
	Families and Children
	Driving and Cars
	Trains and Rail Travel
	Flights
	Borders, Entry and Travel Controls
	Everyday Spending and Consumer Protection
	Vienna-Specific Changes

Immigration and Integration

Commuting Support: Pendler-Euro Triples

From 1st January 2026, the Pendler-Euro triples from €2 to €6 per kilometre per year, calculated on the straight-line distance between home and workplace.

This is a direct tax credit, not a deduction, and applies to anyone eligible for the Pendlerpauschale (commuter lump sum). The maximum refundable amount for low-income earners rises accordingly, with the commuter-related Negativsteuer (social security refund) rising to €1,423 for 2026.

The amount is pro-rated for part-time work and requires submission of a Pendlerrechner printout to the employer.

Vienna-specific payroll deduction: Wohnbauförderungsbeitrag

Vienna increases the Wohnbauförderungsbeitrag (housing subsidy contribution) in 2026 from 1.0% to 1.5% of gross income.

For most employees above the marginal income threshold, the contribution continues to be split evenly between employer and employee. Each side now pays 0.75%, up from 0.5%. The increase forms part of Vienna’s broader budget consolidation and directly affects monthly net pay for people working in the city.

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Housing and Renting

Austria’s long-discussed rental reform takes effect from 1st January 2026 (although the rent increase caps apply from April 2026 and April 2027). It changes how fixed-term contracts are structured, how leases renew if no action is taken, and how much rents may rise over the next two years. The measures affect a large share of the regulated rental market.

Fixed-Term Contracts Become Longer

Until now, most fixed-term residential leases could not be agreed for less than three years. From 2026, the minimum duration rises to five years. This applies both to new contracts and to extensions of existing fixed-term leases.

An exception remains for landlords who are not considered entrepreneurs under the Konsumentenschutzgesetz (KSchG). This category is intended to cover small private landlords rather than professional operators. Explanatory notes suggest this generally means no more than five rental units and no ongoing business structures, although some borderline cases may remain legally unclear.

In practice, tenant organisations expect five-year contracts to become standard, particularly in cities such as Vienna, Graz and Linz. Three-year leases are likely to become the exception rather than the norm.

Silent Extensions Now Last Five Years

The reform also affects stillschweigende Verlängerung (tacit extension), where a tenant remains in the property after a fixed term ends without signing a new written agreement. The first automatic renewal period also increases from three years to five years.

As Austrian law requires fixed-term contracts to be explicitly in writing, informal emails or verbal statements about duration usually do not create a valid new fixed-term. If neither side formally renews or terminates the lease, the law may impose a 5-year extension by default.

Rent Increases Capped in 2026 and 2027

Parliament has approved temporary limits on rent increases to ease inflation pressure. For regulated rents under the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG), including many Altbau flats and municipal housing, increases are capped at 1% from 1st April 2026, and 2% from 1st April 2027.

In the partial-application area of the MRG, the new Mietwertsicherungsgesetz (MieWeG) moderates how inflation is passed on. Inflation up to 3% may be applied in full; above that level, only half of the excess may be charged. An inflation rate of 5% would therefore translate into a 4% rent increase.

Fully free-market rents are not subject to the strict 1-2% caps, but similar moderation rules apply under the new framework.

Legal Certainty Around Rent Indexation

A less visible but significant part of the reform addresses rent indexation clauses (Wertsicherungsklauseln). Supreme Court rulings in 2023 had cast doubt on many existing clauses, raising the prospect of extensive repayment claims.

Following a Constitutional Court ruling in July 2025, new legislation restores legal certainty while limiting retroactive reimbursement claims to five years. The stated aim is to stabilise the rental market while moderating future increases.

Vienna: Housing Subsidy Contribution Increases

Vienna increases the Wohnbauförderungsbeitrag (housing subsidy contribution) from 1.0% to 1.5% of gross income in 2026.

For most employees above the marginal income threshold, the contribution continues to be split evenly between employer and employee. Each side now pays 0.75%, up from 0.5% previously. This change forms part of Vienna’s broader budget consolidation and affects monthly net income for people working in the city.

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Healthcare

In 2026, Austria introduces several healthcare changes affecting access to care, digital systems and out-of-pocket costs. Some measures modernise how care is delivered, while others shift costs between patients, employees and pensioners.

• The 1450 health hotline can also be used to book medical appointments directly, reducing the need to call individual practices.
• Private elective doctors (Wahlärzte), as well as public doctors, are required to use the electronic health record (ELGA) and e-Card system. Patients therefore have a more complete digital medical history, accessible via the ELGA app (unless the patient has opted out).
• An expansion of multidisciplinary Primary Care Units (Primärversorgungseinheiten, PVE) is underway. These centres bring together GPs, nurses and other specialists, often with longer opening hours and a focus on local access.
• To reduce shortages, pharmacies and wholesalers are now legally required to hold a four-month supply of around 700 essential medicines.
  

Medication Costs and Spending Caps

The standard prescription fee (Rezeptgebühr) remains frozen at the 2025 level of €7.55.

What changes is how the annual medication spending cap is calculated. From 2026, medicines costing less than €7.55 also count towards the cap. Previously, these lower-priced medicines were excluded.

As a result, people who rely on multiple prescriptions – including lower-cost medications – may reach their personal exemption threshold earlier than before.

Fees and Co-Payments

Several patient contributions increase in 2026.

The annual e-Card service fee rises to €25.00, up from €14.65. This amount was deducted from employees' salaries in late 2025 for the 2026 coverage year.

Minimum co-payments for medical aids (Heilbehelfe) also rise. The minimum personal contribution increases to €46.20. For adult eyeglasses, the minimum contribution rises to €138.60.

For people who self-insure in the statutory health system, the monthly flat rate increases to €572.74.

VAT Exemptions for Health Products

Feminine hygiene products and contraceptives are exempt from VAT from 2026.

Changes for Pensioners

Healthcare contributions for pensioners rise in 2026. From 1st June, the health insurance deduction from pensions increases from 5.1% to 6.0%.

In addition, pensioners lose their exemption from the e-Card service fee. The first fee will be deducted in November 2026, covering the 2027 insurance year.

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Pensions and Retirement

In 2026, several changes affect how pensions are adjusted, when people can retire and how flexible the transition into retirement can be. 

Pension Adjustments in 2026

Pensions are adjusted on 1st January 2026 using a staggered formula designed to protect lower pensions while limiting overall costs.

Pensions of up to €2,500 gross per month increased by 2.7%. Amounts above €2,500 received a flat-rate increase of €67.50.

A further change affects people retiring in 2026. In the first year of retirement, the pension adjustment is set at 50% of the standard increase, regardless of the month in which retirement begins. This reduces the automatic inflation adjustment for new retirees. 

Retirement Age for Women Continues to Rise

The equalisation of retirement ages remains one of the most consequential changes for female residents.

For women born between 1st January and 30th June 1965, the statutory retirement age reaches 61.5 years in 2026. This age will continue to rise by six months each year until it reaches 65 in 2033.

For men, the statutory retirement age remains unchanged at 65.

Early Retirement Becomes Harder

Access to early retirement through the corridor pension (Korridorpension) tightens further in 2026.

The minimum age rises from 62 towards 63 and the required contribution period increases from 40 to 42 insurance years. These changes narrow eligibility and delay access for many people who had planned to retire earlier.

At present, this model mainly affects men, as most women still reach standard retirement age before meeting corridor pension thresholds.

New Partial Pension (Teilpension)

From 1st January 2026, Austria introduces a new partial pension model, allowing a gradual transition into retirement.

People who already qualify for a pension can reduce their working hours and receive part of their pension at the same time. The pension paid depends on how much working time is reduced.

• 25-40% reduction: 25% of the pension;
• 41-60% reduction: 50% of the pension;
• 61-75% reduction: 75% of the pension.

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Families and Children

In 2026, changes affecting families span financial support, healthcare-linked payments, schooling and higher education. 

Family Benefits Remain Frozen

Family allowance (Familienbeihilfe), childcare allowance (Kinderbetreuungsgeld) and the child tax credit (Kinderabsetzbetrag) remain unchanged at their 2025 levels for both 2026 and 2027. As these payments do not adjust for inflation during this period, families will experience a real-terms loss in value.

Parent-Child Pass Goes Digital

From 1st October, the Eltern-Kind-Pass (formerly Mutter-Kind-Pass) becomes fully digital. All required medical examinations will be recorded electronically, replacing the paper booklet.

The digital system strengthens the link between completed check-ups and eligibility for certain child-related payments. Some child-related payments are linked to completing required check-ups. A digital system makes these links easier to track.

The updated programme also expands early health consultations, adds new newborn screenings and introduces structured parental guidance.

Schools: Language Support, Staffing and New Rules

Pupils identified as needing German-language support will be required to attend summer school from 2026.

For the 2026/2027 school year, around 400 priority primary and middle schools will receive additional staff under the Chancenbonus (opportunity bonus), aimed at improving support in socially and linguistically challenging environments.

Universities and Students

Austrian public universities introduce Austria’s first Master’s degree in psychotherapy, addressing long-standing capacity shortages in the field as winter semester 2026/2027.

Driving and Cars

In 2026, Austria's travel and mobility landscape is defined by the completion of massive rail infrastructure projects, significant price adjustments for public transit and a move to digital road tolling.

Motorway Vignette: Final Year Of The Sticker

The 2025 motorway vignette remains valid only until 31st January 2026. From 1st February, drivers using toll roads must have a valid 2026 vignette.

The 2026 vignette is the last physical sticker Austria will ever issue. From the 2027 season onwards, the system becomes fully digital.

ASFINAG has confirmed small price increases for 2026:

For motorcycles:

• 1-day vignette: €3.80
• 10-day vignette: €5.10
• 2-month vignette: €12.80
• Annual vignette: €42.70

For cars and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes:

• 1-day vignette: €9.60
• 10-day vignette: €12.80
• 2-month vignette: €32
• Annual vignette: €106.80

Fuel, CO₂ And Vehicle Taxes

Austria’s national CO₂ pricing reached €55 per tonne in 2025. The 2026 price level depends on the next legal/administrative step.

Battery electric vehicles are no longer exempt from ongoing vehicle taxes. Since April 2025, electric cars have been subject to the motor-related insurance tax. In 2026, this continues under a tiered system based on vehicle weight and power output. While still cheaper than combustion vehicles, the gap is narrower than before.

For heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, tolls are now fully indexed to CO₂ emissions, noise and air pollution classes, increasing costs for freight and logistics operators.

New Vehicle Safety Standards

From 7th July 2026, all newly registered vehicles must comply with updated EU safety rules.

Mandatory systems now include intelligent speed assistance, driver distraction detection and advanced braking technologies. These changes affect new registrations only, not existing vehicles, and influence pricing and availability in the new car market.

Traffic Calming and City Access Controls

Austria’s Road Traffic Regulations are updated in 2026 to give municipalities stronger tools to reduce car traffic in urban centres.

From 1st May, cities are legally permitted to enforce driving bans and restricted access zones using camera-based licence plate recognition. Vehicles entering restricted areas without authorisation could face substantial fines, rising for repeat offences.

Around 25 cities, including Graz, Linz and Salzburg, have signalled plans to use these powers. Practical rollout and penalties depend on the city and the specific regulation in force.

E-Mopeds, E-Scooters and E-Bikes: Reclassified

Several popular micromobility categories are redefined in 2026.

From October, small electric mopeds (L1e-B) are no longer treated as bicycles, but reclassified as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act (KFG). They move onto public roads and now require registration, insurance, a licence plate, a driving licence and helmet use. They are banned from cycle paths, but permitted speeds increase to 45 km/h.

From 1st May, rules tighten for other electric vehicles:

• E-scooters: will be reclassified from small devices to vehicles; helmets mandatory for under-16s; alcohol limit lowered to 0.5%; indicators and bells required; and carrying of passengers or goods will be prohibited

• E-bikes: helmets mandatory for riders up to age 14

These changes aim to align electric vehicles more closely with existing road safety standards, particularly in mixed traffic areas.

A Year of Transition for Drivers

Costs edge up across fuel, tolls and taxation. The physical vignette disappears. Cities gain more control over car access. And electric vehicles lose some of their previous regulatory advantages.

Together these changes reinforce a clear policy direction: driving becomes more regulated, more digital and more tightly managed in urban space.

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Trains and Rail Travel

Austria’s rail network enters a new era in 2026. Driven by the opening of the Koralm Railway, travel times to the south have been slashed and a wave of new international and regional lines has been launched.

Public Transport Price Hikes

Austria sees price hikes on public transport across the country.

The Koralm Railway Becomes Fully Operational

One of the most significant infrastructure milestones in decades arrives in 2026 with the full operational launch of the Koralm Railway.

The new high-speed tunnel between Graz and Klagenfurt reduces travel time from around three hours to as little as 41 minutes, and travel time between Vienna and Klagenfurt will drop by 45 minutes to 3 hours and 10 minutes, transforming rail travel between Vienna, Graz and Carinthia.

ÖBB dramatically increases frequency on southern routes. There are now 33 daily direct services between Vienna and Graz and 26 between Vienna and Klagenfurt, more than doubling service. For the first time, seven direct daily trains connect Vienna Airport with Klagenfurt and Villach, eliminating the need to change at Wien Hauptbahnhof.

Private competition expands as well. From March 2026, WESTbahn begins operating on southern routes, introducing additional services between Vienna, Graz and Villach. 

Alongside high-speed expansion, ÖBB has introduced five new Interregio (IR) lines running every 1-2 hours. These ensure continued regional connections for areas such as Aichfeld, Ennstal and Pinzgau as long-distance express services move onto high-speed corridors.

Improved International Rail Connections

Austria’s rail network strengthens its role as a Central European hub in 2026.

New and faster direct connections include:

• Vienna to Trieste in around 6 hours 38 minutes via Railjet

• Faster Vienna to Venice services, now around 7 hours 10 minutes

• Restored direct Vienna-Zagreb EuroCity services

• New Railjet services Vienna-Ljubljana planned for early 2026, taking around 5 hours and 20 minutes

• Munich-Ljubljana services continue in 2026 becoming fully direct from early summer 2026 (current platform change in Villach) .

• A new direct Interregio line between Graz and Maribor, running every 1-2 hours

Connections to Poland also improve, with increased services to Kraków. Vienna-Bratislava services will also expand, with the fastest journeys under 50 minutes.

Construction And Disruption Across The Network

While capacity improves, 2026 is also a major rail construction year.

Planned closures and disruptions include:

• Tyrol: Innsbruck West works in January; Brenner axis works in July

• Upper Austria: St. Valentin-Linz line works in March

• Vorarlberg: Feldkirch-Buchs closure from June to October; Arlberg route closures in April and November

• Burgenland: Mattersburger Bahn closed from February to December with replacement buses

German railworks also affect Austrian long-distance services, particularly routes via Salzburg and western corridors. Some Vienna-Berlin daytime services are cancelled or rerouted for much of the year, while Nightjet sleeper services are gradually upgraded with new rolling stock.

What This Means In Practice

Public transport in Austria becomes more expensive in 2026, but also faster and more interconnected – especially towards the south. For commuters and frequent travellers, price increases are offset by better frequency and shorter journey times.

The trade-off is disruption. Anyone relying on regional rail should expect timetable changes and replacement services throughout the year, particularly during summer.

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Flights

In 2026, Austria’s flight network shifts in emphasis rather than scale. Vienna gains new long- and mid-haul connections through full-service carriers, while low-cost capacity is reduced. Regional airports see selective additions, mostly seasonal.

Vienna Airport: New Routes and Frequencies

Austrian Airlines expands its summer 2026 schedule (29th March–24th October) with several new leisure and city routes, alongside frequency increases on established destinations.

New destinations from Vienna include:

• Ponta Delgada (Azores) – weekly, late June to early September

• Alicante – twice weekly

• Bilbao – twice weekly

• Bastia (Corsica) – twice weekly

• Ohrid – twice weekly

• Mytilene (Lesbos) – weekly

• Bergen – three times weekly

In addition, frequencies increase on high-demand routes such as Barcelona and Málaga.

For travellers, this means more non-stop options on mid-range European routes – particularly useful for families and longer summer trips – but generally at full-service price levels.

Other Airlines and Regional Airports

Beyond Vienna, several airlines are adding or continuing routes from Austrian regional airports in 2026, mostly on a seasonal basis:

• airBaltic resumes Vienna-Tallinn from 30th March (twice weekly)

• Air Corsica operates seasonal flights Vienna-Ajaccio (weekly) and Vienna-Bastia (twice weekly)

• Transavia increases Salzburg-Amsterdam to four weekly flights in summer

• GP Aviation launches Salzburg-Pristina twice weekly from late March

• British Airways continues Graz-London Gatwick into 2026

• Eurowings maintains Salzburg-Marrakech until at least April

These routes mainly benefit outbound leisure travel and diaspora connections rather than daily business travel.

Low-Cost Capacity: Cuts and Closures

At the same time, Vienna sees a contraction in budget airline capacity:

• Wizz Air closes its Vienna base by mid-March, with routes winding down in phases

• Ryanair removes two aircraft from Vienna for summer 2026, reducing overall capacity

This does not mean wholesale route cancellations across the board, but it does mean fewer frequencies and less price competition on some popular short-haul routes. 

What This Means in Practice

For travellers living in Austria:

• Summer travel offers more direct options, especially to leisure destinations

• Low-fare availability may be tighter, particularly during peak periods

• Regional airports remain relevant, but mainly for seasonal travel

Vienna remains well connected internationally, but the cheapest flight options are becoming less predictable.

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Borders, Entry and Travel Controls

Several changes in 2026 affect how people enter and move across Austria’s borders. These do not change who is allowed to enter, but they do change how checks are carried out, what data is collected and where delays may occur.

Temporary Internal Border Controls (Extended)

Austria has extended its temporary internal border controls until 15th June 2026. These apply at land borders with Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Austria continues to use mobile patrols, spot checks, drones and automated number-plate recognition rather than fixed barriers.

For residents and commuters, the main impact is practical rather than legal:

• You should carry valid ID when crossing borders, even within Schengen

• Delays are possible at peak travel times or during targeted checks

Entry/Exit System (EES): Biometric Border Checks

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) completes its rollout in 2026.

From 10th April 2026, EES becomes fully operational at all Schengen external borders. Manual passport stamping for non-EU nationals ends completely.

What changes:

• First-time visitors from non-EU countries must provide fingerprints and a facial image

• All entries and exits are logged digitally

• The system automatically tracks the 90-days-in-180 rule

For Austrian residents, this mainly affects visiting family members, business visitors and non-EU tourists – particularly at airports and long-distance rail crossings.

ETIAS: Travel Authorisation (From Late 2026)

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is now officially confirmed to start operations in Q4 2026.

Once active:

• Visa-free travellers (e.g. UK, US, Canada, Australia) must apply online before travelling

• Authorisation is linked electronically to the passport

• A transitional period is expected, during which ETIAS is encouraged before becoming mandatory

Be Prepared

These measures don’t usually stop travel – but they change the experience:

• Border crossings are more data-driven and less predictable

• First entries into Schengen may take longer due to biometric capture

• Travellers who arrive unprepared risk delays rather than refusal

For people living in Austria, the key takeaway is awareness: carry ID, expect checks to remain visible in 2026 and plan slightly more buffer time when crossing borders – especially with non-EU visitors.

Everyday Spending and Consumer Protection

Austria introduces a cluster of measures aimed at making everyday spending clearer and, in some cases, more affordable. The focus is on transparency, targeted relief for vulnerable households and discouraging misleading practices.

Repair Instead of Replace: Geräte-Rettungsbonus

The existing Repair Bonus ends in 2025 and is replaced by the new Geräte-Rettungsbonus (Device Rescue Bonus). From 12th January, vouchers can be redeemed at participating businesses, covering 50% of the repair costs, up to a maximum of €130 per repair for selected household and electronic appliances.

New Social Electricity Tariff

From 1st April, a new social electricity tariff is introduced under the Electricity Industry Act (ElWG). For eligible low-income households, the first 2,900 kWh per year will be capped at €0.06 per kWh (net).

This applies to groups such as recipients of minimum income support, minimum pensions and people in need of care. The measure is designed as targeted relief rather than a universal price cap and sits alongside broader market-based electricity pricing.

Electricity and Gas Grid Fees

From January, electricity grid fees rise slightly on average (around +1.3%), while gas grid fees rise much more sharply, reported at around +18% on average.

For households using gas heating, this represents another noticeable increase in fixed costs following significant rises already introduced in 2024 and 2025. These fees are regulated network charges rather than supplier prices and apply nationwide.

Shrinkflation and Price Transparency

From 1st April, Austria’s anti-deceptive packaging law comes into force. Retailers must clearly indicate for 60 days if a product’s content has been reduced while keeping the price the same.

At the same time, unit pricing must be displayed more prominently: the unit price must be shown at least half the size of the selling price, making direct price comparisons easier, particularly for everyday groceries.

EU “Breakfast” Food Labelling Rules

From 14th June, new EU-wide rules apply to common breakfast products:

• Honey must list countries of origin with percentage shares;
• Jams must meet higher minimum fruit content thresholds;
• Juices must provide clearer information about sugar content.

These changes aim to reduce misleading product presentation rather than alter recipes overnight, but shoppers should expect more detailed labels.

Environmental Advertising (“Greenwashing”)

From 27th September, stricter rules apply to environmental and sustainability claims in advertising. Companies will face tighter limits on what can be marketed as “green”, “climate-neutral” or environmentally friendly without verifiable evidence.

Digital Receipts and Receipt Lottery

From 1st October, businesses may issue digital receipts as an alternative to paper ones, although customers retain the right to request a physical receipt.

At the same time, Austria plans to launch a receipt lottery, linking registered receipts to prize draws as a way of encouraging receipt issuance and reducing tax evasion.

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Vienna-Specific Changes 

Vienna Parking-Related Increases for 2026

Car-owning residents see clear increases in resident parking permit fees, from €10 to €13 per month, increasing annual cost from €120 to €156.

Park & Ride facilities also become more expensive, with reported increases of 5–7% depending on location, affecting commuters who combine car and public transport.

Vienna 2026: Key Municipal Fee Increases

The maximum legal limit for a single administrative fee (Amtsgebühren) has been raised from €1,500 to €4,000, affecting approximately 300 fee items. Examples of some of those items are given below, while other fees within this new upper limit are expected to be announced during 2026 as individual departments update their tariffs.

Utility charges, such as water and sewer connection costs, are also expected to increase in March/April, but exact costs are not yet published.

Non-Resident and Visitor Fees

Some increases are specifically aimed at non-residents and visitors:

• The tourist tax (Ortstaxe) rises from 3.2% to 5% of the room price from July 2026, with a further increase to 8% planned for 2027.
• Civil wedding fees for non-residents are expected to rise significantly in March/April. Weekday ceremonies increase from €395 to €670, while Saturday ceremonies rise to €995, typically applying to special “dream wedding” venues.

Business-Related City Charges

Businesses are also likely to see increases in charges, expected in March/April:

• The betting and gaming tax per terminal to rise by 50% to €525.

• Fees for displaying goods on pavements (Warenausräumungen) are expected to rise from around €22 to €80 per square metre annually.

• Street vending permits in tourist areas (think Mozart-costumed vendors) will nearly double, increasing from roughly €170 to almost €350 per month.

• Storage and scaffolding fees on public land to increase by between 30% and 66% in districts 2 through 23, aligning them with first-district pricing.

Vienna-Specific Transport Disruptions in 2026

Alongside higher city fees, Vienna residents should also expect significant transport disruption during 2026, driven by long-planned infrastructure upgrades across rail, underground and tram networks. These works are not new announcements, but 2026 is when many of them become unavoidable in daily travel.

S-Bahn Main Line (Stammstrecke)

Vienna’s busiest rail corridor will see its most disruptive phase yet.

There will be a major summer closure of the core S-Bahn line between Wien Praterstern and Wien Floridsdorf (early July–early September 2026). After this, a longer closure between Wien Praterstern and Wien Hauptbahnhof is planned to begin in September 2026 and continue until autumn 2027 as part of the larger upgrade project.

Airport Rail Connections

Travel to and from Vienna Airport will be less predictable during peak summer works.

Between 10th and 27th July 2026, rail services between Wien Hauptbahnhof and the airport are disrupted, with some Railjet connections replaced by buses.

Underground (U-Bahn) Modernisation

Several U-Bahn lines are affected by planned construction and capacity upgrades during 2026. While most works are temporary, they may involve line splits, station closures or trains passing through without stopping. Work is generally scheduled for the summer when passenger volume is lower.

On the U3, new points (track switches) are being installed between Westbahnhof and Hütteldorfer Straße, aimed at improving operational flexibility.

U4 works between Schwedenplatz and Landstraße will split the line and new track connections are being installed to increase capacity by around 1,700 passengers per hour per direction.

The U6 continues its step-by-step station modernisation programme. Tscherttegasse station remains under refurbishment until summer 2026. Between February and June 2026, trains travelling in the direction of Siebenhirten will pass through Tscherttegasse without stopping.

Tram Network Works

Tram users will also see prolonged interruptions:

• Line 46 is diverted from 16th March to 26th June

• Line 6 is fully suspended from 16th March to 10th April

• Simmeringer Hauptstraße tram corridor works run from March to October

One Positive Addition: Tram Line 18 Extension

In autumn 2026, the extended Tram Line 18 opens between Schlachthausgasse and Ernst-Happel-Stadion, improving east–south connections and access to major event locations.

A Year of Change

Collectively, the changes in 2026 don’t point in a single direction. Some make everyday life more expensive or more rule-bound, particularly where fees rise or benefits stop keeping pace with costs. Others bring stability and clarity where uncertainty has existed for years: longer rental contracts, clearer pension options, more predictable processes and infrastructure that is finally moving from planning into use.

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