Vienna International Luxury Goods Guide

Find the best sources to get luxury items in Vienna and Austria

Heidi Horten: Austria's Richest Woman Sells Luxury Yacht for 160 Million Euros

Heidi Goëss-Horten, the richest Austrian woman, is selling her luxury yacht, the Carinthia VII, for an astonishing 160 million euros. Read about Ms. Goëss-Horten's "dream ship" and why she has finally decided to sell it.

October 12, 2021

Fair for Art Vienna 2021: The Red Carpet for Art

As an important art fair in Vienna's cultural autumn, "Fair for Art Vienna" sends an important signal for the art market and Vienna as an important city of culture. "Fair for Art Vienna" proved last year that a fair of its format can be held safely and successfully thanks to a well thought-out hygiene and health concept. Safety will also be a top priority in 2021.

September 27, 2021 · Sponsored Content

The Rich in Austria: Dollar Millionaires Up 5.3 Percent to Record 163,300

The number of so-called high net worth individuals (HNWIs) in Austria grew by 5.3 percent from 2019 to 2020 to 163,300 dollar millionaires. This is 8,200 more HNWIs than in the same period last year.

July 17, 2021

Vienna Selected as Most Desired Luxury Travel Destination

Vienna has one yet another award. After being selected as the most liveable city of the world for a number of years already, Vienna has now been awarded the prize for the "Most Desired Preferred Destination" by the luxury travel network "Traveller Made".

May 26, 2021

Vienna Also Opens on May 19.

Finally, Vienna has also officially confirmed that the long-awaited opening will take place on May 19. The planned relaxations also bring further steps towards normality in the retail sector. You can find out exactly what this means below.

May 6, 2021

Lockdown Ends in Vienna and Lower Austria: What's Permitted Now

On Monday, the hard lockdown finally came to an end in Vienna and Lower Austria. With the end of the hard lockdown, stores and body-related service providers, museums, zoos and other leisure businesses are allowed to reopen. What residents of Vienna and Lower Austria are now allowed to do again, read below.

May 3, 2021

Why Austria Is NOT One of the Best Countries in the World

Why a top "Quality of Life" rating is not enough to rank among the "best" countries in the world, and why expat destinations like Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and even Switzerland are uncatchable ahead of Austria.

April 30, 2021

Austrian Residential Property Market: Prices Continue to Rise

The real estate market in Austria continues to boom. Last year again surpassed the record set the year before, with both sales and the value of properties sold continuing to rise in 2020 compared with 2019. The most expensive district outside Vienna remains Kitzbühel in Tyrol. Housing prices in a five-year comparison: Austria: +26%, Vienna: +21%, Burgenland: +47%, Vorarlberg: +45%, Carinthia: +18%. Find out how the Austrian real estate market works.

April 28, 2021

Driving a Car in Austria: How to Import a Vehicle for Personal Use

What is required to register your car in Austria that you have purchased abroad? What do you need to look out for when buying a car? What costs do you have to bear? You can find all tips for importing your own vehicles (Eigenimport) to Austria here.

August 4, 2019 · Updated: April 1, 2021; 13:13

Coronavirus in Austria: What Are the New Rules?

As of February 8, the Austrian COVID-19 measures have been relaxed again. The exit restrictions apply again only from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. However, there are still contact restrictions. Retailers, schools and museums are allowed to open again, although only under stricter conditions. Body-related service providers such as hairdressers are also allowed to offer their services again, but only on presentation of a negative PCR or antigen test result.

February 9, 2021

Share of E-Cars in New Registrations Exceeds 10 Percent

For the first time ever, electronic cars made up more than 10 percent of the new registrations of motor vehicles. Although the numbers of new registered vehicles is far lower compared to last year, the e-mobility sector has seen an obvious increase in numbers over the recent months.

December 11, 2020

The Vienna Service Office - The Embassy of the City of Vienna inside the Vienna International Centre

The Vienna International Centre hosts a branch office of the City of Vienna, whose sole purpose is to offer the staff of the UN organizations and their relatives rapid and individual assistance with questions of daily life and to provide them with urgently needed information.

November 19, 2020

Austria's Second Hard Lockdown: So what applies now? - Live Updates

The new COVID-19- emergency measure regulation brings beyond the already existing measures intensified exit regulations and an extensive closing of business. The retail stores for basic supplies (food, pharmacies, post office, banks, etc.) will remain open. The Ordinance came into force on 17 November 2020 and is valid up to and including 6 December 2020.

November 16, 2020

Austria's Hard Lockdown: So what applies now?

The details of new COVID-19 measures were announced today. For the next two and a half weeks up to and including December 6, Austria will have a second respectively third full lockdown as in spring. What will now apply with regard to curfews, contacts, shopping, hospitals and health services, sports, professional activities, body related services, education, schools and kindergartens?

November 14, 2020 · Updated: November 14, 2020; 17:25

Vienna Is the Sixth Largest City in the European Union

After London pulled out and Bucharest moved up, Vienna has consolidated itself in sixth place among the largest cities in the European Union. But who is the new European leader, and who are the other cities ahead of Vienna in the ranking? What are the reasons why living in Vienna is so popular with other Austrians, expats, migrants and refugees?

November 9, 2020

Second Coronavirus Lockdown: Which Rules Apply for your Business in Austria?

The exponential increase of the Austrian COVID-19 infection numbers has made drastic measures necessary. On November 3, 2020, the new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance will come into force and remain in force until at least November 30, 2020. In order to cushion the economic impact, short-time working will be upgraded and loss of sales compensated. The new rules and economic measures for the gastronomy, tour operator, tourism and leisure industry can be found below.

November 2, 2020 · Updated: November 6, 2020; 10:13

Second Coronavirus Lockdown in Austria: Which Rules Apply?

The Austrian government has announced the Second Coronavirus Lowdown and presented stricter measures against the virus, which will apply from Tuesday, November 3 starting at 0:00 am. From then on, night-time exit restrictions will apply in Austria between 20.00 and 6.00 hours. Most events will be cancelled, restaurants will no longer be allowed to serve guests, and most leisure facilities will have to close for a month for the time being.

October 31, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 09:29

Prostitution in Austria Prohibited Again: Here Are the New COVID-19 Rules

Prostitution in Austria is basically legal and regulated by law. Due to the coronary crisis, it was temporarily forbidden for clients to enter prostitution facilities until the end of June. Since July 1, 2020, however, the government has again permitted entry to prostitution bars, brothels and running houses in Austria. Following the updated COVID-19 rules for sex workers and their clients. However, due to November's new COVID-19 Protection Measures Ordinance, which came into force on November 3, 2020 and will remain in force until at least November 30, 2020, all facilities for the practice of prostitution will again be closed as of November 3.

July 11, 2020 · Updated: November 2, 2020; 07:55

Second Lockdown: Warning of Medical Bottlenecks

The reason for the second Austrian lockdown is the explosive growth in coronavirus numbers and the danger of overloading intensive care. What is the situation in hospitals and nursing homes?

October 31, 2020

Investor Survey: Vienna Among Top 3 Locations for Real Estate Investments

Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Vienna is still one of the most attractive European metropolises for real estate investments. According to a recent survey among investors, London, Berlin and Vienna make up the Top 3 locations in which real estate is highly sought.

October 19, 2020

Art Enjoyment at the "Fair for Art Vienna"

Austria's largest art and antiques fair sets an example for the Vienna art market even in times of Corona. During these times, the fair's focus on the Austrian art trade certainly proves to be an organizational advantage. Nevertheless, one or the other international new discovery of recent years stands out, such as the Chongqing-Chinese Li Hua, who, coming from classical Chinese calligraphy, is increasingly moving towards more expressive and colorful compositions.

October 11, 2020 · Sponsored Content

Dutch Opera Director Lotte de Beer Becomes New Head of Volksoper

The Dutch opera director Lotte de Beer, artistic director of the Dutch ensemble Operafront, will direct the Volksoper Wien from September 1, 2022 onwards. She was able to secure the position, for which more than 30 international and national applications were submitted.

October 6, 2020

Tourism Conference: Clear Regulations and Low Infection Rates Are Prerequisites

Tourism in Austria will be possible with clear regulations and low infection rates, according to Tourism Minister Köstinger. The Federal Minister met with representatives of the federal states to discuss how and in which form winter tourism will be possible this year.

September 29, 2020

Austrian Economy Slumped by 12.1% in Q2 2020

The newly published report by Statistics Austria shows a massive economic slump in the second quarter of 2020. Austria's GDP declined by more than 12 percent compared to the second quarter of 2019 while expectations for the last two quarters of the year are not much better.

September 28, 2020

Cancellation of Vienna Opera Ball 2021

Due to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Austria, it was decided that the Vienna Opera Ball 2021 planned for February 11, 2021 will be cancelled. Although the Vienna State Opera put a lot of effort into security concepts, the wellbeing of the participants could not have been guaranteed.

September 23, 2020

Sacher Hotels Lay Off 140 Employees

The dramatic situation in Austria's tourism industry does not even spare one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe. The Sacher Hotels, located in Vienna and Salzburg, have announced the dismissal of 140 employees.

September 15, 2020

Austrian Foreign Ministry Endows Special Prize for International Art

Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg announces a new prize for international artistic projects that deal with the impact of technology and digitalization on society.

August 27, 2020

Statistics Austria: Inflation Has Risen to 1.7% in July 2020

According to latest reports, inflation in Austria has risen from 1.1% in June to 1.7% in July 2020. The pricing of clothing was the main driving force.

August 19, 2020

New Luxury Hotel To Come To Vienna: The Mandarin Oriental Vienna

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, a Southeast Asian hotel chain that operates luxury 5-star hotels, is establishing a hotel in Vienna and invests 100 million euros.

July 8, 2020

COVID-19: Overview of the Current Measures of the City of Vienna

The coronavirus crisis has had Austria in its grip since mid-March. Now the measures are being gradually eased again. Current information on all measures and restrictions in Vienna. Restaurants, church services, outdoor animal parks, outdoor sports, etc. will be reopened from 15 May, hotels from 29 May.

May 14, 2020

Hotel Sacher Vienna: New Director is a German Again

Reiner Heilmann, the long-standing director of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, hands over the management of the hotel to 35-year-old hotel manager Andreas Keese.

May 12, 2020

By Car in Vienna: City Suspends Short Term Parking Zones

The City of Vienna is lifting the existing short-term parking zone regulation for a limited period of time because many people are increasingly using their cars again for fear of infection with the coronavirus. Garage spaces will also become cheaper.

March 17, 2020

Security at the Vienna Opera Ball: 300 Police Officers on Duty

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the security concept and the security measures in and around the Vienna State Opera are impressive. In total, up to 300 police officers are deployed at the Opera Ball. These include two Dutch shepherd dogs which searched the State Opera for explosives and other suspicious objects.

February 20, 2020

Outstanding Artist Awards: International Flagships of the Art Scene

The awards are presented annually to artists of the younger and middle generation for outstanding achievements. At this year's presentation of the awards in the Federal Chancellery, Minister of Art and Culture Schallenberg stressed that the aim of this award was to highlight the extraordinary achievements of Austrian artists, "especially those who have a particular influence on the current art scene", i.e. who are " outstanding".

December 9, 2019

Vienna Expects Lucrative Ball Season 2020 with 151 Million Euro Turnover

At the Viennese balls, 520,000 ball guests are expected this season, one of whom will spend an average of 290 euros.

November 21, 2019

Buy Local - Invest Global: How to Invest Your Money on the Vienna Stock Exchange

Expats in Austria now have access to over 680 internationally sought-after securities from 26 countries at local conditions.

October 25, 2019

What You Always Wanted To Know About Viennese Diplomatic Number Plates

How to find out for which country or international institution a vehicle with an Austrian diplomatic license plate is registered, starting with the initials WD (Wien Diplomat) and a certain number. For example, "WD-1" is the Diplomatic Code for Vatican City.

October 23, 2019

The Belvedere at Night - An Extraordinary Evening at a Beautiful Baroque Palace

With its unique baroque palace complex and a world-class art collection, the Belvedere Vienna offers an exquisite setting for various events such as weddings and business breakfasts.

September 25, 2019 · Sponsored Content

Expats in Austria Give Host Country Its Worst Ranking Yet

Expats in Austria enjoy a healthy life with great opportunities to travel, however, finding friends or even love can be a struggle. Hence Austria became 3rd from the bottom (56th out of 64 countries) in the Ease of Settling In Index.

September 20, 2019

Oh Vienna: Austria's Capital Remains the World’s Most Liveable City

Vienna has successfully defended its leading position in the Economist ranking of the most liveable cities in the world. On the index Vienna scores a near-perfect 99.1 out of 100, putting it just ahead of Melbourne.

September 5, 2019

Open House: Discover Vienna's Unique Architectural History

Part of Vienna's rank as the city with the world’s best quality of livingis is its outstanding architecture and design. On 14 and 15 September 2019 about 100 buildings - many of which are normally inaccessible - will open their doors for the general public, free of charge.

September 3, 2019

Relocation to Austria: How to Import Tax and Duty Free a Vehicle for Personal Use

It may be convenient to take your car with you when you relocate to Austria. The same applies to cars that may cost less abroad than in Austria. However, there are additional costs in addition to the purchase price (Eigenimport). The NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) is due at the first registration in Austria for new and used cars. The NoVA varies according to age and model. However, you can avoid this under certain conditions.

August 7, 2019

BMW to Invest 28 Million Euros in Salzburg Location

Within the framework of a festive event under the theme "Good for Salzburg. Good for Austria." the BMW Group recently laid the foundation stone for its new BMW Group Campus Salzburg for Central and Southeastern Europe. BMW is investing 28 million euros in the expansion of 400 employees. The inauguration of the new campus is planned for autumn 2020.

August 5, 2019

Driving a Car in Austria: What Users of a Vehicle with a Foreign Number Plate Need to Know

Persons whose main residence is in Austria and who drive a vehicle with a foreign registration plate must obtain an Austrian registration plate after one month at the latest. If the license plate is used for a longer period of time, administrative and financial criminal proceedings will be initiated.

August 2, 2019

8 Reasons why Vienna is an Ideal Destination for Expats

Home to imperial architecture, masterpiece-filled museums and inspiring music, it’s no wonder that Vienna is a desirable destination for tourists and expats alike.

July 26, 2019

Diplomats in Austria: How Does the Tax Exempt Purchase of Motor Vehicles Work?

New rules for the tax-exempt purchase of a motor vehicle from an Austrian car dealership concern the direct exemption from VAT and the normal consumption tax, which contributes to speeding up the tax relief.

July 9, 2019

Billionaire Heidi Horten to Become Museum Founder

The billionaire, patron and art collector Heidi Goëss-Horten has acquired a palace for the permanent presentation of her Heidi Horten Collection in downtown Vienna, right next to the State Opera and Albertina. Agnes Husslein-Arco is intended as director. The museum in the Hanuschhof is scheduled to open in early 2022.

July 5, 2019 · Updated: July 5, 2019; 15:17

Palais Esterházy: Oldest Building on Vienna's Kärntner Strasse Restored

Casino Wien, a subsidiary of CASAG Casinos Austria AG, is investing in the preservation of the venerable Palais Esterházy at Wiener Kärntner Straße 41. The heritage-protected facade will be restorated from summer 2019.

April 6, 2019

Welcome Expats - Vienna Remains the Most Livable City in the World

In 2019 Vienna was again rated by the international consulting agency Mercer as the city with the highest quality of life worldwide. In the special evaluation on the subject of personal security, however, Vienna was only ranked 6th.

March 14, 2019

"Alles Oper!" at the Vienna Opera Ball 2019

Every year, the Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) at the Vienna State Opera is one of the social highlights of the ball season during the Vienna Carnival. With more than 5000 attendees, the ball is one of Austria's largest meeting places for creative artists, entrepreneurs and politicians from Austria and abroad. 144 couples from Austria and beyond will open the ball this year. The evening, often referred to as the "highlight of the ball season", will take place this year on Thursday, 28 February 2019 for the 63rd time after the Second World War.

February 15, 2019