Retiring in Austria?

Gruss Gott Andrew. I could not possibly advise on these very complex finance issues except to say make sure you do ask advice in BOTH countries. The Ex Pat Centre here in Vienna will readily put you in touch with experts in the field and some preliminary advice is free of charge. My own point was that Government pensions have to be taxed in the UK (and then tax refunded under Double Taxation Treaty) however my Teachers' Pension was earned through the private sector at a time when the state was very keen to have private sector members of the TPA for its own purposes (now the situation is changed there are of course political voices against this). In my case then I was given a choice and rather stupidly I elected to be taxed wholly in Austria. As you know Austria has one of the highest tax regimes in the EU. That said, many would see property as the best pension! I am certainly nervous about all European currencies especially the Euro. I am not a Financial adviser! But I would go for bricks and mortar every time.

Thank you very much for your response. Your interview raised the issue of tax rates in the two countries and this is very valuable. I shall investigate more deeply. And if I become any the wiser i will post an update.