Support for Needy Austrian Citizens Abroad (Austrian Abroad Fund)

The Foreign Austrian Fund (AÖF) provides immediate financial assistance in the form of a non-repayable grant to needy Austrian citizens who reside abroad either permanently or temporarily. The aim of this continuously available funding is to alleviate acute emergencies and secure immediate livelihood or urgent expenses in social and migration-related situations. The funds are continuously made available in accordance with financial legal authorizations, allowing applications to be submitted at any time. The grant is awarded by the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (Department VI.3 – Budget Affairs and Controlling) based in Vienna.

Interested Austrians abroad must, in addition to proving their Austrian citizenship, particularly demonstrate neediness through appropriate documentation. The funding priorities focus on the areas of social affairs, migration, as well as work & social issues and target individuals who cannot access other state aid measures abroad. The straightforward application procedure enables rapid review and disbursement to provide timely assistance in crisis situations. Through this targeted direct aid, the fund helps secure a perspective abroad for those affected and bridge existential difficulties.