Age of majority in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In Austria adulthood begins at 18 and people can marry as adults who are capable of making decisions. The voting age for the National Council is 16. Children under 14 are not punishable for criminal acts.

RuleWhat applies
Age of majorityLegal adulthoodMinors are persons who have not yet completed their 18th year, so adulthood begins at 18. Minors under 14 are called "unmündig" (below the age of discretion). [1]
Voting age (national elections)Legal adulthoodThe National Council (Nationalrat) is elected by men and women who have completed their 16th year on election day. [2]
Minimum age to marryLegal adulthoodA person is able to marry if he or she is of full age (an adult) and capable of making decisions. [3]
Age of criminal responsibilityLegal adulthoodMinors under 14 ("Unmündige") who commit an act punishable by law are not punishable. Young persons aged 14 to 17 are not punishable in the cases listed in § 4(2) of the Juvenile Court Act. [4]

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Allgemeines bürgerliches Gesetzbuch § 21 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Bundes-Verfassungsgesetz Art. 26 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Ehegesetz § 1 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS): Jugendgerichtsgesetz 1988 § 4 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.