Dating in Austria: finding love as an expat

Dating in Austria can be as direct as a waiter telling you your order was a terrible choice – no sugarcoating, no mind games. While many Austrians are looking for love, others are hesitant to give up their personal freedom. Expats, however, might find themselves an intriguing wildcard in the local dating scene.

So, how do you meet people? Should you expect grand romantic gestures or a pragmatic approach to relationships? And, most importantly, how do you impress someone on a first date without violating the sacred rules of punctuality?

Continue reading for the ins and outs of dating in Austria:

Is it easy to date in Austria?

Around one in four Austrians are single (IMAS Institute, 2025). While 62% of men and 40% of women want to be in a relationship, around 16% of all singles have no interest in one at all. This view is less common among younger people, with only 9% of those aged 18 to 29 expressing this opinion.

So, it’s fair to say that dating and relationships in Austria are a bit of a mixed bag. But why?

According to a 2024 survey by dating app Parship, key obstacles to singles finding love in Austria included the fear of disappointment (28%), no hope of finding the right partner (26%), and concerns about sacrificing personal needs (23%). Indeed, 21% of men and nearly a third of women said they had lost faith in finding a suitable partner.

Expats looking for less conventional relationships may be in luck, however, depending on their sexual orientation. Although most singles prefer traditional relationships, Austrian men are more open to alternative arrangements.

A quarter of men are open to a “friends with benefits” situation, compared to just 7% of women. Similarly, 20% of men are interested in “situationships” (i.e., non-committal relationships without obligations) or prioritize their sexual exploration. By contrast, only 8% and 5% of women, respectively, were looking for these options.

How do you meet single people online in Austria?

The best dating websites in Austria

Unsurprisingly, in the modern era, one of the best ways to launch yourself into Austria’s dating scene is by diving into the world of online dating.

To meet other single, like-minded internationals, try our own online dating service: Expatica Dating Austria. Popular with both men and women, it helps to connect people who share similar interests and passions and ultimately find love in the Alpine nation.

Other popular local sites are Badoo, Lovoo, and Parship, which are free to use but may require payment in order to access special features. The upshot of paid subscriptions is that it helps to filter out a lot of low-quality or fake profiles and meet singles who are serious about dating.

The best dating apps in Austria

International apps such as Tinder, Bumble, and Boo are common in Austria. Facebook Dating is also popular – this function within the social media platform makes it easier to meet and start new conversations with people who share your interests.

Bildkontakte and LoveScout24 offer great alternatives if you’re comfortable speaking German. These chat apps match you with singles all over Austria and let you chat and flirt around the clock.

If you want to chat with someone closer to home, you could always try Vivio – a dating app that focuses on meeting singles nearby. Meanwhile, the dating app Snoggle is looking to present more than a few swipes, a match, and dull conversation and promises intriguing conversations, tantalizing flirtations, and plenty of singles to choose from.

Singles looking for same-sex relationships in Austria may want to check out the dating apps Disco, Grindr, Her, and Taimi.

Although many people use these dating apps, they tend to stumble upon the same issues as they would in other countries. For example, the apps are primarily based on looks and often seem to cater to those looking to just ‘hook up.’ So, if you are looking for something more serious, you may rather sign up for a paid website subscription or go and meet people in person.

How do you meet singles in person in Austria?

If online dating is not for you, then in-person meetups can be a good alternative. You can start by joining an association (Verein), club, or group activity. From cooking classes to sports teams, joining a club is a great way for potential partners to meet and bond over shared passions and interests.

Another popular way to meet new people is to join Meetup groups in your local area. There are numerous events throughout Austria, particularly in larger cities and towns, that allow you to meet people in a fun and safe way. And because these meetups usually attract people of specific age ranges and sexual preferences, members can meet like-minded people, too.

Meeting people through friends

Of course, you can also use the more traditional approach of friendship or professional networks to find dates. If you have friends or close work colleagues you trust, see if they know of any suitable singles they could set you up with. Otherwise, keep an eye out for social gatherings and do some searching yourself.

If you’re feeling confident, Austria’s cities have plenty of opportunities to acquaint yourself with strangers, for example, in bars, at clubs, or at a local event or festival. Some people also meet their partners on vacation; you just have to be a little outgoing.

While this method requires more effort, it can be rewarding to find attractive singles without the worry that their online personality might not match their real-life one.

Local speed dating events

Despite their tendency to be shy and reserved, many singles in Austria go to local speed dating events. This is where people meet at a venue and are matched for a series of rapid (around 5-minute) conversations with potential partners to see if compatibility or a spark exists.

You can find events near you on websites such as CITY Speed Dating, which advertises events in cities like Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Salzburg. Sometimes, social networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Meetup also have details of upcoming speed dating events.

What is the dating etiquette in Austria?

Generally speaking, Austrians are known to be more reserved and conservative than, say, their flirtatious neighbors to the south (i.e., Italy). One local describes them as typical schnitzels: crispy on the outside, but very soft and sensitive once they let you in.

Here’s what to expect in terms of first dates and what might come next if things progress.

A typical dating scenario in Austria

People typically meet for first dates in a local café or coffee house. As time goes on, however, dates will likely become more adventurous. With so many great museums, bars, restaurants, and beautiful hiking spots to explore, the possibilities are endless.

Dates in Austria are typically friendly and relaxed but can be more formal and direct than in other countries. Austrian men and women value honesty and will tell it like it is. This also means they don’t have time for playing games or second-guessing someone’s intentions. They prefer to put their cards on the table, which means you don’t have to assume anything.

Despite their reserved nature, Austrians are very much at ease with public displays of affection (PDA). They won’t be embarrassed about kissing and cuddling their partner in public. Likewise, spending a naked afternoon at a spa (Therme) is considered normal at the later stages of the courtship.

Dating behavior in Austria

Although Austrian culture and social norms are distinct in many ways, first-date etiquette is pretty typical. People generally are easygoing and upbeat, meaning that the dating atmosphere is usually relaxed, warm, and fun.

The easygoing nature does not extend to punctuality; the number one rule is to not keep someone waiting. Dates are usually planned way in advance, and flippantly suggesting a spontaneous day out won’t be well received.

The dress code is laid-back and casual, although that doesn’t mean it’s not stylish. From formal attire to comfortable clothing, whatever they choose to wear, they will clearly have made an effort.

When it comes to talking points, you might find that Austrian men and women are not fans of small talk. Taboo subjects include discussing religion, salary, and politics. Being overly serious (i.e., desperate) or having a negative attitude won’t go down too well either, and you’re unlikely to get a second date.

Another thing to note is that the dating culture in Austria is pretty monogamous. If you start seeing someone beyond a couple of initial dates, they generally expect you to be exclusive.

Gender roles in Austrian dating

Gender roles are still fairly traditional in Austria. Men like to be chivalrous and will hold the door open and help their dates with their coats. When it comes to paying the check, most men will want to pay on the first date. That said, Austrian women are known to be rather independent and may insist on splitting the bill. Their date should not take offense if they do.

If you’re an expat on a date with an Austrian man or woman and are unsure about this, it’s okay to bring it up beforehand, or maybe go for an initial coffee or drinks if you feel awkward about the situation.

What are relationships like in Austria?

As said before, it can take a long time for people in Austria to open up and let someone in. Trust is built over time rather than simply given.

However, if they feel strongly about someone, they will waste no time when it comes to getting more serious. Austrians are often quicker to become physically intimate than in some other countries. Again, this might be down to honesty; when they know what they want, they simply go for it.

In Austria, people usually move in together after two to three years of being in a relationship. Many couples see living together as a good way to build a strong foundation for a life together and make sure they are compatible before committing to a long-term union.

When do you meet your partner’s family?

Austrians are quite upfront and vocal when it comes to expressing their feelings, and it might not be long before they invite you to meet their family. Meeting someone’s parents isn’t considered a big deal in Austria. In fact, chances are, it will probably happen without much notice. This could mean meeting up for an informal lunch or dropping by for an unplanned visit.

That said, immediate family is fundamentally important in Austria. So, when you are in a relationship with an Austrian person, you can expect to spend a fair amount of time with your in-laws.

Getting married in Austria

The role of the family in weddings

In Austria, wedding proposals are typically an intimate affair. In some areas, it’s standard for the groom-to-be to ask the woman’s father for her hand first. However, others see it as a sexist practice and would genuinely be offended.

Regardless, it’s customary for couples to host an engagement party where they announce their plans to family and friends. The bride-to-be typically gets a diamond ring from her partner to mark the engagement.

The challenges facing unmarried couples

Austria isn’t hostile toward unmarried couples, as cohabitation is widely accepted, and long-term partnerships without marriage are entirely normal.

While the country does not impose major social barriers on unmarried couples, legal and financial disadvantages still exist. For example, cohabiting partners (referred to as Lebensgemeinschaft) don’t have the same legal rights as married couples. Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit each other’s assets unless specified in a will, and they have no legal entitlement to spousal pension benefits.

Likewise, in medical situations, an unmarried partner does not automatically have the right to make healthcare decisions unless designated through legal documentation.

When it comes to tax and inheritance laws, Austrian authorities favor married couples. Unmarried partners do not receive the same tax benefits as spouses, and inheritance tax can be higher for non-married partners, depending on the situation.

Things to keep in mind when dating in Austria

Is Austria LGBTQ+ friendly?

Austria has a long history of advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people (LGBTQ+) rights, with the first gay pride parade taking place in Vienna in 1996. The country does so well, it ranks 18^th out of 197 in the world on the 2025 LGBT Equality Index. Indeed, same-sex marriage is legal, and the country has well-founded anti-discrimination laws in place.

Most large cities have an open, vibrant, and visible LGBTQ+ scene. For example, Vienna is known for its diversity and openness. The city attracts many people from all over the globe to enjoy its bars, nightclubs, and events, including the annual Rainbow Parade and Vienna Pride Week.

Other popular city destinations include Salzburg and Jochberg. And, if you’re not afraid of heights, you may want to check out bärtigen Therese (Bearded Therese), Austria’s first queer mountain getaway.

What are the views on mixed dating?

In general, Austria is accepting of mixed dating and relationships, whether they are interracial or interfaith. Of course, cultural attitudes can vary depending on the region, age group, and personal beliefs. While Vienna and other major cities tend to be more progressive and diverse, smaller towns and rural areas may still hold more traditional views.

It should also be noted that, while interracial couples are largely accepted, some people may still be curious or make assumptions based on nationality. Stereotypes (both positive and negative) can exist, particularly regarding relationships between Austrian women and foreign men, or vice versa.

What challenges come with online dating?

As in any country, online dating in Austria comes with its risks. People might not always be who or what they say they are on their profile or during initial chats. The country has had its fair share of romance scams, where criminals pretend to be in love in order to steal from you.

Never agree to send money to someone before meeting them, arrange your first date in a public place, and be sure to tell a friend or family member where you’ll be.

Useful resources

• Vienna Würstelstand – article with notable things about being in a relationship with an Austrian