International Law

We advise and represent active and former diplomats in both official and private legal matters, including:

• Settlement and permanent residence in Austria
• Acquisition of real estate and condominiums in compliance with applicable legal frameworks
• Social security and tax law for (former) diplomats, their family members, and household staff
• Administrative offence proceedings, enforcement proceedings, and criminal matters

Our extensive experience enables us to provide efficient, legally sound, and highly discreet support tailored to your specific circumstances.

The special legal status granted under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR) to diplomats, their family members, and domestic staff—and, to a certain extent, also to locally engaged (sur place) staff—gives rise to a range of complex legal and practical issues, including:

• Jurisdiction of Austrian courts
• Applicability of Austrian social security law
• Residence law matters
• Austrian tax law
• Administrative offence and enforcement proceedings
• Criminal proceedings involving diplomats

In all of these matters, RIHS Law Firm provides expert advice backed by many years of practical experience as a boutique law firm specializing in public law.

Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of applicable international law provisions and specific Austrian regulations, we support diplomats not only during their active service but also in establishing residence in Austria after retirement. We also advise and assist with the acquisition of real estate and condominiums, where our expertise in international and Austrian law ensures legally secure transactions.

Vienna is a major international hub and host to numerous international organizations, including the IAEA, UNHCR, and OSCE. A large number of diplomats, experts, and staff members of these institutions live and work in Austria and are subject to special legal frameworks under international law.

We provide expert advice on matters relating to extraterritoriality, the legal status of international organizations, and the position of states and diplomats in Austria. Our focus includes, in particular, the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR), as well as international treaties governing freedom of movement, residence rights, and diplomatic immunities.

Particular challenges arise in civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings, especially with regard to service of process, enforcement measures, and proceedings involving diplomats or international organizations.
Drawing on our extensive experience in dealing with Austrian authorities—particularly the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)—we are well positioned to effectively protect and advance your interests.