Citizenship in Austria

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

After living in Austria legally for 10 years, you become eligible for citizenship, which grants you a passport and full nationality rights. Out of these 10 years, five at least should be as a permanent resident. This article provides all the details you need to know if you're considering applying for Austrian citizenship.

What are the benefits of Austrian citizenship?

Securing an Austrian citizenship isn't your only option for working in Austria. For instance, the temporary Red-White-Red Card lets you live and work in Austria for up to two years if you’ve got a job offer in the country. Plus, it offers access to Austrian social services like healthcare. But thinking about citizenship around a job is not a wrong approach. It’s irrefutable that finding a job in Austria will make it easier when it comes to becoming a citizen.

While plenty of options for living in Austria are great, if you have been living in Austria with a permanent residence, and you’re planning to stay in Austria for the long haul, becoming a citizen is only natural.

Exclusive benefits for Austrian citizens

As an Austrian citizen, you gain visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries, making it one of the most powerful passports globally and granting you exceptional travel freedom. Additionally, Austrian citizenship allows you to live, work, and travel freely within Austria and any EU country, while also providing political rights and civil liberties, including the right to vote in Austrian and EU elections.

Does Austria allow dual citizenship?

Austrian citizenship law generally doesn't allow dual or multiple citizenship, except in special cases. If you're applying for Austrian citizenship, you'll usually need to give up your previous citizenship, unless it's deemed impossible or unreasonable by the provincial government. Still, there's an exception for children who automatically acquire Austrian citizenship by descent. If they also gain another citizenship at birth, like through a parent's nationality or being born in a country with birthright citizenship (like the USA, Canada, or most countries in the Americas), they can hold dual citizenship without losing their Austrian status.

What are the ways to get Austrian citizenship?

There are three different ways through which individuals can acquire Austrian citizenship, of which naturalisation is the one most expats should pursue. These are the three main ways to become Austrian:

By naturalisation

After living in Austria legally and continuously for 10 years and meeting specific language and integration requirements, non-citizens can become Austrian citizens. This is the best path for expats who want to become Austrian and EU citizens. By living and working in Austria for five years, you'll be able to get the permanent residence first, and you’ll set yourself on the most straightforward route to citizenship.

By descent

Children automatically become Austrian citizens at the time of their birth when the mother is an Austrian citizen. The same applies in case the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen.

By award

Austrian citizenship can be granted in special cases, such as for adoptive children, unmarried minors, former Austrians, or in the special interest of the republic. Generally, applicants must meet the naturalisation requirements and reside in Austria.

When can you apply for Austrian citizenship?

A non-EU national can apply for Austrian citizenship when they meet the following naturalisation requirements:

• At least 10 years of continuous residence, with 5 years as a permanent resident.
• No criminal convictions or pending charges, and no severe administrative offences.
• Proof of stable income over the last 36 months, with the last 6 months immediately before applying. Exceptions apply for those unable to work due to disability or illness.
• Proof of German skills (Integration Agreement Module 2) and knowledge of Austria's democratic system and history through an exam, unless exempt.
• A commitment to Austria's values and no threat to public peace or security.

For most non-EU nationals, employment is the easiest and most reliable way to meet the naturalisation requirements. The 10-year residence rule includes a requirement for five years of continuous permanent residency, which can be easier to achieve through stable employment.

What documents are required?

The documents you need depend on your situation, so contact the citizenship department directly. Citizens from most countries will require an apostille or authentication for foreign documents, so check the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs for guidelines. If you have foreign language documents, they must be accompanied by a certified German translation done by an officially sworn translator in Austria. You can find these translators on the Federal Ministry of Justice's website.

The following are the usual documents they ask for a naturalisation application:

• Criminal record extract from your home country
• B1/B2 German certificate

If you have family in Austria:

• Marriage certificate
• Children’s birth certificates

Additional documents:

• Valid travel document (e.g., passport)
• Birth certificate or equivalent
• EU passport photo
• Valid health insurance (insurance data extract)
• Rental agreement
• Rental payment receipts (authority will specify the required period)
• Sufficient financial resources (the Austrian government doesn’t specify how many funds)
• Credit register extracts (e.g., KSV)
• Confirmation from the district court regarding any attachments

If you’re meticulous enough, you’ll quickly realise that you were already requested most of these documents the time you applied for the permanent residency.

How to apply for Austrian citizenship?

To apply for your Austrian citizenship, you’ll need to submit your application in person to the relevant authority. You’ll also need to fill out specific application forms provided by them. Once you get in touch with the authority, they’ll guide you on exactly what documents and evidence you need to include.

If you are having trouble wading through Austria's bureaucracy, an employer that is familiar with the necessary legal steps for residency and eventual citizenship may come in handy. Many companies can refer you on to immigration consultants who can help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

What is the Austrian citizenship test?

The Integration Agreement is designed to help third-country nationals living in Austria integrate into the country’s social, economic, and cultural life. After receiving your residence permit, you’ll be encouraged to learn German and familiarise yourself with Austria’s democratic and social values within two years through two modules. While attending courses isn't mandatory, it’s highly recommended. Many institutes offer shorter courses tailored to different skill levels.

The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) manages the Integration Agreement by:

• Ensuring quality through course evaluations and exam oversight
• Providing and administering integration tests at A2 (Module 1) and B1 (Module 2) levels
• Handling the blue federal voucher (partial refunds for eligible participants)

For more information and practice materials, visit www.sprachportal.at.

Can your family members get Austrian citizenship?

If you're a foreign spouse of an Austrian citizen, you might be eligible for Austrian citizenship if you've lived in Austria legally and continuously for at least six years. You should also have been married for at least five years while living together. Just keep in mind that you'll probably need to give up your current citizenship. This applies to your legitimate children, and for illegitimate children, if the father's paternity is confirmed and he has custody. The same rules apply to adopted children, who must also be settled or entitled to asylum.

What are Austrian citizenship fees?

Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with obtaining Austrian citizenship as of 2024:

• Application fee: Approximately €130
• Citizenship grant fee: Between €1,100 and €1,500 if your application is approved
• Extension for adults: Around €950
• Extension for minor children: About €330 per child
• Proof of citizenship: €40.59

If you have earned Austrian citizenship through descent, proof of citizenship is free for children up to age 2.

What if your application is rejected?

If your Austrian citizenship application is turned down, start by checking the rejection letter to see why. You can contest the decision with the Regional Administrative Court by following the provided instructions and deadlines. If you need to, gather any extra documents or consider reapplying. Just straighten out any mistakes you made on your first try and make sure your new application is properly completed. It might also be helpful to get a second opinion from an immigration expert.

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