Many foreigners who have made their home in Austria want to become Austrian, but for most people the hurdles are simply too high.
That's according to a survey conducted by the human rights organisation SOS Mitmensch.
As previously reported by The Local, Austria's coalition government – made up of the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS – is working on a major reform of citizenship laws, including plans to raise the German language requirement from B1 to B2 level.
READ ALSO: What Austria's planned citizenship reform could mean for foreign residents
Against this backdrop, SOS Mitmensch surveyed more than 600 foreign residents from 72 countries about their views on naturalisation. Most respondents had lived in Austria for more than 10 years, while 40 percent had been residents for over two decades. Just under half were citizens of another EU country.
Although the survey is not representative, it suggests there is strong interest in Austrian citizenship. More than two-thirds of respondents said they either want to become Austrian citizens or have already submitted an application.
However, many said they feel citizenship remains out of reach because of Austria's strict naturalisation rules.
Less than a fifth of respondents said they would not apply for citizenship under the current system. When asked about the biggest barriers to naturalisation, respondents most frequently pointed to excessive bureaucracy, lengthy procedures, restrictions on dual citizenship, high application costs and the minimum income requirement.
READ ALSO: What's behind the rise of naturalisations in Austria?
Low naturalisation rate 'not due to a lack of interest'
Austria is known for having some of Europe's strictest citizenship laws.
In most cases, applicants must have lived legally in Austria for at least 10 years, including five years as a permanent resident. They must also prove German language skills at B1 level, pass a citizenship test, prove they can support themselves financially and generally give up their previous citizenship.
Zeynep Buyraç, chair of SOS Mitmensch, said the findings showed "a democratic failing" because people who were born in Austria or have lived in the country for decades are still "excluded from fundamental rights by an exclusionary citizenship policy".
"This is out of step with the times – and harms the future of our country," Buyraç said.
SOS Mitmensch spokesperson Alexander Pollak said the survey shows that Austria's low naturalisation rate is driven by legal barriers rather than a lack of interest.
"In 2025, the provisional naturalisation rate stood at just 0.8 percent, according to Statistics Austria, significantly below the EU average of 2.6 percent," Pollak said.
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'Austria has become my home'
The most common reasons respondents gave for wanting Austrian citizenship were equal rights and the feeling that Austria had become their home. Others cited employment opportunities, greater security, freedom of travel and securing their children's future.
"I would like to acquire Austrian citizenship because I live and work here and see my future in Austria," said one respondent.
Another person said: "I’ve been living here for a very long time, I go to school, I’m part of society, and I want to feel that way, too. Austria has long since become my home. I also greatly value Austria’s principles, such as democracy, the rule of law and social security."
Another respondent held a similar view. "I would like to acquire Austrian citizenship because I have been living in Austria for over 12 years and have built my life here. Austria has become my home," they said.
Asked what changes they wanted from politicians, foreign residents most commonly called for less bureaucracy, dual citizenship for all and easier access to Austrian citizenship for people born in Austria or those who have lived in the country for many years. Many also supported relaxing the current income requirements.
SOS Mitmensch backed those proposals. Pollak said Austria should take steps to ensure "fair access" to citizenship, adding that despite a recent rise in naturalisations, the country's citizenship rate remains low.
"Austria should no longer be among the European countries lagging behind in terms of naturalisation," Pollak said.
Do you want to become Austrian or have you applied for citizenship? Let us know in the comments below.
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