Austrian citizenship
News, information and practical advice about Austrian citizenship.
EXPLAINED: Who is eligible for a shorter wait for Austrian citizenship?
In standard cases, foreigners have to be resident in Austria for ten years before they’re eligible for citizenship – one of the longest waits around. But some people could qualify sooner.
Could Austria finally change its rules on citizenship for children born in the country?
Austrian President and a leading economist have both backed the idea of looking again at the rules on citizenship for children born in Austria. Could the rules change?
What documents should I get after obtaining Austrian citizenship?
Austrian citizens aren't legally required to be in possession of ID in Austria. But there's plenty of good reasons to apply for your passport if you do take citizenship.
Could military service become a route to Austrian citizenship?
Foreigners living in Austria may have a much easier route to citizenship in the future if they are prepared to serve in the armed forces. The proposal was advanced by a senior military figure but there are still legal and political hurdles to overcome.
Campaign calls for Austrian citizenship at birth for children of long-term foreign residents
Currently, being born in Austria does not guarantee Austrian citizenship. A new initiative proposes changing the law so that children of foreign nationals who have lived legally in Austria for several years are automatically granted citizenship.
QUIZ: Can you pass the Austrian citizenship politics and history test?
In most cases, people applying for Austrian citizenship through the naturalisation process must pass a general social, political and history test. Would you pass?
Can voluntary work help foreign nationals qualify for Austrian citizenship sooner?
Foreign nationals living in Austria may qualify for citizenship after just six years of residence if they have completed at least three years of voluntary work. But which activities are accepted, and how can one prove their participation?
When can I start counting my residency in Austria towards citizenship?
Depending on where you’re from and what you are doing in Austria, there are different requirements in order to obtain Austrian citizenship. This includes how long you need to have been resident in the country.
Why Austrian citizenship can be easier to obtain when you are older
Due to the many requirements, obtaining Austrian citizenship can be challenging. However, if you are older, you might have an easier time succeeding.
Five surprising Austrian citizenship rules you should know about
Getting - and sometimes even keeping - Austrian citizenship is not always so easy to figure out. Here are five interesting facts you might not yet know about becoming Austrian.
Following controversy over traffic fines, TV presenter finally granted Austrian citizenship
Ani Gülgün-Mayr, who has lived in Austria for 54 years, has finally become an Austrian citizen after facing a series of bureaucratic hurdles involving proof of German language proficiency and minor traffic offences.
EXPLAINED: When is dual citizenship allowed in Austria?
Austria is known for having some of the strictest citizenship rules around. People generally have to give up their previous citizenship to naturalise as Austrian, and Austrians usually lose their citizenship if they naturalise elsewhere. But there are exceptions.
Why are 11 citizenship cases under scrutiny in Upper Austria?
A review that began with suspicions surrounding a single Austrian citizenship application has now expanded to 11 cases linked to the same former provincial employee. Find out how the case began, what is being investigated and what questions remain unanswered.
Four of the strangest reasons Austrian citizenship applications can be delayed or denied
Austria’s strict citizenship rules mean even a bathroom break or phone call on a bike can be enough to delay or derail your application.
MA 35 inquiry involves two suspects amid allegations of manipulated residence files
New details have emerged about the corruption investigation at Vienna’s immigration and citizenship authority, including allegations that documents may have been forged or made to disappear in residence-permit cases.
What you need to know about Salzburg's citizenship office move
A December move will temporarily restrict access to Salzburg's citizenship department and change where applicants should send documents.
INTERVIEW: 'If I cannot get Austrian citizenship after 54 years, then who can?'
Ani Gülgün-Mayr has lived in Austria for more than 50 years – but has been denied citizenship over administrative traffic offences. The Local asked the ORF presenter to share how she feels.
'No choice’: MA 35 says even lifelong Austria residents can be denied citizenship over ‘relatively minor’ offences
Vienna’s citizenship authority has told The Local that strict federal law and court rulings can require it to refuse citizenship even to people who have spent their entire lives in Austria over relatively minor offences, as it explained its decision in the case of ORF presenter Ani Gülgün-Mayr.
Why has a TV presenter who has lived in Austria for over 50 years been denied citizenship?
Vienna’s immigration authority, MA 35, has refused to grant citizenship to a journalist who has lived in Austria for more than 50 years and works for the state broadcaster ORF. What's going on?
What happened to Austria's proposal to tighten citizenship rules for refugees?
The FPÖ wants years spent with recognised refugee status to no longer count toward the residence period required for Austrian citizenship. But the committee postponed the motion, and the law has not changed.
Can Austrian citizenship be revoked if I move abroad for an extended period?
Many Austrian citizens live abroad for extended periods, but how does this affect their citizenship status? Here’s what the law says about maintaining Austrian nationality while living overseas.
The vocabulary you need to understand the Austrian citizenship process
Applying for citizenship in Austria can be a lengthy and daunting process - and understanding the lingo is like learning a new language in itself. These are the top words and phrases you're likely to hear along the way.
Majority of foreign residents in Austria want citizenship, survey finds
More than two thirds of foreign residents living in Austria want to naturalise, a new survey suggests. However there are strict barriers.