🇦🇹 Austrian Citizenship Procedures
The right to Austrian citizenship can be acquired by birth as well as through application under certain conditions. The procedures required to obtain citizenship vary depending on the category of application and your personal circumstances. Acquisition of citizenship by descent is one of the most fundamental and fastest methods under Austrian law. In addition, factors such as long-term residence in the country, economic independence, language proficiency, and social integration are decisive in obtaining citizenship through application.
📌 Citizenship by Birth (Abstammung)
Austrian citizenship can be acquired automatically at birth. Children whose mother and father are both Austrian citizens acquire the right to citizenship directly. If the mother is an Austrian citizen, the child is considered a citizen regardless of the father's status. However, if only the father is an Austrian citizen, paternity must be officially recognized with court approval. Foreign-born children in Austria can also acquire citizenship at birth if at least one parent is an Austrian citizen. For minors (under the age of 18), parental consent and submission of the necessary documents are mandatory. These procedures are carried out under the category known as “Abstammung”.
📝 Citizenship by Application (Verleihung)
For applicants without a blood link, citizenship can be granted through application if certain criteria are met. A minimum of 10 years of uninterrupted residence in Austria is the most basic requirement for application. During the last 5 years of this period, the applicant must hold a permanent residence permit. In some cases, this period can be reduced to 6 years. Being married to an Austrian citizen for at least 5 years, having an approved asylum application, being a citizen of a European Economic Area country, or making extraordinary contributions to the country in the fields of sports, science, or culture are among the exceptions.
During the application process, German language proficiency (at least A2 level), economic independence, no reliance on social assistance, a clean criminal record, and passing social integration tests are crucial evaluation criteria. The country expects applicants to have the capacity to adapt to Austria’s political, cultural, and social life.
🏛 Legal Rights (Rechtsanspruch)
Within the framework of legal rights, citizenship can be applied for if the applicant is under the age of 18, single, and has at least one Austrian citizen parent. In this case, a special identity card or legal residence permit is required for the application. In addition, individuals born in Austria whose parents are not Austrian citizens may also apply after a certain period of residence.
📄 Required Documents for Austrian Citizenship
The documents required for Austrian citizenship vary depending on the category of application, but generally include:
- Citizenship Application Form: Must be filled out completely and must not contain information that conflicts with other documents. For applicants under 18, parental consent is required.
- Passport: Must not be older than 10 years, must have at least two blank pages, and copies of filled pages must be submitted along with the original.
- Biometric Photograph: Taken within the last 3 months, white background, with face and ears clearly visible.
- Proof of Residence: Document showing address in Austria based on permanent residence permit.
- Full Birth Registry Extract: Must include the applicant’s details and, if applicable, family information.
- Birth Certificate: Required for those born in Austria.
- Proof of Financial Status: Document showing no social assistance received in the last three years and proof of financial stability.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Required for applications without bloodline connection.
- Marriage Certificate: To confirm marital status, must be apostilled and translated.
- Proof of German Language Proficiency: Certificate, diploma, or official exam result proving German knowledge at least at A2 level.
Most documents must be submitted apostilled and translated into German.
👫 Dual Citizenship Conditions
Austria generally does not allow dual citizenship, but this right can be granted in exceptional cases. For persons whose place of birth is not Austria, the right to dual citizenship is only possible in special circumstances requiring approval from both countries. In cases of health issues, inability to leave the country, or making extraordinary contributions to the country, this right can be obtained.
🕒 Application Process and Marsel Visa Support
Before applying for Austrian citizenship, it is crucial to determine which category you fall into, prepare the necessary documents without errors, and submit your application in accordance with legal requirements to achieve a positive outcome. At Marsel Visa, we provide professional support throughout all stages of your application, from category determination to document preparation, from appointment tracking to completing official procedures.