Exploring Austrian Identity: Am I Truly Austrian?

Are you Austrian? Well, if you were born in Austria, you may be. If one of your parents is Austrian, you may also be. If you've lived in Austria for 10 years, or 6 if you're an EEA citizen, and you have a positive attitude towards the country, you may be well on your way to becoming Austrian. If you're a professor at an Austrian university, congratulations, you're Austrian! If you're married to an Austrian, you could be Austrian too, but only if you've been married for at least 5 years and have lived in Austria for at least 6. If you're a former Austrian citizen, you can regain your citizenship. If you're a direct descendant of an Austrian citizen who left Austria before 1955 due to Nazi persecution, you can claim Austrian citizenship. If you're none of these, you may not be Austrian, but you can always visit Austria and enjoy its art, culture, music, and landmarks.

Austrian citizenship by descent

• Citizenship for victims of Nazi persecution and their descendants
• Citizenship for children of Austrian citizens

Citizenship for Victims of Nazi Persecution and their Descendants

In recognition of its historical responsibility, Austria allows victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants to apply for citizenship. This includes victims of persecution by the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) or the authorities of the German Reich, as well as those who defended the democratic Republic of Austria. The law also covers victims who were citizens of one of the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy or who were stateless.

To be eligible, applicants must show that their ancestor:

• Was an Austrian citizen, a citizen of a successor state of the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy, or stateless, with their main residence in Austria before 15 May 1955, and left the country due to persecution or fear of persecution.
• Was an Austrian citizen who did not reside in Austria between 30 January 1933 and 9 May 1945 due to fear of persecution.
• Was an Austrian citizen who was deported from Austria or killed by the Nazi regime before 9 May 1945, including for their support of the Republic of Austria.

All direct descendants, including those adopted as minors, are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit an Anzeige (declaration) along with supporting documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and evidence of persecution. The process takes around four to six months.

Citizenship for Children of Austrian Citizens

Austrian citizenship is based on the principle of descent, meaning that children can acquire citizenship if one of their parents is an Austrian citizen. If the parents are married and the child was born on or after 1 September 1983, at least one parent must be an Austrian citizen. If the parents are married and the child was born before 1 September 1983, only the father needs to be an Austrian citizen.

If the parents are not married, the mother must be an Austrian citizen, except in cases where the father is an Austrian citizen and acknowledges paternity before the birth or within eight weeks of the birth, or if paternity is established by a court within eight weeks of the birth. In these cases, the child can acquire Austrian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

If the parents marry when the child is a minor and the father is an Austrian citizen, the child acquires citizenship by legitimation. If the child is already 14 years old at the time of marriage, the child and custodial persons must consent to the acquisition within three years of the marriage.

In cases where the child acquires another citizenship at birth, such as through the other parent or by birth in a state that follows the territoriality principle, there is no loss of Austrian citizenship, resulting in dual citizenship. Austrian law does not require individuals with dual citizenship to choose one nationality when they reach adulthood, but the other state may require this.

Austrian citizenship by marriage

If you are married to an Austrian citizen, you can apply for Austrian citizenship after six years. However, there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, you must have been married and living together in a common household for at least five years. Secondly, you must have been legally and continuously resident in Austria for at least six years. This means that if you have lived in Austria for less than five years during your marriage, you will need to wait until you have been resident in the country for ten years before applying for citizenship.

In addition to the residency and marriage requirements, there are several other criteria that must be fulfilled. These include:

• Renouncing your current citizenship
• Demonstrating a positive attitude towards Austria
• Having a clean criminal record
• Having sufficient and permanent financial means
• Having knowledge of the German language and the history of Austria
• Providing various documents, including a marriage certificate, proof of residence, and proof of financial means

It is important to note that the process for obtaining Austrian citizenship by marriage can be complex, and it is recommended to seek legal advice or consult with an immigration lawyer in Austria to ensure that all requirements are met.

Austrian citizenship by application

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, extension of the award, or application. Here is some information on how to obtain Austrian citizenship by application.

Foreign persons can apply for citizenship in Austria if they have lived in the country for a long time and have been successfully integrated into Austrian society. There are two ways to become eligible for citizenship by application:

• Living in Austria permanently for at least thirty years.
• Living in Austria permanently for at least fifteen years and demonstrating successful personal and professional integration in Austria.

There is also a possibility to apply for citizenship after living in Austria for at least ten years. In this case, applicants must meet additional requirements, including:

• No criminal record.
• Sufficient income to live in Austria.
• Knowledge of the German language.

General Requirements for Naturalization

• At least ten years of legal and continuous residence in Austria, with a minimum of five years with a residence permit.
• No criminal record or pending criminal action in Austria or abroad.
• Sufficiently secured maintenance and proof of regular earnings or income.
• Knowledge of the German language and basic knowledge of the democratic system, the history of Austria, and the fundamental principles.
• A positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria.
• No current prohibition of residence or enforceable return decision.

Citizenship by Investment

Austria is one of the few countries that offer citizenship by investment. Applicants can obtain citizenship by making a substantial contribution to the Austrian economy, usually in the form of a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs. While there is no minimum investment amount, significant direct investment is generally required. Passive investments, such as government bonds or real estate, do not qualify.

In addition to the investment, applicants must meet standard documentary requirements, including passports, birth, and marriage certificates, as well as providing a clean personal record, a comprehensive CV, and business background information. The Austrian Citizenship Act generally requires applicants to abandon their current citizenship to obtain Austrian citizenship. However, in certain cases, applicants may be able to maintain their former citizenship.

Austrian citizenship by re-acquisition

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, extension of the award, or re-acquisition.

Re-acquisition of Austrian Citizenship

Former Austrian citizens who lost their citizenship other than by renunciation or deprivation may be granted Austrian citizenship after 1 year of residence in Austria, provided they had possessed Austrian citizenship for 10 years before it was lost.

A person who lost Austrian nationality as a child (other than by deprivation) may re-acquire it by declaration within 2 years of turning 18.

Austrian citizenship may also be restored to victims of National Socialism and their descendants. Beginning on 1 September 2020, Austrian Jews and any other Austrian citizens, as well as stateless people and citizens of successor states of Austria-Hungary resident in Austria, who left Austria before 15 May 1955 due to persecution or fear of persecution by the Nazi regime, became eligible to have their citizenship restored, while retaining any other citizenship they have since acquired. Additionally, any direct descendants of those persons, including those adopted as minors, are able to claim Austrian citizenship, without giving up any existing citizenship, and whether or not their ancestors have regained or claimed Austrian citizenship.

Austrian culture and customs

Austria is a landlocked country in south-central Europe with nine federated states. It is bordered by eight other countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This has resulted in a diverse cultural landscape, with each Austrian province having its own distinct identity. The country's landscape is dominated by the Alps, which cover 62% of its territory.

Austria has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various cultures, including the Celtic, Roman, Slavic, and Germanic peoples. The country was once part of the powerful Austra-Hungarian Empire, which also included present-day Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as parts of Poland, Romania, and Italy.

The official language of Austria is German, specifically Austrian German, which sounds "softer" than German spoken in Germany. However, there are distinct regional dialects, and about 98% of the population speaks High German or a dialect of it. Slovene is an official language in the southern province of Carinthia, and Croatian and Hungarian are also recognised minority languages.

Austria is historically a strongly Catholic country, with about three-quarters of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. The country has a rich musical heritage, with Vienna, its capital, being a centre of musical innovation for centuries. It is known for its classical music, folk music, and composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.

Austrian society values family, with weekends often spent on outdoor activities or visiting grandparents. Austrians also take pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy. They are generally conservative, prudent, and moderate in their behaviour, and value formality and respect. Greetings are formal, with a quick, firm handshake being the traditional greeting, and titles are important. Punctuality is highly valued, and social invitations are extended well in advance.

Austrians also value their natural environment and work hard to preserve it. Outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing are popular, and the country is known for its winter sports.

When it comes to food, Austrian cuisine is influenced by the cultures of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, as well as its neighbouring countries. Popular dishes include Wiener schnitzel, sausages, and goulash. The country also has a strong coffee culture and is known for its cakes and pastries, such as apple strudel and sachertorte.

In terms of social structure, Austria places great value on egalitarianism and has a comprehensive social welfare system. The country has a high literacy rate, and education is compulsory and free for all children.

Overall, Austrians are known for their friendliness and openness, and they value knowledge and learning. They enjoy engaging in enriching conversations and learning about new topics. While they may appear reserved at first, they are warm and social once you get to know them.

Frequently asked questions