How Indians Can Obtain Austrian Citizenship

Austria is a desirable country for permanent settlement, with its stunning Alpine landscapes, high standard of living, and world-class education system. For Indian nationals, there are multiple pathways to acquiring Austrian citizenship, each with its own set of requirements. These include obtaining citizenship by descent, marriage, investment, or application. The eligibility criteria include a legal and continuous residence of at least 10 years, with no criminal record, and sufficient financial means. Applicants must also demonstrate a certain level of integration and language proficiency. Obtaining Austrian citizenship offers benefits such as access to high-quality education, unrestricted travel within the EU and the Schengen Area, and enhanced employment opportunities.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by descent

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, or extension of an award. Here is what you need to know about obtaining Austrian citizenship by descent:

Citizenship by Birth

Children born to an Austrian mother automatically become Austrian citizens at birth, regardless of whether the mother is married to a non-Austrian father. If the parents are married and only the father is Austrian, the child is also considered an Austrian citizen at birth.

If the parents are not married and only the father is Austrian, the child will become an Austrian citizen if the father recognises his parenthood within eight weeks or if his paternity is determined by a court. In such cases, the child may be awarded Austrian citizenship through a simplified procedure.

If the parents are of different nationalities and the non-Austrian parent's country of citizenship follows the jus sanguinis principle (like Austria), the child will have dual citizenship. According to Austrian law, the child does not need to choose between Austrian citizenship and the other nationality upon reaching adulthood, but the other country may require such a decision.

Citizenship for Descendants of Victims of the National Socialist Regime

In October 2019, the Austrian parliament amended the Austrian Citizenship Act to recognise its historical responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism and their descendants. As a result, descendants of victims of the National Socialist regime can acquire Austrian citizenship by submitting a declaration ("Anzeige") without renouncing their current citizenship or nationality.

To initiate the process, individuals should contact their local Austrian diplomatic representation (Austrian Embassy or Consulate General) to arrange the further procedure. It is important to note that some countries may automatically revoke an individual's current citizenship if they acquire another citizenship. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the competent authority of the home country before proceeding.

Citizenship for Grandchildren of Jewish Holocaust Survivors

The Austrian Citizenship Act was amended in 2019 to enable descendants of female Holocaust survivors to claim Austrian citizenship. This amendment allows for citizenship through both paternal and maternal descent, and it is possible to skip a generation and claim citizenship directly through a grandmother.

To support the claim, official documents are required as evidence of the applicant's relationship to a Jewish Holocaust survivor.

Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to an Austrian citizen is another route to obtaining Austrian citizenship. For this route, individuals must have lived in Austria with a Settlement Permit for at least six years and have been married to their spouse for a minimum of five years.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by marriage

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for Austrian citizenship by marriage, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have been legally and continuously residing in Austria for at least six years.
• You must have been married to your Austrian spouse and living together in a joint household for a minimum of five years.
• You must be willing to renounce your Indian citizenship and take up Austrian citizenship, as dual citizenship is substantially restricted by Austrian law.

Documents Required:

When applying for Austrian citizenship by marriage, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed and signed application form.
• Your birth certificate.
• Your passport.
• A valid residence visa for the country you are applying from (e.g., UAE).
• Your marriage certificate.
• If applicable, divorce papers.
• If there are children involved, additional documents such as their passports and birth certificates will be required.

Language and Integration Requirements:

Austria also requires citizenship applicants to demonstrate a certain level of integration into Austrian society and proficiency in the German language. This includes providing proof of German language skills and knowledge of Austria's democratic system, history, and fundamental principles. However, exceptions are made for minors under 14 and those with mental or physical health conditions that affect their ability to meet these requirements.

Application Process:

The process of obtaining Austrian citizenship for Indian nationals involves several steps:

• Contact the Austrian Embassy in your jurisdiction to book an appointment for your citizenship application. Each applicant must schedule a separate appointment.
• Gather all the required documents specified by the Austrian authorities, ensuring that Indian documents are authenticated with an Apostille.
• On the scheduled date, visit the Austrian Embassy for your appointment.
• Upon approval of your application, the embassy will provide you with a 'Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis' (citizenship certificate).

Fees and Processing Time:

The Austrian government imposes specific citizenship fees, with a fee of €48 (around ₹4,100) for a Citizenship Certificate. The maximum processing time under the Austrian Citizenship Act 1985 for this certificate is six months.

Benefits of Austrian Citizenship:

Austrian citizenship offers several benefits to its holders, including:

• The right to live and work in Austria and other EU countries indefinitely.
• Unrestricted travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area.
• Access to Austria's comprehensive healthcare system and social welfare programs.
• Enhanced employment opportunities within Austria and the European Union.
• Access to free or subsidised education at public schools and universities.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by investment

Austria is one of the wealthiest countries in Europe, offering a high quality of life, awe-inspiring natural attractions, and a well-developed and stable economy. It is an excellent place to establish residence within the EU, and it is the only Western European country that offers the possibility to obtain citizenship by investment and an EU passport without prior residence requirements.

Benefits of Austrian Citizenship by Investment

• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 190 destinations, including Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, the US, Canada, the EU, and Europe's Schengen Area.
• The right to reside and work anywhere in the EU and Switzerland.
• High quality of life, with access to high-quality healthcare and education.
• Excellent transport and communications.

Requirements of Austrian Citizenship by Investment

Under the citizenship by investment provisions, an applicant is required to invest actively and substantially in the Austrian economy. This could take the form of a joint venture, direct investment in a business that creates jobs, or a contribution to the country's foreign trade. Significant direct investment is generally required, and the investment must benefit the Austrian economy. Passive investments in government bonds or real estate, for example, do not qualify.

In addition to standard documentary requirements (such as passports, birth, and marriage certificates), a completely clean personal record (certificate of no criminal record), a comprehensive CV, and business background information, as well as impeccable references must be provided by all applicants.

The Austrian Citizenship Act generally requires the applicant to abandon their current citizenship as a precondition for being granted Austrian citizenship. However, in the case of a grant of citizenship under the provisions of Article 10 (6) of the Citizenship Act, the former citizenship can be legally maintained.

Procedures for Austrian Citizenship by Investment

The grant of citizenship on the basis of a capital contribution involves various procedures and requires government approval at several levels. It is essential that the applicant is properly advised from the beginning and that each individual case is carefully prepared. Informal approvals from the key ministries should be obtained before the investment is made and the formal application process is started. The whole process may take up to 36 months.

Successful applicants receive full citizenship of the Republic of Austria by decision of the Government of Austria and can apply for a passport immediately. Passports are issued within a few days. The grant of citizenship is not published and not reported to any other country, as it falls within the government provisions relating to privacy or official secrets.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by application

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must have lived in Austria permanently for at least thirty years or at least fifteen years with evidence of successful personal and professional integration in the country.
• Foreign nationals must have resided in Austria for at least ten years, with a minimum of five years as a permanent resident.
• Sufficient financial means or a secure income is necessary.
• A clean criminal record is essential.
• Proficiency in the German language is required.
• A positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria is expected.

Application Process:

• Contact the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi to schedule an appointment for the citizenship application. Each applicant must book a separate appointment.
• Gather all the required documents, including identification documents, proof of residence, and any other relevant paperwork specified by the Austrian authorities. All Indian documents must be authenticated with an Apostille.
• Attend the appointment at the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi on the scheduled date. Provide your contact information when booking to facilitate communication about any changes.
• Upon approval of the application, the embassy will issue the 'Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis' (citizenship certificate) to the applicant.

Required Documents:

• Filled-in application form
• Passport or ID card (driving licenses are not accepted)
• Birth certificate (Indian certificates must have an Apostille)
• Residence permit from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, or Sri Lanka
• Marriage certificate(s), if applicable (Indian certificates must have an Apostille)
• Divorce papers, if applicable (Indian certificates must have an Apostille)

Additional Documents for Children:

• Passports of both parents
• Birth certificates of both parents (Indian certificates must have an Apostille)
• Citizenship certificate of the Austrian parent (for the first application) or child
• Affidavit Adult (for Austrian parents only)
• Marriage certificate(s) of parents, if applicable (Indian certificates must have an Apostille)
• Proof of custody, if applicable

Fees and Processing Time:

The fee for a Citizenship Certificate is typically €48 (around ₹4,100). The maximum processing time under the Austrian Citizenship Act 1985 for a Citizenship Certificate is six months.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by re-acquisition

Austrian citizenship can be re-acquired by former citizens who had held it for at least ten uninterrupted years when they were residing in Austria. This preferential re-acquisition can be done through a simplified procedure, but the applicant must be present in Austria and must give up any foreign nationality.

Additionally, a female who lost her Austrian citizenship before 1 September 1983 due to marrying an alien may regain her Austrian citizenship if she applies within five years of her husband's death or divorce.

All individuals who, as Austrian citizens, had to leave Austria before 9 May 1945 out of fear of persecution by bodies of the NSDAP, the authorities of the Third Reich, or who suffered such persecution or were persecuted for defending the democratic Republic of Austria, may re-establish their Austrian citizenship by declaration.

Applying for an Austrian Citizenship Certificate

The Austrian Citizenship Certificate is written confirmation of Austrian citizenship. The application must be lodged in person at the Austrian Embassy in Canberra or at one of the Austrian Consulates. The following documents must be submitted:

• Application form "Antrag auf Ausstellung eines österreichischen Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweises" completed and signed
• Form "Personenstandserklärung Erwachsene" completed and signed
• ID document: passport, ID card
• Proof of other citizenship(s) (original and copy)
• Proof of current place of residence according to local standards (not older than 4 weeks: utility bill, driver’s licence or similar)
• Proof that you have not acquired a foreign nationality (not older than 2 months)
• Consular fees: to be paid by cash, bank cheque (no personal cheques) or money order (made out to "Austrian Embassy")

Further documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Frequently asked questions