Austrian Descent And Ukrainian Identity: A Complex Relationship

Austrian citizenship is highly coveted, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 187 countries worldwide. Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, or extension of the award. Children automatically become Austrian citizens at birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen. If the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the child acquires citizenship as well. If the parents are unmarried and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the child acquires citizenship if the father recognizes his parenthood within 8 weeks or if a court determines his paternity. Additionally, Austria allows victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants to apply for citizenship, including those who suffered persecution or feared persecution. This includes Jewish and non-Jewish individuals, with no requirement to revoke existing citizenship.

Austrian citizenship by descent

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, or extension of an award. Children automatically become Austrian citizens at birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen. If the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the same rule applies. If the parents are unmarried and only the father is Austrian, the child acquires citizenship if the father recognises his parenthood within eight weeks, or if his fatherhood is determined by a court.

Austria also allows victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants to apply for citizenship. This includes all direct descendants (as well as those adopted as minors) of a formerly persecuted ancestor. Applicants may apply for Austrian citizenship by descent if one of the following cases applies to their ancestor:

• The ancestor was a citizen of one of the successor states of the former Austro–Hungarian monarchy (e.g. Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes)
• The ancestor lost Austrian citizenship when they acquired a foreign citizenship through marriage around the time of their departure from Austria, and primarily resided in Austria before 15 May 1955, leaving the country because they suffered or feared persecution by the Nazi regime
• The ancestor was an Austrian citizen but did not primarily reside in Austria between 30 January 1933 and 9 May 1945 for fear of persecution by the Nazi regime, or because of their support for the Republic of Austria
• The ancestor was an Austrian citizen who was either deported from Austria by the Nazi regime before 9 May 1945 or killed by the regime (including being killed for their support of the Republic of Austria). 'Killing' in this context includes death as a result of being denied or failing to be provided with medical care and sufficient food, or due to injuries that arose from torture
• The ancestor was either a stateless person or a citizen of one of the successor states of the former Austro–Hungarian monarchy, primarily resided in Austria before 9 May 1945, and was either deported from Austria or killed by the Nazi regime (including in the ways described above)

Applicants must file an Anzeige (declaration) along with mandatory apostilled supporting documents. These include:

• A current passport photograph (not older than six months), complying with the Austrian photograph criteria
• Marriage and divorce certificates, if applicable, in case the original surname was changed
• A certificate of change of name, if applicable
• A criminal record from the country of residence, not older than eight months (for US residents, this must be issued by the FBI)

In addition, applicants must provide documents for the persecuted ancestor. These may include:

• Birth certificate (if available)
• Marriage certificate (if available)
• Evidence that the ancestor was persecuted (if available). The birth certificate is usually sufficient evidence for Jewish persons
• Evidence that the persecuted ancestor was residing in Austria (in case they were a citizen of one of the successor states of the Austro–Hungarian monarchy)
• Evidence that the ancestor fled from Austria (e.g. passenger lists)
• Evidence that the ancestor was deported by the Nazi regime
• Death certificate or other evidence, in case the ancestor was killed by the Nazi regime

Austrian citizenship for victims of Nazi persecution

Austrian citizenship laws allow victims of the Nazi regime and their direct descendants to apply for Austrian citizenship. This includes victims of the Holocaust. This provision is part of Austria's recognition of its historical responsibility towards persons persecuted by National Socialism and their descendants.

Eligibility

All direct descendants (as well as those adopted as minors) of a formerly persecuted ancestor are eligible to apply for Austrian citizenship. This includes sons, daughters, grandchildren, and further generations.

Conditions for ancestors

Applicants may apply for Austrian citizenship by descent if one of the following cases applies to the relevant ancestor:

• The ancestor was a citizen of one of the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian monarchy (e.g., Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania) and primarily resided in Austria before May 15, 1955 (previously before May 1945). They left the country because they suffered or feared persecution by the Nazi regime, including persecution for their support of the democratic Republic of Austria.
• The ancestor was an Austrian citizen but did not primarily reside in Austria between January 30, 1933, and May 9, 1945, for fear of persecution by the Nazi regime or because of their support for the Republic of Austria.
• The ancestor was an Austrian citizen who was either deported from Austria by the Nazi regime before May 9, 1945, or killed by the regime, including for their support of the Republic of Austria.

Application Process

Applications for Austrian citizenship by ancestry can be lodged at a local Austrian embassy or consulate general. However, it is recommended to submit applications at the relevant authority in Vienna, Austria. Applicants are advised to carefully read all the requirements before submitting their application and then complete a client intake form to check for eligibility. The process typically takes four to six months.

Documents Required

• Current passport photograph (not older than six months), complying with Austrian criteria
• Marriage and divorce certificate, if applicable, in case the original surname was changed
• Certificate of change of name, if applicable
• Criminal record from the country of residence, not older than eight months (for US residents, this must be issued by the FBI)
• Birth certificate of the ancestor (if available)
• Marriage certificate of the ancestor (if available)
• Evidence that the ancestor was persecuted (if available). The birth certificate is usually sufficient evidence for Jewish persons
• Evidence that the persecuted ancestor resided in Austria, especially if they were a citizen of one of the successor states of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy
• In case of flight: Evidence that the ancestor fled from Austria (e.g., passenger lists)
• In case of deportation: Proof that the ancestor was deported by the Nazi regime
• In case the ancestor was killed by the Nazi regime: Death certificate or other evidence

Ukrainian emigrants to Austria

The history of Ukrainian emigrants to Austria goes back to the mid-18th century when the Habsburgs annexed Galicia from Poland and acquired Bukovina, a partly Ukrainian territory, from Moldavia. These regions, along with Transcarpathia, formed ethnically Ukrainian territories within the Habsburg realm. Under Austrian rule, ethnically Ukrainian Galicia was administratively joined with purely Polish areas, leading to Polish-Ukrainian rivalry. While Ukrainians in Austria enjoyed greater opportunities for national development compared to those in Tsarist Russia, they still faced disadvantages. The introduction of universal manhood suffrage in 1907 strengthened Ukrainian representation in Vienna, but tensions with Russia and Polish opposition prevented electoral reforms at the provincial level.

During World War II, many Ukrainians fled to Austria, including Ana, a Ukrainian woman who lived in a refugee camp in Landeck, a village in Western Austria. Ana and her family were housed in old military barracks and relied on relief packages for sustenance. After the war, Germany and Austria were divided into zones under French, American, or Soviet authority. Soviet Commissars frequently visited the camps to convince people to return to the Soviet Union, but many, like Ana's family, refused out of fear. Despite the challenges, Ana recalls her childhood in the camp as somewhat serene, with educated refugees organizing classes for children.

In recent years, the armed conflict in Ukraine has displaced many people, with some seeking protection in Austria. Austria has granted temporary residence permits to Ukrainian refugees, valid until at least March 4, 2025. The Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services (BBU) provides basic care, accommodation, food, and medical and psychological care for these displaced individuals. Additionally, the Austrian Public Employment Service offers information on employment opportunities, and free online German courses are available to facilitate integration.

Austria also allows victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants to apply for citizenship. This includes individuals who suffered persecution or had reason to fear persecution by the Nazi regime and their descendants. Applicants must provide various documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and evidence of persecution or residency in Austria. The process typically takes four to six months, and successful applicants enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations.

Austrian people of Ukrainian-Jewish descent

The Ephrussi family is a well-known example of Austrian people with Ukrainian-Jewish heritage. They were a wealthy and influential family in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with interests in banking and finance. The family's history and their impact on the cultural and economic life of Vienna and Ukraine are documented in Edmund de Waal's book, "The Hare with Amber Eyes."

Yisrael Friedman of Ruzhin was a prominent Hasidic rabbi and the founder of the Ruzhiner dynasty. He was born in Ruzhyn, Ukraine, in 1797 and later moved to Austria, where he established a vibrant religious community and played a significant role in the development of Hasidic Judaism in Europe.

While the specific details of each person's background may vary, Austrian citizens with Ukrainian-Jewish roots often have a unique perspective on their cultural identity, shaped by their family histories and the interplay between these two distinct heritages.

Temporary residence in Austria for displaced Ukrainians

Displaced persons from Ukraine have a temporary right of residence in Austria. This right is valid until at least 4 March 2025 and exists from the time they enter the country. Displaced persons are issued an ID card by the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) which documents this right of residence. To obtain this, they must register at the registration offices of the police, at police stations, or in special reception or registration centres.

With this temporary right of residence, it is not necessary to apply for asylum. Temporary protection also ensures access to the labour market, education, and medical care. Displaced persons will also receive a social insurance number and an e-card replacement slip.

The Federal Agency for Reception and Support Services (BBU) has set up a hotline for people from Ukraine who are looking for protection in Austria: +43 1 2676 870 9460. The BBU coordinates and provides basic care for foreigners in need of assistance and protection, including accommodation, food, social, medical, and psychological care, as well as the provision of goods for daily needs such as clothing.

If accommodation with relatives is not possible and financial resources are not available, temporary accommodation will be provided by the federal government or a federal state.

Ukrainian nationals and other persons temporarily residing in Austria since the war began on 24 February 2022 have health insurance at the Austrian Health Insurance Centre (ÖGK) from the first day of their arrival. Displaced persons will receive an insurance number and an e-card replacement document, but not an e-card.

The Austrian Public Employment Service (→ AMS) has more information on employment in Austria. Further information on job exchanges and vacancies and types of childcare can also be found on oesterreich.gv.at.

Frequently asked questions