Lexi Webster
If you're thinking of applying for an Austrian passport, there are a few things you should know. First, you'll need to gather the necessary documents, which may include proof of your current place of residence, a recent passport picture, and proof that you haven't accepted the citizenship of another country. If you're married to an Austrian citizen and live in Austria, you may be eligible for citizenship yourself, but you'll still need to meet the country's general requirements for naturalisation, including basic knowledge of German. The application process typically takes between three and five weeks, and you can apply for an express passport if needed. So, whether you're an Austrian citizen living abroad or applying for citizenship, read on to find out more about the specific requirements and steps for obtaining an Austrian passport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required documents | Proof of current place of residence (e.g. driver's license, lease agreement, utility bill), one recent passport picture (not older than six months), proof that you have not accepted the citizenship of another country (not older than two months), proof of academic degree (if applicable), original and copy of marriage certificate of parents, name change certificate, divorce decree of parents, custodial agreements, grant of permission to retain Austrian citizenship, certificate of naturalisation, current passport (if lost or stolen, proof that loss/theft has been reported to police) |
| Additional requirements | Basic knowledge of German, foreign documents must be translated into German (except for English documents), all documents must be legalised with an Apostille or diplomatic legalization |
| Application process | Applications can be made in person or by post, applications for children under 14 must be made by a legal representative in the presence of the minor, minors over 14 may apply with written consent of both parents |
| Timeframe | 3-5 weeks for standard applications, express passports are available |
What You'll Learn
What documents do I need to apply for an Austrian passport?
To apply for an Austrian passport, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of academic degree (if applicable and only if issued in Switzerland, an EU member state, or an EFTA member state)
- One set of photocopies of all original supporting documentation
- Consular fee (if paid in person or proof of payment if paid beforehand)
- All foreign documents must be Apostilled or have diplomatic legalization
- Passport photographs that adhere to Austrian criteria
- Proof of current place of residence (driver’s licence with current address, lease agreement, utility bill, or similar)
- One recent passport picture, not older than six months and meeting the photo specifications
- Proof that you have not accepted the citizenship of another country (not older than two months)
- Current passport (if passport has been lost or stolen: proof that loss/theft has been reported to police)
- Marriage certificate of parents (original and copy) and name change certificate
- Divorce decree of the parents, custodial agreements (original and copy)
- Grant of permission to retain Austrian citizenship "Beibehaltungsbescheid" and certificate of naturalisation (original and copy)
Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you are married to an Austrian citizen and live in Austria, you can apply for citizenship. However, if your spouse is an Austrian citizen but you do not live in Austria, you will not qualify for citizenship. You will also need to meet the country's general requirements for naturalisation, including basic knowledge of German.
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How do I apply for an Austrian passport if I'm married to an Austrian citizen?
If you are married to an Austrian citizen, you may be granted Austrian citizenship if you have been married and living in a common household for at least five years, and have been legally and continuously resident in Austria for at least six years. Please note that you will have to renounce your present citizenship.
If you are a former Austrian citizen who lost Austrian citizenship because you married an alien, you may re-obtain Austrian citizenship if you apply for it within five years of your spouse's death or your divorce from them. If you were an Austrian national for at least ten years before losing Austrian citizenship, you may be able to re-acquire it through a simplified procedure.
Children born in wedlock acquire Austrian nationality at birth if born before 1 September 1983 and their father is an Austrian citizen, or if born on or after 1 September 1983 and one parent is an Austrian citizen. Children born out of wedlock acquire Austrian nationality at birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen. If the child is still a minor and unmarried, they can acquire Austrian citizenship by legitimation if their father is an Austrian national at the time of legitimation. If the child was already 14 years old at the time of the marriage, the child and the persons with custody must consent to the acquisition within three years of the marriage. If the child acquires another citizenship at birth in addition to Austrian citizenship, there is no loss of Austrian citizenship, but the child has dual citizenship.
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How do I apply for an Austrian passport if I'm under 14?
If you are under 14 and want to apply for an Austrian passport, your legal representative must lodge the application in your presence. Both parents must sign the application form and give their written consent. If your parents are not married, the divorce decree must be submitted. If your parents are married, you will need to provide the grant of permission to retain Austrian citizenship.
You will also need to provide the following documents:
- Original and copy of the grant of permission to retain Austrian citizenship
- Original and copy of the certificate of naturalisation
- Original and copy of your birth certificate
- Two passport photos (no older than 6 months)
You will need to make a prior appointment to apply for your passport and you must appear in person.
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How long does it take to get an Austrian passport?
The time it takes to get an Austrian passport depends on your circumstances. If you are an Austrian citizen living abroad, you can apply for a passport with the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria for vacation. The process usually takes between three and five weeks, provided that the application is complete. If you are married to an Austrian citizen and live in Austria, you can apply for citizenship. You will need to meet the country's general requirements for naturalisation, which includes basic knowledge of German. You can find a detailed list of the stay requirements on the Stadt Wien website.
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Where are Austrian passports produced?
Austrian passports are produced at the Österreichische Staatsdruckerei in Vienna and sent to the Austrian Embassy in Canberra weekly. The process usually takes between three and five weeks. If you need your passport more quickly, you can apply for an express passport, which is produced in a fast-track procedure and sent directly to the applicant via DHL.
To apply for an Austrian passport, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of current place of residence (driver's licence with current address, lease agreement, utility bill, or similar)
- One recent passport picture, not older than six months and meeting the Austrian photo specifications
- Proof that you have not accepted the citizenship of another country (not older than two months)
- Proof of academic degree (if applicable and only if issued in Switzerland, an EU member state, or an EFTA member state)
- Consular fee (if paid in person or proof of payment if paid beforehand)
- All foreign documents must be Apostilled or have diplomatic legalization and translated into German (except for documents in English)
If you are married to an Austrian citizen and live in Austria, you can apply for citizenship. If your spouse is an Austrian citizen but you do not live in Austria, you will not qualify for citizenship. You will also need to meet the country's general requirements for naturalisation, which includes basic knowledge of German.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to provide proof of your current place of residence, one recent passport picture, and proof that you have not accepted the citizenship of another country. You will also need to provide the original and one copy of any relevant documents, such as proof of an academic degree, your marriage certificate, or a divorce decree. All foreign documents must be Apostilled or have diplomatic legalization and translated into German.
Austrian citizens living abroad can apply for a passport with the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria for vacation. The passport will be produced in Vienna and sent to the Austrian Embassy in Canberra weekly. The process usually takes between three and five weeks.
Yes, you will need to be an Austrian citizen to get an Austrian passport. You can apply for Austrian citizenship if you are married to an Austrian citizen and live in Austria, or through the country's citizenship by investment program.
