The Path To Austrian Citizenship: A Comprehensive Guide

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, or investment. Citizenship by investment involves actively investing in the Austrian economy, while citizenship by award requires fulfilling the general requirements for naturalization and filing an application. Citizenship may also be granted for extraordinary achievements in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts. In addition, descendants of victims of the National Socialist regime can acquire Austrian citizenship by declaration. Acquiring Austrian citizenship typically requires renouncing previous citizenship, although there are exceptions to this rule.

Citizenship by investment

Austria's Citizenship by Investment Program is a highly respected and sought-after program that grants investors Austrian citizenship through significant investment in the country. The program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs who wish to establish a presence in Austria.

To qualify for the program, investors must make a significant investment in the Austrian economy, typically ranging from €800,000 to €10 million. This investment must actively contribute to the economy, such as through a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs or generates new export sales. Passive investments, such as government bonds or real estate, do not qualify. The investment must be made over a period of at least three years, with at least €3 million invested each year.

In addition to the financial requirements, applicants must also meet certain personal criteria. This includes having a clean criminal record, being able to prove the source of their funds, and demonstrating a genuine interest in becoming an Austrian citizen. Applicants must also provide a comprehensive CV, business background information, and impeccable references.

The process of obtaining Austrian citizenship through investment can be lengthy and demanding, typically taking between 12 and 36 months, or even up to three years for approval. The application must be approved by officials at multiple levels, and there is no guarantee of success. Applicants are advised to seek proper advice and carefully prepare their individual cases before making any investments or starting the formal application process.

One of the primary benefits of obtaining Austrian citizenship through investment is the ability to live, work, and travel anywhere within the European Union. Austrian citizens also have access to high-quality education, healthcare, and social services, as well as visa-free travel to numerous countries worldwide.

Citizenship by descent

Austrian citizenship by descent is a principle that allows individuals to acquire Austrian citizenship based on the nationality of their parents or ancestors. This method of gaining citizenship is particularly relevant for those born to an Austrian parent or parents, potentially giving them the right to become Austrian citizens themselves.

The process is governed by specific regulations, which include conditions such as the marital status of the parents at the time of the child's birth and whether paternity has been acknowledged by an Austrian father. If the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the child acquires Austrian citizenship at birth. If the parents are not married and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the father must acknowledge paternity within eight weeks of the child's birth for the child to gain Austrian citizenship.

Austrian citizenship by descent also provides a route to citizenship for victims of the Nazi regime and their descendants. This acknowledges Austria's historical responsibility and provides a means of restoration of rights to families impacted by past atrocities.

It is important to note that Austrian citizenship law typically restricts dual citizenship, and those acquiring Austrian citizenship are generally expected to relinquish any other nationality. However, there are certain exceptions, such as in the case of children who acquire dual citizenship by birth.

Citizenship by award

Austrian citizenship can be acquired by award, which is typically granted to individuals who have made or will make a significant contribution to the country. This can be in the form of economic, athletic, scientific, or cultural achievements. The process for acquiring citizenship by award is outlined below.

Requirements for Citizenship by Award

To be eligible for Austrian citizenship by award, individuals must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must demonstrate exceptional performance or merit that is in the interest of the Republic of Austria. This could be through economic performance, such as owning or managing a company with high economic performance, creating jobs, or bringing new technologies to the country. It could also be through extraordinary sporting achievements, provided that there are no other athletes at a similar level of performance in Austria. Additionally, applicants must submit their application to the provincial government responsible for their place of residence.

Residence and Language Requirements

Unlike other routes to Austrian citizenship, acquiring citizenship by award does not always require proof of a certain period of residence or knowledge of the German language. However, some sources mention that a minimum residence requirement of 10 years may still apply in certain cases.

Investment Requirements

In some cases, Austrian citizenship can be granted to foreign nationals who make significant investments in the country. This is known as citizenship by investment. To qualify, individuals typically need to invest actively in the Austrian economy, creating jobs or generating new export sales. The investment must be significant, usually ranging from €800,000 to €10 million, and must contribute directly to the country's economic growth. Passive investments, such as government bonds or real estate, do not qualify for citizenship by investment.

Decision-Making Process

After the application has been submitted, the provincial government will assess whether there are any obstacles to granting citizenship, such as final convictions or impairment of international relations. The authority will then submit the application to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, which will assess whether the applicant's current or future services are in the special interest of the Republic. If the applicant resides abroad, the Minister of Foreign Affairs must also provide an assessment. The Minister of the Interior will then prepare a statement and recommendation for the Federal Government, which makes the final decision on granting or rejecting the application.

Citizenship by marriage

If you are married to an Austrian citizen, you may be granted Austrian citizenship, but only after at least six years of residence in Austria and if you have been married and living in a common household for at least five years. The spouse applicant must also have lived in Austria with a settlement permit for a minimum of six years. This entitlement scheme is the most restrictive among all the European Union member countries regarding foreign spouses obtaining the member state's citizenship.

In addition, you must fulfil the general requirements for naturalization and submit an application. This includes proof of one's own fixed and regular earnings from acquisition, income, judicial claim to maintenance, or insurance benefits over a period of 36 months on average within the last six years before the time of application. The last claimed six months must be immediately before the time of application.

You must also provide proof of German language skills through fulfilling module 2 of the Integration Agreement according to § 10 Abs. 2 IntG, unless German is your native language or you are a minor attending an Austrian school. There are also requirements regarding knowledge of the democratic system of Austria and its history, which can be demonstrated through a written examination or an 8th-grade degree in "History and Social Sciences". Exceptions are made for minors under 14 years of age and persons who claim a bad mental or physical health condition.

Furthermore, you must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria and warrant that you do not pose any danger to public peace, order, and security. It is important to note that any foreign nationality must be given up to acquire Austrian citizenship.

Dual citizenship

Austria generally requires applicants for citizenship to abandon their current citizenship. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

Descendants of victims of the National Socialist regime can acquire Austrian citizenship by means of a declaration without having to give up their current citizenship or nationality in return. This is in recognition of Austria's historical responsibility towards the victims of National Socialism and their descendants.

Children can also acquire Austrian citizenship by descent if they are born to an Austrian parent. If the parents are married, the child acquires citizenship if either parent is a citizen. If the parents are not married, the child acquires citizenship if the mother is a citizen, or if the father is a citizen and acknowledges paternity before or within eight weeks of the birth. In this case, the child will have dual citizenship if they also acquire another citizenship by descent from the other parent or by birth in a country where the territoriality principle applies (such as the USA).

An alien spouse of an Austrian national may obtain Austrian citizenship if they have been legally and continuously resident in Austria for at least six years and have been married for at least five years. The spouse must renounce their present citizenship.

Additionally, aliens may apply for Austrian citizenship after at least 10 years of continuous stay in Austria, with a minimum of five years as a permanent resident. Some aliens, such as EEA citizens, may apply after six years of permanent residence.

Frequently asked questions