Applying For An Austrian Passport: A Step-By-Step Guide

Austria is a country in the heart of Europe, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. If you're interested in acquiring Austrian citizenship, there are several paths you can take, each with its own set of requirements and procedures. Obtaining an Austrian passport is a desirable goal for many, as it offers visa-free travel to numerous destinations. In this guide, we will outline the steps to apply for an Austrian passport, including eligibility criteria, required documents, fees, and processing times. We will also explore different ways to obtain Austrian citizenship, such as citizenship by descent, marriage, investment, or naturalization. So, whether you're a descendant of Austrian ancestors, a spouse of an Austrian citizen, or seeking to invest in the country, this article will provide valuable insights on how to apply for an Austrian passport.

Applying for Austrian citizenship by descent

Austrian citizenship by descent is available to victims of the Nazi regime and their direct descendants. This includes individuals whose ancestors fled Austria before 1955 and their direct descendants, such as their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The process of acquiring Austrian citizenship by descent typically takes between four to six months, and in some cases, up to nine months.

To apply for Austrian citizenship by descent, individuals must submit the following documents:

• A current passport photograph that complies with Austrian criteria and is not older than six months.
• A criminal record from their country of residence, not older than eight months (for US residents, this must be issued by the FBI).
• Evidence that their ancestor was persecuted, such as a birth certificate for Jewish persons.
• Proof that the persecuted ancestor resided in Austria, such as citizenship of one of the successor states of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
• Evidence of flight or deportation from Austria, such as passenger lists.
• Official foreign birth and marriage certificates, along with any proof of a change of name.
• Official documents to prove the applicant's connection to Austria.

All foreign language documents must be presented in their original form, along with a German translation certified in Austria. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language and knowledge of Austria's democratic system, history, and fundamental principles.

It is recommended to consult with the responsible department of citizenship or seek professional guidance to ensure a complete understanding of the requirements and procedures for acquiring Austrian citizenship by descent.

Applying for Austrian citizenship by marriage

To apply for Austrian citizenship by marriage, you must have been legally and continuously resident in Austria for at least six years. In addition, you must fulfil the general requirements for naturalization, including proof of your own fixed and regular earnings over a period of 36 months within the last six years before the time of application. Transfer payments such as family benefits and child-care support are considered income.

You must also provide proof of German language skills, as well as knowledge of the democratic system of Austria, its fundamental principles, and its history through a written examination or degree in "History and Social Sciences" at the 8th grade of a lower secondary school. Exceptions to the language requirement include minors attending Austrian schools or those under 14 years of age, as well as those with a mental or physical health condition that may impair their ability to learn.

All foreign language documents must be presented in the original, along with a German translation certified in Austria. The application can be filed using the form "Verleihung bzw. Erstreckung der Verleihung der österreichischen Staatsbügerschaft" or without an official form, depending on your personal details. Contact the responsible department of citizenship to determine the specific documents required for your application.

If you are a female who lost Austrian citizenship prior to 1 September 1983 due to marriage to a foreign national, you may re-obtain Austrian citizenship if you apply within five years of your spouse's death or divorce. You must be present in Austria during the application process and give up any foreign nationality.

Applying for Austrian citizenship by investment

Austria's Citizenship by Investment Program is a highly respected and sought-after program that allows high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs to obtain Austrian citizenship through investment in the country. The program requires applicants to invest actively in the Austrian economy, for example, by contributing to an active business that creates jobs, increases exports, or provides technological innovation.

To qualify for the program, applicants must make a significant investment, typically ranging from €800,000 to €10 million. The investment must be made over a period of at least three years, with a minimum of €3 million invested each year. Additionally, applicants must meet other requirements, including having a clean criminal record, proving the source of their funds, and demonstrating a basic knowledge of the German language. They may also need to show a connection to Austria and spend some time in the country.

The application process involves submitting an investment proposal to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Labor, who will review the proposal and make a recommendation to the government. The grant of citizenship is at the sole discretion of the Government of the Republic of Austria, and applicants may need to obtain informal approvals from key ministries before making their investment and starting the formal application process.

Once the investment is approved, applicants must obtain a residence permit in Austria and fulfill the residency requirement, which is generally 10 years of legal and continuous residence, with a minimum of 5 years holding a residence permit. They must also provide proof of regular income and demonstrate knowledge of the democratic system, history, and fundamental principles of Austria through a written examination.

The entire process can be complex and time-consuming, and applicants should seek proper advice and carefully prepare their application to increase their chances of approval.

Applying for an Austrian passport in person

If you are an Austrian citizen living abroad, you can apply for an Austrian passport in person with your local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria. Austrian passports are produced in Vienna and sent to the Austrian Embassy in Canberra weekly. The process usually takes between three and six weeks.

If you are applying for an Austrian passport in person, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of current place of residence (driver's licence with a 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). This could be:
• For permanent residents of Australia: VEVO from the Australian Department of Home Affairs
• For permanent residents of New Zealand: "Denial of Citizenship", obtained from the Citizenship Office, Department of Internal Affairs
• Your current passport (if you have one). If your passport has been lost or stolen, you will need to provide proof that the loss/theft has been reported to the police
• Proof of any other citizenship(s) (original and copy)
• Marriage certificate (original and copy) and name change certificate

If you are applying for an Austrian passport for a child under the age of 14, the application must be lodged by the legal representative in the presence of the minor. Minors over the age of 14 may apply for a passport themselves, provided that both parents have given their written consent.

If you are applying for Austrian citizenship by descent, you will need to provide evidence that your ancestor was persecuted by the Nazi regime, such as a birth certificate or death certificate. You can submit your application at a local Austrian embassy or consulate general, but it is recommended to submit it to the relevant authority in Vienna.

Applying for an Austrian passport by mail

Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for an Austrian passport by mail. All applicants, including children and infants, must be present at the Embassy or the Consulates when applying for new passports. Postal applications cannot be processed and will be returned.

However, Austrian citizens living abroad may apply for a passport with the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria for vacation. Austrian citizens living abroad permanently may also apply for an Austrian passport and ID card with the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria.

If you are applying for an Austrian passport in person, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A filled-out and signed application form
• Proof of primary residence: a valid residence permit (visa, green card) or US passport for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Notification of retention of Austrian citizenship and US naturalization certificate for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Proof of academic degree (original and copy) – only if issued in an EU-member state or Switzerland and if you wish to have it entered in the passport
• Consular fee (paid in cash, by "certified check" titled "Austrian Consulate General New York" or by "money order". Personal checks and credit cards cannot be accepted!)
• A FedEx envelope if you wish to have your passport returned via mail, which has to be addressed from yourself to yourself

Please note that additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis. All certificates and documents that were not issued by an EU member state or Switzerland must be provided with a diplomatic certification or an apostille according to the Hague Apostille Convention.

Frequently asked questions