Damon Mcknight
Austrians are the citizens and nationals of Austria, a landlocked country in Central Europe. Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such, with the Austrian lands (including Bohemia) being part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation. However, after World War II and the defeat of Nazi Germany, Austrians developed their own separate and distinct national identity. Today, Austrians consider themselves ethnically Austrian, with 91.1% of the population identifying as ethnic Austrians. The country has a population of around 9 million people and is bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria |
| Official Name | Republic of Austria |
| History | The Austrian lands (including Bohemia) were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. After World War II, the union with Germany became associated with Nazism, leading to Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity. |
| Current Nationality Law | Enacted in 1965 and updated several times, most recently in 2019 |
| Citizenship Requirements | 10 years of continuous residence in Austria, with at least 5 years of residence permit and proof of regular earnings. German language skills and basic knowledge of the democratic system, Austrian history, and provincial history are also required. |
| Exceptions | Children with one Austrian parent may be eligible for citizenship. Former citizens can apply for re-acquisition after 1 year's residence. Individuals who were forced to leave Austria before 9 May 1945 due to persecution may re-establish citizenship. |
| Citizenship by Investment | Austria offers the possibility to obtain citizenship by investment and an EU passport without prior residence requirements. |
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What You'll Learn
Austrian citizenship by investment
Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is one of the few Western European countries that offer citizenship by investment, allowing individuals to obtain citizenship without prior residence requirements.
To obtain Austrian citizenship by investment, applicants must make a substantial contribution to the country's economy or demonstrate extraordinary achievements in the interest of Austria. This can be achieved through significant direct investments in businesses that create jobs or generate new export sales. Passive investments, such as government bonds or real estate, do not qualify. The investment amount varies, typically ranging from €800,000 to €10 million. Additionally, applicants must provide a comprehensive set of documents, including a passport, birth and marriage certificates, a clean criminal record, a CV, and business background information.
Alternatively, citizenship may be granted for exceptional achievements in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts that benefit the country. This is known as Austrian Citizenship by Exceptional Achievement, and it offers a path to citizenship for those who make a significant financial commitment to the country.
It is important to note that the grant of citizenship is at the sole discretion of the Austrian government, and applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming Austrian citizens. The process can be complex, and applicants should seek proper advice to ensure their applications have a high probability of approval.
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Austrian nationality law
Austrian citizenship law has a complex history, with the current law enacted in 1965 and updated several times since. Here is an overview of the key aspects of Austrian nationality law:
History and Development
The First Austrian Republic, established in 1918, recognised citizens of the Republic of German-Austria as Austrian citizens. In 1925, a new nationality law allowed naturalisation after a permanent residence period of at least four years. From 1938 to 1945, Austrian nationality law was superseded by German nationality law due to Austria's annexation by Germany. With the establishment of the Second Austrian Republic in 1945, Austrian citizenship was re-established, and those acquiring it generally lost their German citizenship. The Republic of Austria was officially formed in 1955, and the current nationality law has been updated periodically to reflect changes, such as gender equality in 1985.
Birth and Descent
Birth in Austria does not automatically grant Austrian citizenship, but it may reduce the residence requirement for naturalisation. Foundlings under six months old are presumed to be Austrian citizens. Children acquire citizenship at birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen, and in cases of dual nationality due to the other parent's citizenship, they are not required to choose a sole nationality upon reaching adulthood. However, the other country may require such a decision.
Naturalisation
Naturalisation as an Austrian citizen typically requires a minimum of ten years of continuous legal residence in Austria, with at least five years holding a residence permit. It also involves demonstrating sufficient and regular income, knowledge of the German language, and understanding of Austria's democratic system, history, and fundamental principles.
Citizenship for Persecuted Persons
Austrian law recognises its historical responsibility towards persons persecuted by National Socialism and their descendants. Amendments to the Austrian Citizenship Act allow persecuted persons and their descendants to acquire Austrian citizenship by declaration without necessarily renouncing their current citizenship. This provision includes those who were Austrian citizens, citizens of successor states of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, or stateless persons residing in Austria before May 15, 1955, and who faced persecution or deportation before May 9, 1945.
Dual Citizenship
Austria generally avoids dual or multiple citizenships, and acquiring foreign citizenship typically results in the loss of Austrian citizenship unless an application to retain it is approved beforehand. Exceptions may be made if it is in the special interest of the Republic due to extraordinary achievements or expected future contributions. Additionally, minors may retain Austrian citizenship if it is in their best interests.
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Austrian independence
The people of Austria have a long and complex history, with the territory understood by the term 'Austria' undergoing drastic changes over time.
In the late Iron Age, Austria was occupied by the Hallstatt Celtic culture (c. 800 BC). The Romans referred to their kingdom as Noricum, dating from c. 800 to 400 BC. At the end of the 1st century BC, the lands south of the Danube became part of the Roman Empire. In the Migration Period (6th century), the Germanic Bavarii occupied these lands until they fell to the Frankish Empire in the 9th century. The name Ostarrîchi (Austria) has been in use since 996 AD when it was a margravate of the Duchy of Bavaria. From 1156, it was an independent duchy (later an archduchy) of the Holy Roman Empire (962–1806).
Austria was dominated by the House of Habsburg and House of Habsburg-Lorraine from 1273 to 1918. In 1806, when Emperor Francis II dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, Austria became the Austrian Empire and was also part of the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. In 1867, Austria formed a dual monarchy with Hungary, known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
When World War I ended in 1918, the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed, and Austria was reduced to its main, mostly German-speaking areas, adopting the name Republic of German-Austria. However, union with Germany and the chosen country name were forbidden by the Allies at the Treaty of Versailles. This led to the creation of the First Austrian Republic (1919–1933). Austrofascism, led by Engelbert Dollfuss, aimed to keep Austria independent from the German Reich. However, in 1938, Austrian-born Adolf Hitler annexed Austria to Germany, with the support of a large majority of Austrians.
After World War II, the Allies agreed in the Declaration of Moscow that Austria would be treated as the first victim of Nazi aggression and as a liberated and independent country. On 27 April 1945, Austria claimed independence from Germany as a result of the Vienna Offensive. The country was divided into four zones and jointly occupied by the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, the United States, and France. Vienna was also subdivided, with the central district collectively administered by the Allied Control Council.
On 15 May 1955, Austria was granted full independence with the last occupation troops leaving on 25 October of that year. The Republic of Austria was established, and its current nationality law was originally enacted in 1965. Austria joined the European Union in 1995.
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Austrian national identity
Austrian nationalism asserts that Austrians are a nation and promotes the cultural unity of Austrians. Austrian nationalism first arose during the Napoleonic Wars, with Joseph von Hormayr as a prominent Austrian nationalist political leader. Austrian nationalism is tied to the country's predominantly Catholic religious identity, which has historically been opposed to the predominantly Protestant religious identity of the Prussians.
The idea of unifying Austria with Germany has been a source of contention. While many Austrians historically identified as German, the rise of Austrian nationalism and the fall of the pan-Germanist Social Democrat government under Karl Renner led to a shift in sentiment. After the events of World War II and the fall of Nazi Germany, Austrians began to reject their German identity and embrace a broader Austrian identity. This was influenced by the Austrian political elite, who emphasised their experiences in concentration camps and their desire for Austrian independence.
Austrian nationalism was also influenced by the Habsburgs, who held influence over the German Confederation, particularly in the southern member states. However, the increasing power of the Prussian state, led by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, resulted in the military defeat of the Austrians in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the collapse of the Confederation, ending Austrian influence on German political events.
The Republic of Austria was established in 1955, and the current nationality law was enacted in 1965. Austrian citizenship can be acquired by birth, naturalisation, or through specific criteria, such as residence duration and integration. The acquisition of Austrian citizenship typically requires a minimum of ten years of legal and continuous residence in the country, with proof of regular earnings and German language skills.
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Austrian citizenship for former citizens
Austrian citizenship is highly coveted, and as a citizen of Austria, one can live and work in the country and anywhere else in the EU and Switzerland at any time. The Austrian government is particularly restrictive in conferring citizenship to foreign nationals.
Former citizens of Austria who lost citizenship other than by renunciation or deprivation may be granted Austrian citizenship after 1 year's residence in Austria. Austrian citizenship must have been possessed for 10 years before it was lost. A person who lost Austrian nationality as a child (other than by deprivation) may re-acquire it by declaration within 2 years of turning 18.
In general, 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Austria is required for citizenship, with a minimum of 5 years with a residence permit. Proof of one's own fixed and regular earnings over a period of 36 months on average within the last 6 years before the time of application is also required. An exception is made for those whose livelihood cannot be durably secured without their fault, such as disability or permanent serious illness.
In addition, proof of German language skills is required, unless German is the applicant's native language or they attended an Austrian school. Knowledge of the democratic system of Austria, its fundamental principles, and its history is also required, demonstrated through a written examination or a degree in "History and Social Sciences" at the 8th-grade level of a lower secondary school. Exceptions are made for minors under 14 years of age and those who claim a poor mental or physical health condition.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria and warrant that they pose no danger to public peace, order, and security. There should be no pending proceedings regarding the termination of residence, no current prohibition of residence, no enforceable return decision, and no close relationship to any extremist or terrorist group.
For former Austrian citizens who were nationals for at least 10 years before losing citizenship, a preferential re-acquisition by a simplified procedure is possible. However, the applicant must be present in Austria and give up any foreign nationality.
Austrian Jews and any other Austrian citizens, as well as stateless people and citizens of successor states of Austria-Hungary resident in Austria, who left Austria before 15 May 1955 due to persecution by the Nazi regime or fear of such, are able to have their citizenship restored while retaining any other citizenship they have since acquired. Direct descendants of these persons, including those adopted as minors, are also able to claim Austrian citizenship without giving up their existing citizenship.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrians are the citizens and nationals of Austria.
Historically, Austrians were regarded as Germans and viewed themselves as such. The Austrian lands (including Bohemia) were part of the Holy Roman Empire and the German Confederation until the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. When Germany was founded as a nation-state in 1871, Austria was not a part of it. After World War II, the union with Germany became associated with Nazism, resulting in Austrians developing their own separate and distinct national identity.
Austrian citizenship can be obtained through birth, marriage, or naturalisation. A person who has lived in Austria for 30 years, or 15+ years in cases of 'sustained personal and occupational integration', is entitled to be granted Austrian citizenship. It is also possible to apply for citizenship by investment, without prior residence requirements.
