Indicator history

In order to acquire Austrian citizenship there are general requirements which have to be met:

- At least ten year legal and nonstop residence in Austria including at least five years with a settlement permit. There are some exceptions of this rule if persons have a legal right to obtain citizenship.

- No criminal record, no pending criminal action and no severe administrative offences with special degree of unlawfulness.

- Sufficiently secured maintenance.

- German language skills and basic knowledge of the democratic system, history of Austria and the respective Federal State.

- Positive attitude towards the Republic Austria and warranty that there is no danger for public peace, order and security.

- No exclusion order or pending legal proceeding to terminate the residence.

- No eviction order within the last 12 months.

- No close relationship to any extremist or terrorist group.

- Principally loss of previous citizenship.

- Due to the acquisition of the citizenship the international relations to the Republic of Austria must not be significantly affected and the interests of the Republic of Austria must not be harmed.

Citizenship can be awarded because there is a legal claim of the applicant, at discretion and if the applicant has his/her residence in a foreign country.

The prerequisites for awarding citicenship on grounds of a legal claim are:

- Compliance with general requirements.

-  Minimum of 30 years nonstop main residence in Austria or a minimum of 15 years legal and nonstop residence in Austria upon proof of sustainable individual and professional integration.

-  Minimum of six years legal and nonstop residence in Austria if the applicant is married to an Austrian citizen for at least five years or recognised as refugee or a citizen of an EWR-country or was born in Austria or his or her achievements in the field of science, economy, art or sports are in the public interest.

The prerequisites for awarding citizenship at discretion are the fulfilment of the general requirements.

The prerequisites for awarding citizenship if the applicant has his/her main residence in a foreign country are:

- Compliance with general requirements.

- Exceptional performance in the interest of the Republic of Austria.

- Spouses of Austrian citizens who are employed by Austrian authorities and whose place of work is in a foreign country.

Source: http://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10005589