Austria (AT)
Austria is a landlocked Central European republic of nine federal states (Bundesländer), renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, imperial history, world-class classical music, and high standard of living.
Capital: Vienna
Region: Europe
Language: German
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)
Emergency: 112
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Austria.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Long-term EU Residence (Daueraufenthalt – EU)
Eligibility
Non-EU/EEA third-country nationals who have legally and continuously resided in Austria for 5 years.
Duration
Permanent (indefinite validity; may need renewal of document every 10 years)
Requirements
- ✓5 years of continuous, legal residence in Austria with a qualifying permit
- ✓Stable, regular, and sufficient income (to support yourself and dependants)
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- ✓German language skills at B1 level (Modul 2 of the Integrationsvereinbarung)
- ✓Completion of integration requirements (Integrationsvereinbarung Modul 1 and 2)
- ✓No serious criminal record
- ✓Integration module assessment (civic values course)
- ✓Valid passport
EU/EEA citizens instead apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung after 3 months, and after 5 years can request a Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts (permanent residence document) — automatic right, no points or language test required beyond self-sufficiency.
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Citizenship
Name
Austrian Citizenship (Österreichische Staatsbürgerschaft)
Eligibility
Third-country nationals after 10 years of legal and continuous residence (or 6 years for persons with exceptional integration — "besonders berücksichtigungswürdige Umstände"). EU citizens: after 6 years of legal residence.
Duration
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓Minimum 10 years of continuous, lawful residence in Austria (standard path)
- ✓Minimum 6 years for persons with demonstrated exceptional integration (employment, volunteer work, cultural contribution)
- ✓Last 5 years must have been with a qualifying long-term residence permit or Daueraufenthalt
- ✓B1 German language proficiency (written and spoken) — see note on planned B2 increase
- ✓Pass the Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung (citizenship test): Austrian history, political system, geography, democratic values
- ✓Proof of stable income to support yourself and family (minimum social welfare threshold)
- ✓No criminal convictions of any significance
- ✓No active criminal proceedings
- ✓No serious administrative offences (tax violations); minor traffic violations that were previously disqualifying are planned to be excluded under pending reform
- ✓Renunciation of other citizenship(s) generally required (Austria strictly prohibits dual citizenship except for limited exceptions)
- ✓Proof of integration into Austrian society (employment record, tax compliance, civic participation)
Austria is one of the strictest countries in Europe on dual citizenship — you must renounce your previous nationality before receiving Austrian citizenship in almost all cases. Exceptions: persons who cannot renounce due to home country law, persons who would face significant disadvantage from renouncing, and persons of Austrian descent (§ 58c StbG). The Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung tests basic knowledge of Austrian history, democracy, Federal Constitution, the role of the Federal President, and the EU. Applications at MA 35 (Vienna) or Bezirkshauptmannschaft. PENDING REFORM (2025-2029 coalition programme, ÖVP/SPÖ/NEOS): language requirement planned to increase from B1 to B2; minor administrative offences (parking violations etc.) planned to no longer auto-disqualify. Verify current legal requirements before applying as these changes may have been enacted.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Citizenship through exceptional contribution (§ 10 Abs. 6 StbG)
Eligibility
Persons who have made an extraordinary contribution to the Austrian Republic in the arts, science, sport, or economy.
Duration / Outcome
Immediate (no residency period required)
Requirements
- ✓Documented, verifiable exceptional contribution
- ✓Recommendation from relevant Federal Ministry
- ✓Decision by the Federal Government
- ✓Renunciation of other nationality generally waived in these cases
Very rare — granted to world-class artists, athletes, scientists. Examples include Arnold Schwarzenegger receiving Austrian citizenship back by special act.
Citizenship by descent (§ 7 StbG)
Eligibility
Persons born to at least one Austrian parent (jus sanguinis). Automatic if born before or during marriage to Austrian parent.
Duration / Outcome
Automatic at birth
Requirements
- ✓Proof of Austrian parent's citizenship at time of birth
- ✓Birth certificate with certified translation
- ✓May require DNA evidence if parentage is unclear
Children of Austrian citizens born abroad can register for Austrian citizenship by descent. Austrian citizenship can be passed down through generations — contact the local consulate or MA 35.
Restoration of citizenship for Holocaust victims and their descendants (§ 58c StbG)
Eligibility
Descendants of persons who were persecuted or forced to flee Austria under National Socialism and who lost Austrian citizenship as a result.
Duration / Outcome
Application-based, no residency required
Requirements
- ✓Proof of ancestor's persecution or flight from Austria after 1933
- ✓Documentary evidence of relationship to the ancestor
- ✓Application to MA 35 or Austrian consulate
Austria has an active restitution programme. Dual citizenship is permitted in these cases — you can hold Austrian citizenship alongside your current nationality. Since January 2020 the programme has been significantly expanded. Contact the Austrian National Fund or MA 35 for details.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
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Dual citizenship is not allowed — Austria generally requires renunciation of all other citizenships as a condition of naturalisation (§ 10 Abs. 3 and 4 Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz). Failure to renounce your previous citizenship after receiving Austrian citizenship can result in the Austrian citizenship being revoked. Exceptions exist for: (1) persons whose home country does not allow renunciation, (2) persons who would face severe consequences from renouncing (e.g. loss of property rights, family rights, or safety risk), (3) Holocaust victim descendants (§ 58c), and (4) certain other limited cases. EU citizens becoming Austrian citizens must still renounce their EU-member-state citizenship (unlike most other EU countries). This is a major difference from Germany, which is becoming more permissive on dual citizenship. Seek legal advice before applying if you have property, pension rights, or family situation dependent on your current nationality.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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