Austria is one of the most stable and comfortable countries in the European Union. Many people are striving to obtain Austrian Passport. Candidates are expected to have a solid financial position, high professional qualifications, and ambition.
How to get Austrian citizenship?
Obtaining Austrian citizenship is quite difficult – the basic provisions of the naturalization of foreigners are regulated by the Austrian Citizenship Law. Requirements are available in the public domain, they can be found on the state website.
Several conditions must be met for everyone who wants to obtain Austrian Passport:
- material stability. Financial income must exceed all household expenses (you will be required to provide proof of income and financial discipline for the last six years);
- no criminal record (including any legal proceedings, fines, etc.);
- a valid residence permit (the applicant must not be prohibited from entering or have ever been expelled from the countries of the European Union and Switzerland);
- respect for Austria and a positive attitude towards its foreign and domestic policy, a high degree of integration into the life of the country;
- proficiency in the state language at the B1 or B2 level. The level of language proficiency must be confirmed by a certificate. At the level of knowledge of the language B1, proof of 3-year volunteer participation in one of the socially significant organizations will be required;
- lack of ties with countries hostile to Austria, terrorist organizations, etc .;
- proof of renunciation of former citizenship.
Ways to apply for Austrian citizenship
- By Birth;
- Citizenship by marriage;
- Naturalization;
- Austrian citizenship by investment.
Austrian citizenship by birth
Children born in wedlock acquire citizenship automatically, provided that both parents or one of them are or were citizens of Austria (regardless of where they currently live).
If the child is illegitimate and the paternity of an Austrian citizen is recognized or established by the court within 8 weeks after birth, he acquires citizenship automatically.
If these deadlines have passed, then the child has the right to a simplified registration procedure. Adopted children under the age of 14 become Austrian citizens automatically.
Austrian passport by marriage
To obtain citizenship based on marital relations, the applicant must be officially married for 5 years or more (the fact of cohabitation is required).
Austrian citizenship by naturalization
A full guarantee of acquiring citizenship is received by immigrants who have lived in Austria for 30 years or more, as well as citizens who have lived in the country for fifteen years and have proven their effective integration into Austrian society.
For other categories of foreigners, there is no such guarantee, but a single rule applies: only after 6-10 years, they have lived in Austria.
Step by step procedure
- The first step is to obtain a residence permit in Austria
- The second step is obtaining permanent residence in Austria (after 5 years in the status of residence permit)
- The third step is obtaining Austrian citizenship (10 years after obtaining a residence permit)
Exceptions
There are several exceptions to this rule. It is also possible to obtain Austrian citizenship:
after 6 years with good integration into Austrian society. In some cases, by decision of the government, they can grant Austrian citizenship in a shorter time frame if the applicant is distinguished by special public merits
Austrian citizenship by investment
For more than 20 years, a special program of accelerated acquisition of citizenship for wealthy foreigners has been operating in Austria.
Its conditions make it possible to make significant investments in the country’s economy and, after 12-18 months, obtain Austrian passport. Knowledge of the German language is not required, permanent residence in Austria is not required.
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Package of documents:
- detailed autobiography;
- photographs 3.5 × 4.5 (not older than 6 months);
- certificate of good conduct;
- completed form;
- confirmation of financial independence;
- international passport;
- an agreement of ownership, lease, or registration at the place of residence;
- medical insurance.
You can clarify what other documents may be required in your Magistrate. When it comes to obtaining citizenship by investment, then you need letters of recommendation from banks, business partners, investment confirmation, and a business plan.
All documents are submitted in duplicate – original and copy. Documents in a foreign language must be submitted in German translation and certified in Austria. Apostille may be required for documents to be recognized.
