Austria maintains one of Europe's most restrictive citizenship policies, generally requiring applicants to renounce their previous citizenship. This strict approach reflects Austria's traditional view that citizenship represents exclusive loyalty to one state. However, the Austrian passport remains highly valuable, offering visa-free access to 190 destinations and full EU citizenship rights.

The path to Austrian citizenship typically requires 10 years of continuous legal residence, though this can be reduced to 6 years for those who demonstrate exceptional integration, including B2 German language skills and sustained volunteer work. Austria's high standards for naturalization include strict income requirements, comprehensive integration tests, and proof of ties to Austrian society.

For those with Austrian heritage, citizenship by descent is available but limited to children of Austrian citizens at the time of birth. Unlike many European countries, Austria does not generally extend citizenship to grandchildren or great-grandchildren of citizens. Special provisions exist for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution, who may reclaim citizenship without renouncing their current nationality.