Austrian Citizenship by Naturalization: Complete Guide 2025
Become an Austrian citizen after 10 years of residence with strict requirements including B2 German, integration tests, and renunciation of previous citizenship.
Critical: Renunciation Required
Austria has one of Europe's strictest citizenship policies. You must renounce your current citizenship before receiving Austrian citizenship. This is a permanent, irreversible decision.
Limited exceptions: Only if your country doesn't allow renunciation, you're a recognized refugee, or in cases of exceptional merit to Austria. EU citizens cannot keep dual citizenship.
Understanding Austrian Naturalization
Austrian naturalization requires one of the longest residence periods in Europe - 10 years of continuous legal residence. This can be reduced to 6 years for those demonstrating "exceptional integration" through sustained volunteer work, professional achievements, and B2 German from the beginning of residence.
Austria's naturalization process is known for its strict requirements. Beyond the long residence period, applicants must demonstrate B2-level German (one of the highest language requirements in Europe), pass an integration test, prove financial self-sufficiency, and crucially, renounce their previous citizenship.
🇦🇹 Benefits of Austrian Citizenship
- EU Citizenship: Live, work, and study in any of 27 EU countries
- High Quality of Life: Consistently ranked in global top 10
- Strong Social System: Excellent healthcare and education
- Central Location: Heart of Europe with excellent connectivity
- Economic Stability: Strong economy with high wages
- Visa-Free Travel: 190 destinations worldwide
Language Requirements: B2 German
Austria requires B2-level German for naturalization - one of the highest language requirements in Europe. This is upper-intermediate level, requiring you to:
- Understand complex texts on concrete and abstract topics
- Communicate fluently with native speakers
- Write clear, detailed texts on various subjects
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of various options
Accepted certificates: ÖSD, Goethe Institute, telc, or ÖIF exams at B2 level
Austrian Citizenship Costs: Complete Breakdown
Detailed Cost Breakdown:
Initial Residence Permit
RequiredRed-White-Red card or other qualifying residence permit
Various permit types available. EU citizens have simplified process.
Residence Permit Renewals
RequiredRenewing permits during 10-year period
Multiple renewals needed to maintain continuous legal residence.
German Language Test (B2)
RequiredB2 level German proficiency test - one of highest in EU
B2 level required - significantly higher than most EU countries.
Integration Test
RequiredCivic knowledge and values test
Tests knowledge of Austrian history, democracy, and values.
Naturalization Application Fee
RequiredOfficial government fee for citizenship application
Provincial fees vary. Additional €87.60 federal fee.
Document Collection and Translation
RequiredBirth certificates, criminal records, certified translations
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated.
Renunciation of Previous Citizenship
RequiredCost to renounce current citizenship
Austria requires renunciation. Costs vary by country.
Income Documentation
RequiredProof of stable income for 3 years
Must prove financial self-sufficiency without social assistance.
Legal Consultation
OptionalImmigration lawyer for complex applications
Highly recommended given strict requirements.
Austrian Passport
OptionalAustrian passport after citizenship approval
€75.90 for standard passport. Provides full EU travel rights.
Important Cost Considerations:
- 10 years continuous legal residence required (can be reduced to 6 with exceptional integration)
- B2 German language requirement - one of the highest in Europe
- Must pass integration test covering Austrian history and values
- Strict income requirements - no social assistance in last 3 years
- Must renounce previous citizenship - dual citizenship generally not allowed
- Processing times: 18-24 months after application submission
- Criminal record must be clean - even minor offenses can disqualify
- 6-year fast track requires sustained volunteer work and B2 German from start
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Order documents yourself instead of using agencies (save $200-500)
- Do translations through certified freelancers vs law firms (save $300-800)
- Apply directly to consulates rather than through services (save $1000+)
Naturalization Requirements
General Requirements
- 10 years continuous legal residence (or 6 with exceptional integration)
- B2 level German language proficiency
- Pass integration test on Austrian values and history
- Stable income for last 36 months
- No social assistance in last 3 years
- Clean criminal record
- Renounce previous citizenship
6-Year Fast Track Requirements
- B2 German from beginning of residence
- 3+ years sustained volunteer work
- Professional integration in skilled occupation
- Active participation in Austrian society
- Above-average income level
Financial Requirements
Austria has strict financial requirements for naturalization:
- Regular income for last 36 months (6 within last 6 years)
- No social assistance claims in last 3 years
- Income must meet Austrian standards (varies by region)
- Self-employment income must be documented
Austria vs Other EU Countries
| Requirement | Austria | Germany | Portugal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Period | 10 years | 8 years | 5 years |
| Language Level | B2 | B1 | A2 |
| Civic Test | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dual Citizenship | No | Yes | Yes |
| Application Fee | €700-1200 | €255 | €250 |
Naturalization Timeline
Years 1-3: Establish Residence
Obtain and maintain legal residence permit. Start learning German immediately.
Years 4-6: Integration Phase
Continue residence, improve German to B2 level, engage in community activities.
Years 7-9: Preparation
Pass B2 German test, take integration course, maintain clean record and stable income.
Year 10: Application
Submit naturalization application with all required documents. Begin renunciation process.
Years 11-12: Processing & Citizenship
Application processing (18-24 months), renounce previous citizenship, receive Austrian citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my current citizenship when naturalizing in Austria?
Generally no. Austria requires you to renounce your previous citizenship before granting Austrian citizenship. Very limited exceptions exist for refugees, citizens of countries that don't allow renunciation, or cases of exceptional merit to Austria.
What counts as "exceptional integration" for the 6-year path?
Exceptional integration requires B2 German from the start, sustained volunteer work (3+ years), professional achievements, above-average income, and active participation in Austrian society through clubs, associations, or community service.
How strict is the income requirement?
Very strict. You must prove regular income for 36 months out of the last 6 years, with no social assistance claims in the last 3 years. The income must meet Austrian living standards, which varies by region but is generally around €1,000-1,500/month net.
What's tested in the integration exam?
The integration test covers Austrian history, democratic values, fundamental rights, and the Austrian legal system. It's conducted in German and requires preparation through an integration course or self-study materials.
Can time as a student count toward the 10 years?
Student years count at 50% - so 2 years as a student equals 1 year toward naturalization. However, you still need continuous legal residence and must transition to a work permit to meet income requirements.
Ready to Start Your Austrian Citizenship Journey?
Pursue Austrian naturalization with 10-year residence and B2 German requirements
💡 Consider: 🇦🇹 One of Europe's strictest programs - B2 German and renunciation required