Dual nationality in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Austria generally requires a person naturalised as an Austrian citizen to show that they have left their previous nationality, with exceptions such as stateless persons and cases where leaving is not possible or reasonable. An Austrian who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality loses Austrian nationality unless retention was approved beforehand.

RuleWhat applies
Naturalisation: giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesRequired, with exceptions [1]
Naturalisation: exceptions to giving up the previous nationalityNationality rulesThe renunciation requirement does not apply to stateless persons, to cases under § 10 Abs. 6 (extraordinary achievements in the particular interest of the Republic, confirmed by the Federal Government), § 16 Abs. 2 or § 17 Abs. 4, or where leaving the previous nationality is not possible or not reasonable (§ 20 Abs. 3 Z 2), or would require a disproportionate payment (§ 20 Abs. 4). [1]
Voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationalityNationality rulesLoss, with exceptions [2]
Loss of nationality on acquiring a foreign nationality: detailsNationality rulesAustrian nationality is lost by anyone who acquires a foreign nationality on their own application, declaration or express consent, unless retention was approved before the acquisition (§ 27 Abs. 1). Retention must be approved where it is in the Republic's interest (with reciprocity, where it applies, and conditions of § 10 Abs. 1 Z 2-6 and 8), or in the child's best interest for minors (§ 28 Abs. 1); similar rules apply to persons who acquired nationality by descent (§ 28 Abs. 2). A person without full legal capacity loses it only with the legal representative's consent (§ 27 Abs. 2). [3]

Notes

  • Under § 20 StbG the grant is first only promised, and the person must show within two years that they have left their previous nationality, unless one of the exceptions applies.
  • Loss applies where the person acquires a foreign nationality on their own application, declaration or express consent, unless retention was approved beforehand (§ 28 StbG).

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, RIS): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985 § 20 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, tagesaktuelle Fassung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, RIS): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985 § 27 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, tagesaktuelle Fassung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes, RIS): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985 § 28 - Bundesrecht konsolidiert, tagesaktuelle Fassung (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.