Naturalisation by residence in Austria (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Ordinary naturalisation in Austria requires ten years of lawful residence, of which at least five were settled. The residence period is six years in specific cases, such as marriage to a citizen or German at B2 level. Applicants need German at B1, a test on Austrian democracy and history, and must as a rule give up their previous nationality.

RuleWhat applies
Years of residence requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residence10 years [1]
Shortened residence periodsOrdinary naturalisation by residenceSix years of lawful, uninterrupted residence for: the spouse of an Austrian citizen after five years of marriage in a shared household; EEA nationals; people born in Austria; people with extraordinary achievements in science, business, art or sport; and people with German at B2 level or proven sustained personal integration (for example three years of voluntary work, work in education, social or health care, or an interest-group role). [2]
Language level requiredOrdinary naturalisation by residenceB1 (CEFR) [3]
Integration or civic knowledge testOrdinary naturalisation by residenceYes [4]
Giving up previous nationalityOrdinary naturalisation by residenceRequired, with exceptions [1]

Notes

  • Other conditions in § 10 also apply, such as no relevant criminal convictions, secure means of living and no pending removal procedures.
  • Exemptions include native German speakers, minors who meet school conditions, and people unable to give proof for health reasons. A B2 certificate shortens the residence period to six years.
  • Exemptions apply, for example for minors who meet school conditions and people unable to take it for health reasons. The test is held by the Land government.
  • Exceptions include persons whose naturalisation is in the special interest of the Republic (§ 10 Abs. 6) and persecuted people of the National Socialist era (§ 10 Abs. 4 Z 2). If leaving the previous nationality is not possible or not reasonable, the condition is waived; the grant is then first promised and completed once the person has left the previous state (§ 20, not read in full).

Sources

  1. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985, § 10 (Verleihung) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985, § 11a (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes): Integrationsgesetz, § 7 (Integrationsvereinbarung) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundeskanzleramt (RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes): Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz 1985, § 10a (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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