🇦🇹 Austrian citizenship · Naturalization
Austrian citizenship by naturalization
The classic route to an EU passport through a residence permit and years of living in a country with a high standard of living, a stable economy and rich cultural heritage.
Austria is a country in the very heart of Europe with a high standard of living and strong education and healthcare. Citizenship here comes through long-term residence as a resident - under one of several residence permit programs.
Legal grounds
The main routes to Austrian citizenship by naturalization:
- Long-term residence. 10 years of continuous residence as a resident.
- A shorter term - 6 years. For refugees, EEA citizens or people with a high level of integration and German at B2 level.
- Marriage to an Austrian citizen. After 5 years of marriage and of living in the country.
- Birth in Austria. On its own it does not grant citizenship, but children of Austrian parents become citizens automatically.
How to get a residence permit to start naturalization
To claim citizenship later, you first need to become a resident of Austria. The main residence permit programs:
- For financially independent people - proof of stable income or savings, German at A1 level.
- The Red-White-Red Card - for highly qualified professionals and entrepreneurs, under a points system.
- For the self-employed - with a contract to carry out specific work.
- For researchers - with an agreement with a certified research institution.
- For people working in the arts - with proof of relevant education or experience.
- For students, volunteers and family reunification.
Once you have a residence permit and have lived in the country continuously for the required period (usually 10 years, sometimes 6), you can apply for citizenship. On a consultation we pick the residence permit program that fits your situation.
Benefits of an Austrian passport
Freedom of travel
Visa-free or simplified entry to 189 countries, including EU countries, the United Kingdom, the USA and Canada.
Living and working in the EU
The right to live and work in any European Union country and in Switzerland.
A high standard of living
Access to quality education, healthcare and social protection.
A stable economy
A developed economy and a high level of safety.
How to get Austrian citizenship: step by step
Preliminary check
A Murblz expert runs a free consultation and picks the best residence permit option. If there are potential complications, the expert proposes a solution or another program.
Preparing documents
Collecting the document package in your country of residence, either alone or with help from Murblz.
Getting residence
Moving to Austria and obtaining resident status under the residence permit program you have chosen.
Living in the country
Continuous residence for the required period (usually 10 years), learning German and taking part in community life.
Austrian citizenship
Filing the naturalization application, taking the oath and receiving the passport.
FAQ
Can Russian citizens get Austrian citizenship?
Can you have dual citizenship in Austria?
What level of German do I need?
How much does it cost to get citizenship?
Can children get citizenship together with their parents?
189 countries visa-free with an Austrian passport
Europe
Asia
The Americas
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.