Can I apply for Austrian citizenship through marriage?

Yes. Foreign spouses can apply after 6 years of residence in Austria and 5 years of marriage, provided integration requirements are met.

What are Austria’s dual citizenship exceptions?

Exceptions include children born with multiple nationalities, Article 58c claims by descendants of Nazi persecution victims, and individuals with exceptional contributions to Austria.

Get Your Austria Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply

Q: Does Austria allow dual citizenship?

Not generally. Austria usually requires applicants to renounce other citizenships. Exceptions apply for birthright citizenship, descendants of Holocaust victims, and those with extraordinary contributions.

Q: Can I get Austrian citizenship through my parents?

Yes. Children automatically acquire Austrian citizenship if at least one parent is Austrian at the time of birth, even if born abroad.

Q: Will I owe taxes in both countries?

Austria taxes residents on worldwide income. Dual citizens may be taxed by both countries, but tax treaties can help avoid double taxation.

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Eligibility Overview

By Descent : Children automatically acquire Austrian citizenship at birth if at least one parent is an Austrian citizen, regardless of place of birth.
By Marriage : Foreign spouses of Austrian citizens can apply for naturalization after 6 years of residence in Austria and 5 years of marriage.
By Naturalization: Foreign residents can apply after 10 years of continuous residence, with language proficiency and integration requirements.
Special Exception – Dual Citizenship: Austria generally does not allow dual citizenship. However, exceptions exist for:
- Individuals who acquire citizenship by birth (i.e., born with another nationality)
- Citizenship granted for extraordinary contributions to Austria (e.g., in science, sports, or culture)
- Ethnic Austrians from certain regions (e.g., descendants of victims of Nazi persecution) under Article 58c

Step-by-Step Process

Determine your eligibility path: descent, marriage, naturalization, or exceptional case.
Submit your application to the competent provincial government authority (Landesregierung) or Austrian consulate.
Provide proof of ancestry, marriage, or legal residence, along with integration documentation (language test, civic knowledge).
In most cases, you must renounce your existing citizenship before naturalization is approved.
Receive your citizenship certificate and register your status with Austrian authorities.

Benefits of Austrian Citizenship

Freedom of movement within the European Union
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries
Access to Austria’s public education and healthcare systems
Right to vote and participate in Austrian civic life
Highly regarded passport with strong international mobility

Frequently asked questions.

Does Austria allow dual citizenship?

Not in most cases. Austria generally requires applicants to renounce all other citizenships before naturalizing. Exceptions apply for those who acquire Austrian citizenship by birth or through special legal provisions.

Can I get Austrian citizenship through my parents?

Yes. If at least one of your parents was an Austrian citizen at the time of your birth, you automatically receive Austrian citizenship. This also applies to those born abroad.

Can I apply through marriage?

Yes. Foreign spouses of Austrian citizens may apply for citizenship after at least 6 years of residence in Austria and 5 years of marriage, assuming integration requirements are met.

Are there any exceptions where Austria allows dual citizenship?

Yes. Austria allows dual citizenship in limited cases, such as birth with multiple nationalities, descendants of Holocaust victims (under Article 58c), and individuals who make exceptional contributions to the country.

Will I owe taxes in both countries?

Austria taxes residents on worldwide income. If you retain another nationality, your other country may also impose taxes. Austria has tax treaties with many countries to reduce or eliminate double taxation. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.