Austrian Citizenship by Marriage

Citizenship by Marriage in Austria: A Complete Guide

Austrian citizenship is highly sought after because it grants access to one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous countries. The path to citizenship may appear simple for those who are married to an Austrian citizen. The process, however, is not without its difficulties. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about obtaining citizenship through marriage in Austria.

Who is eligible for Austrian citizenship by marriage?

To be eligible for Austrian citizenship through marriage, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must have been married for at least six years to an Austrian citizen (3 years if you have children together)
  • You must have spent at least five years in Austria
  • You must have a fundamental understanding of German (A2 level)
  • You must not have a criminal record or pose a security risk

If you meet these criteria, you might be able to apply for citizenship through marriage.

What is the application process?

The application process for citizenship by marriage in Austria is as follows:

  1. Gather required documents: You will need to provide several documents as part of your application, including your marriage certificate, proof of residence in Austria, proof of income and taxes, and a German language proficiency certificate. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be required to provide additional documents.
  2. Submit your application: Once you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, you can submit your application for citizenship by marriage to the Austrian authorities. This could be the Governor’s Office (Landeshauptmann) or the Municipal Office (Magistrat) in your district.
  3. Pay the application fee: When you submit your application, you will be required to pay an application fee. The fee may differ depending on the district in which you apply, so you should confirm the exact amount with the competent authority.
  4. Wait for processing: It can take up to two years for the competent authority to process your application after you submit it. During this time, they will review your documents, interview you and your spouse, and decide whether or not to grant you citizenship.
  5. Attend an interview: You and your spouse may be required to attend an interview with the competent authority as part of the application process. This interview will assess your German language skills as well as your integration into Austrian society.
  6. Obtain a decision: After the competent authority has reviewed your application, they will decide whether or not to grant you Austrian citizenship by marriage. If your application is accepted, you must take an oath of allegiance to Austria before receiving your citizenship certificate.

Dual citizenship

It’s important to note that Austria allows dual citizenship, so if you are granted Austrian citizenship, you may be able to keep your original citizenship as well.

Exceptional cases

While the eligibility requirements for citizenship by marriage are generally straightforward, there may be exceptional cases where someone does not meet all the requirements but can still apply for citizenship. For example, if you have a serious illness that requires ongoing treatment in Austria, you may be able to apply for citizenship even if you haven’t lived in Austria for the required 5 years.

Different rules for EU citizens

If you are married to an Austrian citizen and you are a citizen of another EU country, you may be eligible for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residency in Austria.

Children’s citizenship

If you have children with your Austrian spouse, they may be eligible for citizenship by birthright or through simplified naturalization.

 

It’s important to note that the process for obtaining citizenship through marriage in Austria can be complicated, and the requirements may differ depending on your specific circumstances. Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a competent authority to ensure that you have all of the required documents and information.

FAQ

Can I apply for citizenship through marriage if I have been married for less than 6 years?

No, you must have been married to an Austrian citizen for at least 6 years (3 years if you have children together) to be eligible for citizenship by marriage.

Is it necessary for me to be fluent in German in order to be eligible for citizenship by marriage?

No, you only need a basic understanding of German (A2 level) to apply.

Can I keep my original citizenship if I become an Austrian citizen?

Yes, Austria allows dual citizenship, so if you are granted Austrian citizenship, you may be able to retain your original citizenship as well.

What are the rules for EU citizens who are married to an Austrian citizen?

If you are married to an Austrian citizen and you are a citizen of another EU country, you may be eligible for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residency in Austria

Are my children eligible for Austrian citizenship?

If you have children with your Austrian spouse, they may be eligible for citizenship by birthright or through simplified naturalization.

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