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How to Get an Austrian Passport: Comments on Eligibility

Michael Decker
Michael Decker

Austria’s population growth in the past few years has been fueled by immigration from abroad. Israelis opting for the Austria second passport program are among other foreign nationals making Austria more diverse. If you’re interested in living in Vienna, which consistently tops quality of living rankings, new legislation on citizenship for foreigners opens up pathways not available previously. Here’s a look at how can you get an Austrian Passport

Check your eligibility

Under the new law, any Jew or descendant of a Jew who lived in Austria between 1933 and 1955 can apply for Austrian citizenship. It covers Jews and non-Jews who were persecuted under the Nazi regime and their descendants, including children adopted as minors.

How can you get an Austrian Passport

Not only citizens of Austria-Hungary but also stateless persons who had established primary residence in Austria but escaped to safety by May 15, 1955, fall within the ambit of the legislation. While previously, only descendants of male Holocaust survivors were eligible, now descendants of female Holocaust survivors are also covered.

Austrian Interior Minister Karl Nehammer said that the new law on Austrian citizenship recognizes the ‘inglorious chapters of Austrian history after 1945’, referring to displaced Austrian citizens in the Nazi era.

American Jews perplexed by the social chaos and rise of extremism in their home country are expected to look keenly into how to get an Austrian passport. Expressions of interest are also anticipated among British Jews hoping to have both British and EU passports

If you or your children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren meet this requirement, you can consider the Austria second passport opportunity.

There are other ways to acquire Austrian citizenship, including by descent, by naturalization, by entitlement and by award. Get more information here. our law offices have vast experience advising on Austrian emigration matters. We can help you determine your eligibility and submit documents correctly the first time, increasing your chances of acquiring Austrian citizenship quickly.

Who isn’t entitled to apply for Austrian citizenship despite meeting the above requirements?

Every country has strict immigration regulations denying citizenship to persons who have committed unlawful acts that reflect poorly on their moral character. Anyone who has been convicted for a serious offense or financial crimes; participated in terrorist acts; or attempted to harm Austrian democracy, is barred from petitioning for Austrian citizenship. If you’re ineligible to obtain an EU passport using this route, you may be able to purchase foreign citizenship.

Is a military background a problem in obtaining Austrian citizenship?

When you explore how to get an Austrian passport, you may have doubts about whether your military background may affect your chances. Austrian law deems a person who serves as an officer in the IDF or a career soldier to be serving voluntarily, and may reject their citizenship application. You’re advised to apply after your IDF service has ended. On the other hand, the process is smoother if you perform mandatory military service or reserve duty as a civilian. For more information on applying for Austrian, Bulgarian or Polish citizenship as a career soldier and appealing refusal decisions, contact our law offices.

Can you have dual citizenship in Austria?

Austrian Nationality Act restricts dual citizenship. In some cases, natural born citizens of another country don’t have to renounce their previous citizenship. If you apply for Austrian citizenship under the new law, you can keep your Israeli passport and don’t have to worry about giving it up.

Readying documents to apply for an Austrian passport

For an Austria second passport opportunity to fructify, you must submit the necessary documents, after which they will be verified over a course of a few months. The Austrian Immigration Authority does not charge you for this process. Other than your birth certificate and a valid passport, you must submit evidence about your Austrian ancestor; certificate of exile, proof pertaining to the date of emigrating, and fill the application form correctly and completely. We assure comprehensive support from the time you get in touch with us until after you’re an Austrian citizen.

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