Austrian citizenship – acquiring an Austrian passport
Michael Decker
Michael Decker
Jacob Newberry
A really excellent firm. They knew exactly how to handle my situation effectively and efficiently, and we got the result I needed without much fuss. Adi Berger was a wonderful advocate for me and I am deeply grateful for her help!
Matthias Oppliger
I have been receiving services from this Law Firm for several years now and I want to say THANK YOU to the team, especially Joshua Pex. They are doing outstanding work. The services I have received for both our Israeli non profit association but also our social business have helped us solve many issues at hand and provided solutions in complicated situations. Personally, I am grateful for support in visa issues as a foreigner living now in Israel for many years.
Shaltiel Devorah
Mr. Joshua Pex is knowledgeable and Professional. I really appreciate his courteous and direct approach.
Lauma Zariņa
This is definitely the best lawyer I know!!! very honest and super helpful he really helped me a lot dealing with immigration issues in Israel and it was very successful!
I highly recommend
Andreas Kelling
We have been working with Decker, Pex & Co - Law Firm in Tel Aviv for many years very well. Because we appreciated their lawyers services, we recommended businesses and individuals again and again to go there as well.
Shurouq Hajyassin
We were very satisfied with the consultation we had.
You were very straightforward with us , You tried to help us in every way you could . we really appreciate that.
And of course the fast reply we got from you on our emails and the appointment you gave us .
You deserve more than 5 stars????
Michael and Ariellah Waizman
For Advocate Joshua Pex.
We were in a devastating situation when my wife received an order from the immigration office to leave Israel within 30 days, without any explanation, after we have been married and in the process for six and a half years. We heard of Advocate Pex through a friend of a friend. We contacted Mr. Pex and he was ready to help us when he heard of our situation.
The service is amazing! Always ready to assist without regard to the time it takes. The advice Mr. Pex gave us was great, such as what to do, he gave useful links, and advice about which officials to contact. The price for the service was great!
The process until we received the extension for another year for my wife was not long (3 months). Things started moving once Mr. Pex came into the picture.
We highly recommend Advocate Joshua Pex! We achieved our goal and the fear of deportation has been lifted!
David De La Rosa
Very friendly, professional, and effective, highly recommended
Наталья Мажуга
Great lawyers Joshua Pex and Nechama and Michael Deker who really want to help you and I have very trustful relationships with them. All my cases they took they won. Thank you and let’s keep working together
Esty A
I had a consultation with Batya and she was very helpful. She made sure I understood all the information I needed, and was patient with me in gathering documents I needed.
Morgan Jones
The team at Decker, Pex & Co have been awesome to work with in helping our US company establish banking in Israel and in providing counsel for legal needs in Israel. I highly recommend!
Josh W-S
The firm had a quick response to my last-minute needs, they were helpful in communicating with me in English, and they fulfilled my needs in a timely fashion.
YK C
We had a pleasure of working with Irena Rosenberg who assisted in getting our two U.S. born children registered in Israel and supported visa process for my wife in 2021. During the pandemic, my wife and I decided to move to Israel where I am originally from after living in the U.S. for over 20 years, but we had no idea how to go about securing visas before and after arriving in Israel. Irena is knowledgeable, reliable and competent lawyer who always had answers to all our questions which made us feel confident that everything would be fine with her assistance. We are now happily living in Israel and are so grateful to have Irena who is a genuinely nice person as our lawyer.
Sophie Cooperman
Oded Ger did an excellent job by reviewing a modeling contract I was offered. Explained the bad clauses in the contract, and their possible consequences. Thank you for your amazing job, your professionalism, your consultation and honesty. You showed me from your experience how it can be done differently. It was the best decision choosing you as my lawyer.
I highly recommend this firm, especially Oded Ger.
Stuart Safft
I am delighted to report that my wife and I have just obtained our Israeli citizenship. We will be forever grateful for all of the help, guidance and support which Ariel Galili of Decker, Pex & Co. provided through this process.
I am a Jewish, 80-year-old American, and my wife is not Jewish. We had started the process on our own back in November 2020 via the Jewish Agency and Nefesh B’Nefesh, but soon became entangled in the delays and often-changing regulations due to Covid-19. The pandemic also caused delays in obtaining the required apostilles for various documents from various state agencies and the US State Department.
We found Decker, Pex & Co. On the internet and began working with Ariel in late November 2021. Ariel did a superb job of leading us through the process, helping us to understand which documents were essential, which would most likely be required, and which, though included on the list of required documents, were rarely required. He helped us several times to understand what was likely and unlikely to occur as “the next step.” Helping us manage our expectations was extremely useful to us.
Besides his knowing the laws, regulations and procedures, Ariel also made us feel that he was truly interested in helping us to successfully work through this process in as smooth, timely, and frustration-free manner as possible.
My wife and I strongly recommend anyone planning to go through this process seriously consider hiring Decker, Pex, Ofir & Co. and, specifically, Ariel Galili.
lynn vonne
Excellent service, very friendly and helpful, fast responding and very patient. Highly recommend. I will choose them again next time if needed.
Michelle Long
Josh has been helping me on and off for a few years now. I have needed legal advice and assistance with immigration due to a complex situation of mine, and he has been extremely available and responsive, honest and clear about my route and how to proceed. Very much recommended!
Joshua Pex was both an amazing human being and an inspiring human rights attorney. I reported directly to him for various activities I performed as in intern. I was impressed with his incredibly solid character. He is trustworthy, fair, and goes above and beyond to advocate for the vulnerable. He is completely trustworthy and high caliber in his work. His partners and employees are very blessed to work with him. I am honored to know them.
Heather Lebrun
TarcisioePotira Freitas
I really recommend the law office's services. The service is very professional and efficient, the price is right. I am satisfied with the services I needed and happy to have known them.
Halvor Ronning
Courteous, clear, efficient service.
Alexander P Gutterman
EU PASSPORT ! Big news! Thanks to Michael Decker and the other good people at the law office, as well as to the virtue of my ancestors, the cruelty of the Inquisition, reparations issued in the Iberian Peninsula, and etc, I am delighted to be on track for Portuguese and European Union Citizenship! A truly incredible development and one which brings me deep joy.
Schruuf
We were very pleased and content with the services of this law firm. They supported us 100% and solved our case successfully, we couldn't be happier.
Prima Lorenzo
I admire the Austrian citizenship team in Tel-Aviv branch! They deserve more then 5 stars!! They are very friendly and professional. I've got Austrian citizenship in 4 months for all family members which consists of 12 people! The entire team is very friendly and responsive. They are always answering questions and support during the process. I recommend to everyone. Was 100% satisfied.
Kfir Cohen
We were searching for a law firm that will be honest with us and really work hard for a satisfying result, it wasn't an easy task
We found them online; they were the only law firm from all of our searchings which were completely honest and NOT gave us just what we wanted to hear
Using them guaranteed honesty above all. A legal team that is friendly and cares for a superb result
They really care about helping their customers without any other interest
Nadia gave us service behind what we expected; she was professional which lead to fast and easy process with great result
We definitely recommend using them
Amir Abt
The best lawyer firm I’ve had dealt with. I would like to thank Anat Levi and Ariel Galili from the Jerusalem branch for all of their efforts and patience, we could not have been Able to reach to where we are now without them
Greg Olson
We highly recommend Adv. Mike Decker and have know him for many years. He has helped our family with many battles over the years. We recently received our permanent residency after 23 years in Israel. We so much appreciate Mike’s representation of us.
Priscilla Moses
competent consulting, fast processing, reliable, warm & good team. highly recommended
Michael Soffer
I would like to recommend Attorney Yehuda Elcharar. He assisted both me and my company in a complex lawsuit. He handled negotiations that led to a favorable outcome much quicker than expected.
I am extremely pleased with choosing Attorney Elcharar. Many thanks also to the office team, Oz and Chaya, for their assistance throughout the entire process.
Thanks again ????
Sergei m Vashkevich
We came to Mr. Joshua with so many questions (and most of all, with so many concerns and worries) …
When we explained our case to him, first of all, he calmed us down and helped us to see the big picture, which took away our fears;
Then he presented us with a detailed explanation and a few options to explore, and a timeline, how things work and necessary steps to undertake on our part,
We thank and highly recommend Mr. Joshua for showing us so much empathy, care and professionalism (!)
Eden Weiss
Extrmely friendly, professional and helpful. A big thank you to Irina especially from the Jerusalem office. Highly Recommended.
Tomer Hila Birnbach
I received a recommendation from friends about the firm, and indeed every word is correct, a service team, professional, welcoming, a fair price for the work I requested, I am satisfied
Israel iluz
We were very satisfied with the service of Nehama. She was very professional in all her dealings and kept us informed all the way.
We highly recommend this law firm. They proved to be reliable, efficient and pleasant to work with.
Lilian Granovsky
I can highly recommend these services!
Every time we turned to Joshua we always got a professional quick and helpful respond.
Adi Katina
Great Team. With no doubt, this office is actually thee best-leading office in Israel. Simply put, if you want your case to win, just join them, hand in your documents, and celebrate the victory.
Kindest regards,
Adi k.
Paul Prince
The team of lawyers and assistants are incredibly professional. Aiming to give their clients the advice possible regarding the normative and the law of Israel. With well trained and professional secretary at the front desk to the lawyers team, I could say that I had one of the most professional services possible. I'm super glad of choosing Joshua Pex of Law office for immigration solution, lawyers to advise in my case, to me, it is remarkable.
Arielle Bosch
Incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, accessible, and evident across the board that they truly care about the people they are helping. They are quick to respond, engaged, and obviously top-notch lawyers. I couldn't recommend them highly enough. Thank you, Joshua and Itamar for your help with our Joint Life Application. You were a calming energy during a storm - always breathed a sigh of relief after speaking with you. It is so difficult to get straight answers from the Misrad Hapnim, but you guys are straight shooters. I appreciate your candor and evident integrity. Hope to work with you in the future, and will send everyone I know in need of legal aid your way. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Marce Ruth St. Rey
Party time in the heart, my beloved husband received his residence after so much time of battles and faith. Gratitude, God has blessed us with wonderful beings who have accompanied us, including a "precious angel" who touched our hearts, our excellent and fantastic lawyer: Maria Chernin Dekel, sweet and wonderful human being, who has guided us and stayed On our side. side in this intense legal transit whom we bless on every occasion. God bless you dear Maria, you have exceeded your professional duty by containing us and collaborating with us in hard times, very hard, for that we want to thank you publicly, you are unique!!!
We bless and thank the entire team at Decker Pex Tal Ofir Law Firm.
Dongdiet & Nellie
We are very happy with the services. Somehow they managed to translate the law lingo into language we actually understand 😉 and their outstanding YouTube videos helped us to have a better grasp of what process we had to go through. Their patience, clear explanation and experience are very valuable. It's also very nice to know that you will receive response promptly; it made us feel we can really trust their services. We recommend all those looking for immigration lawyers to get in touch.
Genaan Abdelall
I cannot recommend Nechama enough! Her expertise, professionalism, and dedication to her clients is unparalleled. From the moment I reached out to her, she provided clear and concise communication, and helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease.
Throughout the entire process, Nechama went above and beyond to ensure that I was informed and comfortable with every decision. She demonstrated a deep knowledge of the law, and was able to offer sound advice that ultimately led to a positive outcome.
What sets Nechama apart is her compassionate and empathetic approach to her clients. She truly cares about the well-being of her clients, and it shows in the way she handles every case.
If you are in need of a lawyer, I highly recommend Nechama.
Yossi Montrose
Very knowledgeable and professional
Dumitrascu Cristina
Best lawyer house from Israel! I couldn’t dealt with my situation without their professionalism and effectiveness. Their dedication to every legal aspect and their drive it’s how a true lawyer house can be!
Working in European market and international now, I couldn’t dare to let myself wide my wings on countries unknown to me. Definitely they’ll be the lawyers representing me, my business at every international aspect and on personal development.
When you hear Decker,Pex,Ofir &Co, you hear 10+ class services, luxurious professionals, confidentiality and exclusive attention to your needs.
Sveta Vashkevich
We (myself and my husband) came to Mr. Joshua Pex – for his professional advice – and we received such human warmth and caring attitude, that our hearts melted …
His attention to our details and our situation peculiarities, combined with his professionalism and knowledge, helped us to map out what needs to be done on our part: we appreciate and recommend You, Mr. Joshua!
Gáspár Erőss
If you need to solve any complicated legal issue in Israel, don't hesitate to contact them. Otherwise you will loose hours/days/weeks with things that they can solve in minutes. They helped me to obtain my expert working visa in Israel and even after that they responded further questions and gave me advices related to administrative issues in Israel which saved me a lot of time. Irena Rosenberg and Michael Decker worked on my case, they are very professional and helpful. They will not let you down, feel free to contact them.
Over 200,000 Israelis are eligible for an Austrian passport under the new legislation. This article provides a clear summary of who is eligible and what categories are required for eligibility according to the legislation. In the past, Israelis have faced significant hurdles in obtaining Austrian citizenship, but with the new amendments, acquiring an Austrian passport no longer depends on fulfilling various obligations, as we explain in detail below.
Our office provides comprehensive service to descendants of Holocaust survivors who suffered under Third Reich rule over Austria. We are committed to taking on only cases based on adequate proof, and we have a high success rate in applications submitted for citizenship.
Eligibility for acquiring an Austrian passport
Under the revised legislation, descendants of Jews who suffered in Austria during the Third Reich are authorized to apply for Austrian citizenship. This applies to someone who was an Austrian citizen and left after 1933, and/or a resident who was not permitted to take out Austrian citizenship due to anti-Semitic policies.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, tens of thousands of Eastern European Jews resided in Vienna but were prevented from becoming naturalized as citizens. Today the Austrian parliament recognizes them and their descendants as victims of persecution, as long as they left the Austrian state between 1933 and 1955.
In fact we are talking about subjects who came to live in Vienna from Eastern European countries that were ruled until 1918 by the Austro-Hungarian empire. This includes many countries, among them Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. The large-scale immigration began in the 1860s, during the period when the Austrian empire changed its name to Austro-Hungary, and thus expanded its territory on the continent thanks to the political unification.
However, the wave of Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe continued after 1918, when the Austro-Hungarian empire disintegrated and tens of thousands more refugees made their way towards Vienna. This was because antisemitism was still legal in the eastern part of the continent.
From that year, the country of Austria as we know it was formed, with the borders we are familiar with. Therefore, when we talk about someone leaving Austria, we are referring only to the country, not the Austro-Hungarian empire which existed up to 1918.
Who is eligible to receive Austrian citizenship and who is not?
If one of your direct relatives emigrated to Austria from one of the countries mentioned above, and also left the country of Austria between the years 1933 and 1955, that means you are eligible. It is worth noting that the intention here is leaving because of fear of persecution by the Nazi party.
However, it is important to note one crucial point. If someone was indicted for severe financial crimes, severe violations of the law or taking part in any terrorist activity or attempt to bring down democracy in Austria, that person may not apply for citizenship.
Preliminary documents for submitting the application
Like any legal practice that takes several years (between one and two years on average), the process of naturalization requires going through stages which will eventually lead to the goal – receiving citizenship. To officially begin the process, the first thing required is indisputable proof. This means proof demonstrating your direct relative’s connection to the country of Austria between the years in question. This is some old official document demonstrating a legal tie to the country. For example: an old passport, identity card, academic diploma, etc. If you do not possess such a document, you can enlist the help of genealogists hired by our office. Of course, use of this service adds something to the cost of the process of obtaining citizenship.
However, in most cases we manage to locate the required documents. This is due to efficient preservation of population data by the Austrian authorities over many years. As a result, it is often possible to find out whether relatives were killed in the country and if so, when.
Since serving in the IDF is mandatory for every Jewish citizen in Israel, the Austrian authorities understand that it would be unrealistic to reject candidates on the basis of mandatory army service. Therefore, for those who served in the IDF in mandatory service, this is no obstacle to obtaining citizenship. As noted, this is due to the law requiring such service in Israel.
However, the restriction is in force for those currently serving as career soldiers. To go a little more into detail – like a number of European countries, Austria does not permit Israeli citizens who are currently serving voluntarily to apply for citizenship. The reason cited is risks that could harm democracy in Austria and/or pose a risk to the public.
However, the last section has a qualification. Any candidate who served in the past in voluntary service, as a volunteer, student-soldier (Atuda’i) or as a career soldier, but is not currently serving, is legally eligible to submit an application.
The same applies for those who served in the past in a foreign army, on an educational track or in reserve duty (in this case, relevant for the present as well), these categories of service pose no obstacle, and under the new reform, such candidates are also eligible for Austrian citizenship.
What is the law regarding children of career soldiers?
In contrast to their parents, children and grandchildren of Israelis currently serving as career soldiers can apply for and receive citizenship under the law.
Acquiring an Austrian passport – a summary
We are talking about an extraordinary opportunity for hundreds of thousands to get a European passport under extremely convenient conditions. For your information, Jews with a family background from the time Nazi Germany took over the area are not required to renounce their current citizenship, live in Austria, take complicated tests, or undergo a complicated interview in German.
The truth is that the Austrian government is removing all existing obstacles and putting out a red carpet for those persecuted by the Nazi regime and their descendants, enabling them to receive European citizenship. This is part of a process of remedying an historic injustice. We recommend taking advantage of this window of opportunity and not delaying in submitting the application; given the tens of thousands of applications already waiting, the Austrians might decide to make things more difficult. It’s possible that in the near future they will initiate restrictions that will prevent you from getting an Austrian passport via the convenient process that is currently in place.
Contact us
Get Austrian citizenship at the law offices for emigration to Austria, Decker, Pex, Levi, Rosenberg and Co. Our office has a diverse department of German speakers who are experts in obtaining German and/or Austrian citizenship. To check your eligibility, contact us and we will be happy to help you figure out if you are eligible or not.
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