Our Citizenship by Descent Programmes
Two recent amendments to the Austrian Citizenship Act (in 2019 and 2022, respectively) have provided a pathway to Austrian citizenship for the descendants of victims of Nazi persecution. If you or your ancestor were persecuted due to political reasons, mental or physical handicaps, or advocacy for the Republic of Austria, you may be eligible.
What Can I Expect From Austrian Citizenship by Descent?
With historic cities, like Vienna, glorious castles and palaces and stunning views of the Alps, Austria is undoubtedly steeped in character. It also offers a high quality of life - with clean alpine air, high-quality healthcare and education and a strong economy. These are all benefits that have made an Austrian passport highly sought after worldwide. You’ll get to enjoy:
- Freedom of movement throughout the European Union (EU), and the ability to live, work and study anywhere in the EU or EFTA nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein).
- Access to affordable healthcare, education, and investment vehicles only open to European citizens.
- No citizenship-based taxation – unless you physically live and work in the country, you’re not subject to Austrian income tax.
- Austrian citizenship by descent, once acquired, can be passed on to children and spouses.
- Strong economy – with a stable democracy and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Discover the freedom to travel the world, visa-free.
Get Started »
Austria Citizenship-by-Descent Requirements
What are the Austrian citizenship Requirements for Descendants of Victims of Nazi Persecution?
Your ancestor holds or held Austrian citizenship or citizenship of one of the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, the Kingdom of the Slovenes, Croats and Serbs, and Poland), or was a stateless person.
Your ancestor had: · His or her primary residence in Austria before 15 May 1955 and fled from Austria · Or, if he or she holds or held Austrian citizenship, had not had his or her primary residence in Austria between 30 January 1933 and 9 May 1945.
Your ancestor had reason to fear, or had suffered, persecution by organs of the NSDAP (Nationalsozialistische deutsche Arbeiterpartei – the National Socialist German Workers’ Party) or authorities of the German Reich.
You’re in the direct line of ancestry to a victim of Nazi persecution – i.e., a son/daughter, adopted child, grandson/granddaughter, great grandson/great granddaughter, etc.)
Discover the freedom to travel the world, visa-free.
Get Started »Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Austrian Citizenship by Descent
For the Austrian-citizenship-for-the-descendants-of-victims-of-Nazi-persecution programme, you’ll need to gather various vital, historical, and genealogical records. This will allow you to recreate your family tree and show evidence of your ancestor’s fear of or actual experience of persecution by the Nazi regime. It’s important to note that lots of evidence that could help you complete your Austrian citizenship by ancestry application can be retrieved from the relevant Austrian archives.
How Long Does it Take to Get Austrian Citizenship
Normally, it takes between four and six months. Once you are a newly recognised citizen you’ll be able to apply for your Austrian passport at your local Austrian consulate.
Is Austrian Dual Citizenship by Descent Allowed?
Yes, Austria allows dual citizenship, but only in the case of descendants of victims of Nazi persecution.
However, in almost all other cases, Austrian dual citizenship is not permitted.
Is the Application Process for Austrian Citizenship by Descent for Jewish Individuals Any Different?
No, there's no difference in the application process.
If you can show your ancestor was a victim of Nazi persecution, and you meet the other pieces of criteria, you'll be eligible - whether you're of Jewish or non-Jewish heritage.
Are There Any Language Exams or Residency Requirements?
There are no history or language exams, and no residency requirements for those seeking Austrian citizenship via the citizenship for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution route.