Eligibility Quiz
Was your ancestor a victim of the National Socialist regime who left Austria before May 15, 1955, due to persecution or fear of it?
Application Process
The method for claiming Austrian citizenship depends on whether you are confirming a citizenship you already hold by birth or applying for restitution as a descendant of a victim of National Socialism.
Standard Track: Confirming Citizenship by Birth
If you were born to an Austrian parent and meet the eligibility criteria based on your birth year and your parents' marital status, you are likely already a citizen. You do not "apply" for citizenship; rather, you apply for a Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis (Certificate of Nationality) to prove it.
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm your parent was an Austrian citizen at the exact time of your birth. If they naturalized in another country before you were born, they likely lost their Austrian citizenship, and you did not inherit it.
- Paternity Acknowledgement (If applicable): If you were born to an unmarried Austrian father after August 1, 2013, ensure he has signed an Anerkenntnis der Vaterschaft (acknowledgement of paternity) or had paternity determined by a court within 8 weeks of your birth.
- Submit Application: If you live abroad, contact your nearest Austrian Embassy or Consulate. If you live in Austria, apply at your local Landesregierung (Provincial Government) office.
- Provide Documentation: You must submit your birth certificate, your parents' marriage certificate, and proof of your parent's Austrian citizenship at the time of your birth (such as their own Certificate of Nationality or a valid passport from that era).
Restitution Track: Section 58c (Nazi Victim Descendants)
This is a notification process for direct descendants of those persecuted by the Nazi regime. Under this track, you are exempt from renouncing your current citizenship.
- Check Eligibility: Use the official online questionnaire provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if your ancestor's circumstances qualify.
- Gather Ancestral Proof: Collect documents linking you to the persecuted ancestor (birth and marriage certificates for every generation). You also need evidence that your ancestor lived in Austria and departed before May 15, 1955, due to fear or actual persecution.
- Research Records: If you lack proof of your ancestor's departure or residence, contact the National Fund of the Republic of Austria for assistance with historical records.
- Submit the Declaration: Complete the "Declaration" form and submit it to your local Austrian diplomatic mission. Most applications from abroad are processed by Municipal Department 35 (MA 35) in Vienna.
- Wait for Notification: The authorities will review your file. If approved, you will be notified to collect your citizenship documents.
Fees
The cost of the process depends entirely on which track you are following. The Restitution Track is specifically designed to be accessible and carries no government processing fees.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Section 58c (Restitution) Application | Free |
| Standard Track Application Fee | €14.30 |
| Certificate of Nationality (Federal Fee) | €50.00 |
| Certified Translations | Varies (approx. €30–€100 per page) |
| Apostilles/Legalization | Varies by issuing country |
Total Estimate: For the Standard Track, expect to pay approximately €65–€80 in government fees. For the Restitution Track, government fees are €0.
Note: These totals do not include the costs of obtaining original vital records from other countries, professional translation services for non-English/German documents, or postage.
Processing Time
Processing times are currently affected by high demand and administrative backlogs in Vienna.
- Standard Track: A straightforward claim for a Certificate of Nationality typically takes 1 to 3 months, provided all ancestral links are clearly documented.
- Restitution Track (Section 58c): While official estimates suggest 6 to 12 months, the current high volume of applications means most applicants should expect a wait of 12 to 24 months.
- Document Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of the process. Most vital records (birth/marriage certificates) do not "expire" for this process, but they must be original or certified copies.
Note: If the authorities request additional information (Verbesserungsauftrag), provide it as quickly as possible, as these requests can significantly restart your waiting period.