Restitution of Austrian Citizenship (§ 58c)

Eligibility is based on the history of a "persecuted ancestor." You must be able to demonstrate that your ancestor met specific criteria regarding their residence, the timing of their departure, and the reason for their flight.

1. The Persecuted Ancestor

The ancestor (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.) must have met the following conditions:

• Status: They were an Austrian citizen, a citizen of a successor state of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (e.g., Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Yugoslavia), or stateless.
• Residence: They had their principal residence within the current borders of the Republic of Austria.
• Departure Window:
  • Austrian Citizens: Must have left Austria before May 15, 1955, due to fear or actual persecution by the NSDAP (Nazi Party) or Third Reich authorities, or for supporting the democratic Republic of Austria.
  • Successor State Citizens/Stateless Persons: Must have been forced to leave between January 30, 1933, and May 15, 1955.
• Historical Context: The 2022 amendment specifically expanded this to include those who lived in Austria but held citizenship of other former Austro-Hungarian territories, ensuring that those who were "Austrian" in every sense but legal paperwork are included.

2. Direct Descendants

You qualify if you are a direct descendant of a person meeting the above criteria. This includes:

• Biological children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and further generations.
• Children adopted as minors.
• Note: There is no requirement for the ancestor to have maintained Austrian citizenship until your birth; the right to claim citizenship "skips" generations to reach you today.

Disqualifications

You may be ineligible if you have been convicted of serious crimes (such as terrorism or organized crime), are considered a threat to public order, or have a documented relationship with extremist groups.