One of the safest and most pleasant nations in the European Union in Austria. The acquisition of a passport is a goal for many people. Candidates must be financially stable, well-qualified professionals, and ambitious. Travel throughout the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland is free for Austrian passport holders.
Eligibility for the passport
An Austrian passport may only be obtained by Austrian citizens. Austrian citizenship can be obtained in a variety of ways:
By descent
Austrian citizenship is automatically conferred on children of Austrian citizens. If the kid’s mother or father is an Austrian citizen but the other parent is not, then the child will also be granted Austrian citizenship.
By naturalization
Citizenship is available to anyone who has been in Austria continuously for 10 years, at least five of which were spent with a valid residence permit. They must first meet further financial, physical, and character conditions before being qualified to apply.
By entitlement
Some persons could receive Austrian citizenship through entitlement. Citizenship in Austria may be conferred to spouses of Austrian citizens who have been wed for five years or longer and have resided in Austria for at least six years with a Settlement Permit. 30 years of residence in Austria may also qualify a person for eligibility for citizenship. A person may also be given nationality if they have been assigned to a professorship at an Austrian university or another higher education institution in Austria. Former Austrian citizens who had their citizenship revoked for causes other than renunciation or deprivation may also be entitled to re-acquisition of Austrian citizenship. But before they can be qualified, they must have resided in Austria for at least a year.
By award
Depending on the decision of the competent authorities, you can qualify for citizenship by the award. However, before becoming citizens, such individuals must meet all naturalization procedures.
Investment-based citizenship in Austria
In Austria, a unique scheme of rapid citizenship acquisition for rich foreigners has been in operation for more than 20 years. The requirements allow one to contribute significantly to the economy of the nation and, after 12 to 18 months, get an Austrian passport. Both permanent residence in Austria and German language proficiency are not prerequisites.
Obtaining passport
You can apply for a passport once you have obtained Austrian citizenship. To apply for a passport, you need to make an appointment with the passport office. The following documents must accompany the application:
- completed birth certificate application (original and copy)
- citizenship certificate (original and copy)
- evidence of other citizenship (original and copy)
- evidence of current address following regional requirements (not older than 4 weeks)
- one current passport photo that is no older than six months and complies with the photo requirements
- a marriage license (if applicable)
- divorce judgments from prior unions (if applicable).
The requirements for obtaining an Austrian passport
All applicants for the passports must fulfill the following requirements:
Material constancy
All home costs must be covered by financial revenue. You will have to present evidence of your income and financial responsibility over the last six years.
Zero criminal history
Candidates must not have a criminal history, including any court cases, penalties, etc.
Residency permit
The applicant must have a current residence visa and not be barred from entering or have ever been expulsed from Switzerland or the European Union.
Respect for the nation
Applicants must have a high level of integration into national life as well as respect for Austria and a good attitude toward the nation’s foreign and domestic policies.
Language proficiency
Candidates must be at least B1 or B2 level native speakers of the state language. A certificate is required to attest to the language competency level. At the B1 level of language proficiency, documentation of three years of voluntary service with a socially relevant organization will be needed.
Other requirements include having no connections to terrorist groups, nations that are hostile to Austria, etc., and providing documentation of citizenship renunciation. Typically, it takes 4 weeks to receive your passport. Your new passport will be destroyed if you don’t pick it up within three months.
