Ancestry / Descent in Austria
2 documented routes of this kind in Austria, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Citizenship by Descent (ius sanguinis)
Determination of Austrian citizenship acquired by descent from an Austrian parent, evidenced by a Certificate of Citizenship (Staatsbuergerschaftsnachweis).
- Processing time
- Varies by province/consulate
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- None
- Citizenship
- Acquired at birth by operation of law; certificate obtained on application
Requirements
- Descent from an Austrian citizen parent under the rules in force at birth
- Documentary chain linking applicant to the Austrian parent
Required Documents
- Applicant's birth certificate required
- Austrian parent's birth/citizenship certificate required
- Parents' marriage certificate
Official fees
- Certificate fee (state-set, typically under EUR 100)
Process Steps
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1
Gather documents
Assemble the birth/marriage/citizenship documentary chain.
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2
Apply
Apply at the provincial citizenship office or, from abroad, via the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA).
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3
Receive certificate
Receive the Certificate of Citizenship.
Official Sources
Citizenship for Victims of Nazi Persecution and Their Descendants (StbG section 58c)
Acquisition by declaration (Anzeige) for descendants of persons persecuted by the Nazi regime; no fee, no residence requirement, no renunciation of existing citizenship.
- Processing time
- Consular processing; varies
- Validity
- Permanent (citizenship)
- Language requirement
- None
- Citizenship
- By declaration; in force since 1 May 2022
Requirements
- Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status (Austrian/Austro-Hungarian successor nationality, or statelessness with Austrian main residence before 15 May 1955) and flight from NSDAP/Reich persecution
- Documents linking the applicant as a direct descendant
- No residence in Austria required; no renunciation of existing citizenship
Required Documents
- Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status and flight from persecution required
- Birth/marriage chain proving direct descent required
Official fees
- No fee 0 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Complete questionnaire
Complete the online questionnaire (German/English/Spanish/Hebrew).
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2
Contact representation
Contact the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA) for an appointment.
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3
Submit declaration
Submit the declaration plus evidence.
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4
Consular processing
Consular processing completes acquisition.