For Austrian families seeking restitution for historical injustices, as well as those looking to reconnect with their heritage, Austrian citizenship stands as a meaningful way to reestablish ties with their family history. Many families in such situations often wonder whether their children qualify for ancestral citizenship in Austria and how the process works under Austrian law.
This guide explains why citizenship for children matters, the pathways to Austrian Citizenship by Descent, how the application process works, how it aligns with the broader citizenship principles of the European Union, and answers to common questions.
The Importance of Citizenship for Children
In addition to acquiring citizenship and earning the right to an Austrian passport, Austrian citizenship by descent also opens the door for children to access various European Union citizenship rights, including:
- The right to live and move within the EU without being discriminated against based on nationality.
- The right to access healthcare anywhere in the EU.
- The right to move to and reside in other EU nations.
- Access to more affordable education fees across European universities.
Additionally, the process of obtaining Austrian citizenship helps families reconnect with their European roots and ensures that future generations can continue to benefit from these rights and freedoms.
How Do Children Acquire Austrian Citizenship Through Lineage?
The Austrian Citizenship Law was amended in 2019 to acknowledge the country’s historical responsibility to those persecuted under the National Socialist Regime and their descendants. The provisions were expanded again in 2022. Children of certain Austrian nationals can acquire Austrian citizenship by submitting a declaration as direct descendants of an Austrian who was persecuted during World War II.
This process, regulated under Austrian Citizenship Law, has been widely supported by the Austrian Parliament and continues to reflect the state’s ongoing commitment to recognizing heritage, justice, and restitution.
Citizenship as Descendants of Persecuted Ancestors
The Austrian Citizenship Act outlines that persecuted persons and their descendants can obtain Austrian citizenship through “Anzeige” (declaration) without having to relinquish their current nationality. Since the amendments occurred in the past five years, more than 37,000 individuals have successfully received an Austrian citizenship certificate confirming their Austrian nationality.
To qualify for citizenship by descent, a child’s ancestor must have faced persecution or feared persecution from the National Socialist Regime (National Socialist German Workers’ Party – NSDAP) or authorities of the German Reich. Descendants of those who supported the democratic Republic of Austria during that period are also eligible.
This recognition by the Austrian Parliament underscores Austria’s efforts to repair historical injustices and preserve national identity
Who Counts as a “Persecuted Person”
According to the amended Austrian Citizenship Law, qualifying “persecuted” persons include individuals who:
- Went abroad as Austrian citizens, citizens of one of the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, or as stateless persons with their main residence in the federal territory of Austria prior to May 15, 1955, on the basis of fearing persecution
- Lost their Austrian citizenship prior to leaving the country due to acquiring a foreign citizenship through marriage
- Were Austrian citizens and did not have their main residence in Austria from January 30, 1933, to May 9, 1945, on the basis of fearing persecution if they returned to or entered Austria for the first time
- Were Austrian citizens who died because of persecution or were deported abroad prior to May 9, 1945
- Were nationals of one of the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy or had their main residence in the federal territory of Austria and died because of persecution or were deported abroad before May, 9, 1945
These categories ensure that families of those affected can rightfully reclaim Austrian nationality through legal recognition by Austrian authorities.
Exceptions
Note that applicants cannot file a declaration for citizenship as descendants if they already held Austrian citizenship at one point and lost it after May 1, 2022, when acquiring a foreign nationality (unless unaware of their Austrian status at the time).
This safeguard ensures clarity of status and protects individuals seeking dual citizenship under Austrian law.
Most Distant Ancestor
An alien can acquire Austrian citizenship by descent if they are a direct descendant, meaning a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of an Austrian ancestor. This includes children who were adopted while minors.
Austrian Citizenship for Children: How to Apply
Once you’ve determined your child’s eligibility for Austrian citizenship by descent, the next step is to locate the competent authority that handles applications where your child lives, gather documents, and submit a declaration for citizenship.
Find Your Relevant Competent Authority in Austria or Abroad
If your child lives in Austria, their application will be handled by Austria’s provincial government of the municipality in which they live.
If your child lives abroad, though, applications go through the Austrian diplomatic mission in their jurisdiction (Austrian consulate offices or the Austrian consulate general in the applicant’s jurisdiction). For instance, in the United States, the Austrian consulate general in New York and Los Angeles, or the Embassy of Austria in Washington, D.C., serve as key points of contact for applicants.
Gather Required Documents
When applying for Austrian citizenship, you will need to submit documentation proving direct lineage to your Austrian ancestor.
This includes:
- Birth and marriage certificates;
- Acknowledgement of paternity (or judicial declaration of paternity);
- adoption certificates (if applicable);
- documents showing name change (if applicable).
All documents must comply with the standards of Austrian authorities, often requiring translation, legalization, or apostille certification.
Applicants may also be asked to provide additional evidence before issuance of their Austrian citizenship certificate.
Decisions and Appeals
If your application for Austrian citizenship is approved, you will receive a formal decision or “Bescheid” issued by the competent Austrian provincial government.
If your application is denied, you have a right to appeal the decision within 4 weeks of receiving it, as outlined in the Austrian General Administrative Procedures Act.
This review ensures that all applications are handled fairly and transparently under Austrian law.
Apply for Passports
Once your declaration is approved, you can apply for an Austrian passport. The passport application does not typically require resubmitting previously verified documents.
Holding both an Austrian passport and another nationality is permitted in many cases, as dual citizenship is increasingly recognized under modern interpretations of Austrian law and international agreements within the European Union.
For more detailed step-by-step information on applying for Austrian lineage citizenship, check out our complete guide.
FAQ – Common Questions About Austrian Citizenship by Descent
Do both parents have to sign the declaration for a minor?
Yes. Both parents must sign the declaration form for a minor child or else the second parent or guardian must express a written declaration of consent with a copy of the declarant’s passport.
How long does it take to get a decision on citizenship?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly the Austrian authorities can verify lineage and supporting documentation.
What are the successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy?
Successor states of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy include Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia.
Can my child acquire citizenship if they already hold multiple nationalities?
Yes, Austrian law allows dual citizenship in cases of descent-based applications. Note, however, that in some countries, you can lose your citizenship status if you gain foreign citizenship elsewhere.
Can adopted children qualify?
Yes. Adopted children can qualify for lineage citizenship if they were adopted as minors.
Reconnecting Generations Through Austrian Citizenship
Acquiring Austrian citizenship is more than a legal process; it represents reconnection to family roots, European identity, and the enduring values of democracy.
The Austrian government continues to uphold its moral and historical duty to descendants of those affected by the National Socialist Regime, ensuring that restitution and recognition remain accessible through clear legal pathways.
Through the efforts of the Austrian Parliament and Austrian Citizenship Law reforms, today’s descendants can secure their rightful place within the European Union, enjoy the protections of Austrian nationality, and carry forward their heritage for future generations.
Getting Started
If you want to kickstart your journey to reconnecting your family with its Austrian heritage, you can determine your child’s eligibility for Austrian ancestral citizenship with our assessment.
Our service packages provide you with expert guidance on the application process, and we have a proven track record of helping thousands of people achieve EU citizenship.
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