British Citizenship Through Ancestry
Austria is famous for stunning mountain ranges and is the birthplace of one of Western music’s most famous prodigies. But it also bears the stories of millions of families who left under impossible circumstances.
If your grandparents or great-grandparents were Austrian citizens, especially if they lost their status under persecution or emigration, Austrian law may now allow you to reclaim that lost citizenship.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
2 ways
Language requirement?
No!
European Access, Backed by Family Roots
Austrian citizenship gives you the right to live, work, study, and retire across the EU. But it’s also a legal recognition of your family’s story, restoring a connection that history disrupted.
Why Does United Kingdom Offer Citizenship by Descent?
Austria’s citizenship law allows people to reclaim nationality that was lost during a difficult chapter in history. Between 1938 and 1955, many individuals (especially those affected by Nazi persecution or who supported democratic Austria) fled the country and lost their citizenship.
Today, their direct descendants can apply for Austrian citizenship through a simplified declaration process. This law makes it possible to restore a legal connection to Austria without giving up your current citizenship.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible if you can answer yes to all of the following:
- Was a grandparent or great-grandparent an Austrian citizen?
- Did they leave Austria before May 15, 1955?
- Did your ancestor leave Austria because of Nazi persecution or support for democratic Austria?
Not sure if this applies to your family story? Take the assessment to see if you’re eligible.
Want to find if you are eligible for British Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to British Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for citizenship by descent?
You may be eligible for Austrian citizenship by descent if at least one of your parents was an Austrian citizen at the time of your birth. In most cases, citizenship is passed automatically from parent to child, regardless of where the child is born. However, specific rules may apply depending on the parent’s gender and whether the parents were married at the time of birth (especially for births before 1983).
Can I apply if my grandparent was Austrian?
If your grandparent was an Austrian citizen, you might be eligible, especially if your parent (their child) also retained or was eligible for citizenship. For those applying under the Nazi persecution exemption, grandparent lineage is sufficient. Each case is evaluated based on the exact family history and legal context.
How difficult is it to obtain Austrian citizenship?
Austrian citizenship by descent or restitution is relatively straightforward if you meet the eligibility criteria and can provide the required documentation. However, Austrian citizenship through naturalization (e.g. residency) is known to be one of the more difficult in Europe, requiring 10 years of residence, language proficiency, and renunciation of your previous citizenship (with limited exceptions).
Can I claim Austrian citizenship through my great-grandparents?
Generally, Austrian citizenship by descent only extends to children and sometimes grandchildren. Great-grandparent links are not sufficient under regular descent laws. However, if your great-grandparent was persecuted by the Nazi regime, you might be eligible under the restitution path, especially if you can prove direct lineage and persecution.
What is the easiest way to get Austrian citizenship?
Austria generally does not allow dual citizenship. However, there are notable exemptions, such as: Individuals obtaining citizenship under the restitution law for Nazi persecution victims and their descendants, children born with dual citizenship and pecial permissions granted in rare cases by the Austrian government.
Can I hold dual citizenship with Austria?
For those with Austrian ancestry, the descent or restitution pathways are the most accessible. The restitution route, in particular, waives many standard requirements such as residency, language tests, and renunciation of current citizenship.
Can descendants of persecuted individuals apply for Austrian citizenship?
Yes. Austria allows descendants of individuals who were persecuted by the Nazi regime (between 1933 and 1945) to apply for citizenship under a special restitution law. This includes children, grandchildren, and in some cases, great-grandchildren of those who lost or had to flee Austria due to persecution. There are no language or residency requirements under this exemption.
How can Citizenship.EU help me obtain Austrian citizenship by descent?
Citizenship.EU specializes in researching family ancestry, verifying eligibility, and managing the complex documentation and legal requirements for citizenship applications. For Austria, we can help to etermine if you’re eligible under descent or restitution laws and more.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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