Citizenship — Aufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 · Austria

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at Aufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 / Bezirkshauptmannschaft) (migration.gv.at), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Meldeamt der Gemeinde / Magistrat (oesterreich.gv.at) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Bezirksgericht — Amtstag / Verfahrenshilfe (justiz.gv.at) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstAufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 / Bezirkshauptmannschaft)

Report toMeldeamt der Gemeinde / Magistrat

If that failsBezirksgericht — Amtstag / Verfahrenshilfe

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in Austria since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. Aufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 / Bezirkshauptmannschaft)'s site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
Collect proofRegistration history from Meldeamt der Gemeinde / Magistrat, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
Apply at Aufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 / Bezirkshauptmannschaft)Fee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Bezirksgericht — Amtstag / Verfahrenshilfe helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

Aufenthaltsbehörde (MA 35 / Bezirkshauptmannschaft)Residence permits, citizenshipFor residence and citizenship🔗 www.migration.gv.at

Meldeamt der Gemeinde / MagistratRegistration, registration certificateWithin 3 days of moving in🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/dokumente_und_recht/an__ab__und_ummeldung.html

Bezirksgericht — Amtstag / VerfahrenshilfeFree legal information on court open days, legal aidWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.justiz.gv.at/service/verfahrenshilfe

VolksanwaltschaftComplaints about authorities, freeWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly📞 0800 223 223 🔗 volksanwaltschaft.gv.at

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Austria before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“apply citizenship Austria”
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