As a rule, no. Austria requires you to give up your old citizenship if that is possible and reasonable. Exceptions: descendants of Nazi persecution victims (§ 58c), a grant in the special interest of the Republic (§ 10(6)), and cases where renunciation is unreasonable, e.g. for recognised refugees.

Note the reverse too: an Austrian who voluntarily takes another citizenship loses the Austrian one, unless they obtained permission to retain it (Beibehaltung) beforehand.

In total at most about 20% of the period, counted back from the day of the decision: around 1 year, 2 months and 12 days for 6 years, 2 years for 10 years, 3 years for 15 years, 6 years for 30 years. Keep a list of all your trips.

Yes, as lawful residence. But with a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) you are not settled. For the 10-year route you also need 5 years with a settlement title.

Single minor administrative fines don’t usually lead to rejection. What matters are serious offences committed more than once, such as drink- or drug-driving, driving without a licence, undeclared work or breaches of immigration law, and of course criminal convictions. The authority looks at each case individually.

The law counts income from work, maintenance and insurance benefits (e.g. unemployment benefit, pension). Childcare benefit (Kinderbetreuungsgeld) in the last 6 months before applying counts as sufficient. Social assistance (Sozialhilfe, Mindestsicherung) rules you out. What counts is the average over the 36 months you choose.

A spouse to whom the grant is extended also needs the German certificate and the test. Children under 14 are exempt; schoolchildren usually prove it with their school report.

Male Austrian citizens are liable for military service. Younger men may be called for assessment (Stellung) after naturalisation and then do military or civilian service (Zivildienst). Whether this affects you depends on your age; ask the military command of your federal state.

Document every step: application, receipt, fee, correspondence. Tell the Austrian authority before the 2-year assurance period runs out. Whether renunciation is “unreasonable” is decided case by case; get legal advice in that situation.

After 6 months without a decision you can file a complaint about delay (Säumnisbeschwerde) with the state administrative court (lodged with the authority itself). This makes sense once all your documents are in.

You can appeal (Beschwerde) to the state administrative court within 4 weeks. The deadline is stated in the notice on legal remedies (Rechtsmittelbelehrung) in the decision. You can also apply again later once you meet the requirements.

Naturalising foreign nationals generally requires residence in Austria. There are exceptions, e.g. for descendants of Nazi persecution victims (notification via the embassy) and spouses of Austrians working in the public service abroad.

As of 26 September 2026 the law still requires B1 (B2 only for the 6-year route). The government has announced a tightening. Check the current law on RIS or oesterreich.gv.at before you apply.

The right to vote in all elections, EU citizens’ rights (live and work anywhere in the EU), one of the strongest passports, access to jobs that require citizenship (e.g. police, judge) and protection from expulsion.