Austrian Citizenship for Victims and Direct Descendants of the Nazi Persecution
The Austrian Citizenship Law allows Victims of the Holocaust and their direct descendants to apply for Austrian citizenship.
The latest Austria Citizenship Law amendment, which came into force on the 1st of September 2020, has now extended its law to include an additional ten years in history. The Law now states that eligibility for acquiring Austrian Citizenship is extended to victims’ descendants if their direct ancestors had fled Austria before 1955 (previously before May 1945). Dependents include son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great-grandson, great-granddaughter, etc.
This Law has been effectively approved and enacted as part of Austria’s route in taking action to recognize the country’s responsibility in history. Additionally, the country is taking initiative for reconcilement and showing respect to Holocaust survivors and their descendants who suffered under, and due to, the Nazi rule in Austria.
Legal Basis
The Austrian Parliament passed legislation that amended the Austrian Citizenship Act (Österreichisches Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz, StbG) by introducing § 58c para. 1a.
Key Facts
Citizenship for Holocaust victims
Preparation of application: 1-4 months
Government processing time: ca. 3-6 months
Visa free travel: 187 countries and territories
No government fees and low legal fees
Benefits of Austrian Citizenship
EU Passport
An Austrian Passport is an EU passport, providing you with all of its benefits
Live & Work
Freedom to live, work, and set up business in any of the EU country member states
Travel
Visa-free travel access or visa on arrival to 187 countries with an Austrian Passport
Quality of Life
Live in the 9th Happiest Country in the World according to the World Happiness Report 2020
Austrian Citizenship Application Requirements
A Citizenship application must be filled in and signed, including a detailed history of the Holocaust survivor’s identity (nationality, residence, military-involvement, career) and their time in Austria;
A current valid passport;
The applicant’s birth certificate;
Proof of foreign citizenship and its acquisition;
Official foreign birth certificate and marriage certificate (where applicable) along with any proof of a change of name (in the case of marriage, divorce, adoption, etc);
Proof of emigration from Austria including date;
Proof of Austrian citizenship prior to emigration;
Official documents to prove the applicant’s connection to Austria.
Benefits of Austrian Citizenship Law for Victims and Direct Descendants of the Nazi Persecution
All government citizenship application fees for this Law are waived;
Individuals are not required to revoke any existing citizenship (on every other occasion Austria restricts dual citizenship);
Passports are granted without the need to reside in Austria;
The Law applies to both Jews and non-Jews. Victims and descendants, according to the law, can be any person who suffered due to the Nazi Persecution in Austria - this includes physically or mentally disabled individuals, Sinti and Roma peoples, and non-heterosexual individuals;
The Law now also grants citizenship to descendants of Austrian mothers;
Individuals who lived in Austria until the 15th of May 1955 and were citizens of the former Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (comprising modern-day Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Bosnia, and parts of Poland, Ukraine, Italy, Romania, Moldova, and Serbia and Montenegro) or stateless are also entitled to claim Austrian citizenship.
Our Guidance & Assistance
Through our dedicated experience in the field and building our dependable network over the years, we are confident in our abilities to successfully guide and support you through Citizenship and Residency programs.
Citizen Lane respects every client’s unique situation and will be able to discuss details in confidence. We will provide you with comprehensive advice and find the appropriate solution for you and/or your family. Visit us at our offices located in Malta, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, or contact us by phone/email/contact form. Our team is ready to arrange a WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom call with you.
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