Dual Citizenship in Austria Rules and Exceptions

Dual Citizenship in Austria Rules and Exceptions Dual citizenship in Austria is generally banned. Learn about the strict rules of renunciation, legal exceptions, and the Beibehaltungsgenehmigung process. Topics: News, .

Austria remains one of the most conservative countries in Europe regarding dual citizenship. While neighbouring Germany has liberalised its laws, Austria still requires most naturalised citizens to renounce their previous passport. This guide explains the main rules, the narrow list of exceptions, and how to legally retain your original citizenship.

Main rule: Austria bans dual citizenship

Austrian citizenship law (Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz, § 25‑28) follows a strict principle of preventing multiple nationalities. When naturalising, an foreigner must renounce their previous passport (Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs, 2024). This sets Austria apart from neighbouring Germany, where most naturalised Germans have been allowed to keep a Doppelpass since 27 June 2024 (FOCUS online, 2024). Failure to comply results in automatic loss of Austrian citizenship (§ 32 StbG) without notice or court hearing.

In practice this means that obtaining an Austrian passport will cause you to lose your previous one, unless you fall under a narrow list of exceptions. The authorities keep a close eye on compliance. Nachrichten.at (2024) reported new suspected cases of illegal citizenship grants in Upper Austria, underscoring the strict enforcement.

When is dual citizenship possible: exceptions

The law provides several situations where dual citizenship is permitted in Austria:

• At birth to an Austrian parent and a foreign parent – both citizenships are automatically granted.
• Humanitarian grounds – descendants of persons persecuted by the National‑Socialist regime may receive Austrian citizenship without giving up their existing one (how2austria.com, 2024).
• Special merits to Austria, when retaining the original passport serves the republic’s interests (§ 28 para. 2).
• Refugees and asylum‑holders, for whom renouncing former citizenship is legally impossible – note that asylum status itself is not stable in Austria (see ooe.ORF.at, 2024 – revocation of asylum status for Syrian refugees).

Each case is examined individually and requires documentary proof. Austria is generally tough on naturalisation – there have even been refusals of citizenship for not accepting the national anthem (Nachrichten.at, 2024). Official statistics on the number of dual‑citizenship permits are not published, but humanitarian and family cases dominate.

EU and UK citizens: a special case

Before Brexit, British citizens enjoyed a special allowance: EU and EEA nationals could keep their original passport when naturalising in Austria. After the UK left the EU this advantage disappeared for Britons – they now fall under the general rule of renunciation.

Nationals of EU and EEA countries continue to obtain Austrian citizenship without giving up their own. This is one of the most enduring exceptions, codified in § 28 para. 1 StbG. The benefit does not extend to Russians, Ukrainians or other non‑European citizens.

Beibehaltungsgenehmigung: permission to retain citizenship

If you do not qualify for any of the above exceptions, there is still a final route: Beibehaltungsgenehmigung, an official permit to keep your previous citizenship. It is issued when:

• Renouncing the former passport is legally impossible – e.g. the country of origin will not release you from citizenship.
• Renunciation would cause unacceptable hardship such as high fees or an inability to return home.
• Retaining the citizenship serves Austrian interests, particularly in economics, science or the arts.

The permit must be obtained before applying for citizenship. Skipping this step and later acquiring a second nationality will cause automatic loss of Austrian citizenship. For detailed guidance on the naturalisation process, see our full guide for immigrants.

The principle of avoiding dual citizenship is one of the most conservative in Europe. It safeguards loyalty among citizens but is increasingly called into question by mobility and globalisation.

— Migration‑law expert, University of Vienna

Reform 2026: will Austria allow Doppelpass?

A liberalisation of the dual‑citizenship law is under active discussion in Austria for 2026. Neighbouring Germany has already taken a step: since June 2024 most naturalised Germans may retain their original passport. Austrian public opinion and leading media (Der Standard, ZEIT) are calling for a similar reform, especially for descendants of migrants and well‑integrated foreigners.

However, no comprehensive reform is expected before mid‑2026. The debate focuses on targeted relaxations – notably for descendants of persecuted Nazi victims – while the general rule remains unchanged. For up‑to‑date developments, follow the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the official text of the Staatsbürgerschaftsgesetz.

Prospects: dual citizenship in the coming years

Dual citizenship in Austria remains an exception rather than the rule. In the coming years partial reforms are likely: widening humanitarian grounds, easing conditions for integrated foreigners, and possibly mitigating Brexit consequences for British citizens. A full repeal of the ban in the German style is unlikely in the foreseeable future.

If you intend to obtain an Austrian passport while keeping your existing one, the primary advice is not to act haphazardly. Verify whether you qualify for an exception and, if necessary, obtain a Beibehaltungsgenehmigung in advance. Mistakes at this stage can cost you both passports; regaining lost citizenship is a lengthy process with no guarantees.