Austria Citizenship Exam 2026: Content, Process & Tips Austria citizenship exam 2026: What is tested? How to prepare? How much does it cost? Practice questions on history, geography and democracy. Topics: Migration, Citizenship.
Austria Citizenship Exam 2026: Content, Process & Tips
The citizenship exam is the final hurdle on the path to Austrian citizenship. Those who have lived in Austria for 10 years and meet all other requirements must still prove that they know the basics of Austrian history, geography, and democracy. In this guide you will learn what the exam covers, how to best prepare, and what costs you can expect.
What is on the citizenship exam?
The exam consists of 33 multiple-choice questions in three subject areas:
-
History and geography of Austria (18 questions)
- Austrian history from 1918 to today
- Federal states, capitals, geographic features
- Important events and personalities of Austrian history
-
Democracy and political order (10 questions)
- State structure, Federal President, National Council, Federal Council
- Fundamental rights and EU institutions
- Austrian political system in comparison
-
State knowledge (5 questions)
- Specific knowledge about the state of your main residence
- Landeshauptmann, state government, state parliament
- Regional features and traditions
Passing score: 23 out of 33 (≈ 70%)
How does the exam work?
The exam is held at one of the ÖIF locations (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds) in all states. Procedure:
- Online registration via sprachportal.at
- Personal appearance on exam day with photo ID
- 60 minutes working on the computer
- Result by email within 5 business days
The exam is computer-based — no paper questionnaires anymore. This speeds up grading and makes exam dates more flexible.
How do I prepare?
Official ÖIF materials
The ÖIF study book (€29) covers all three subject areas. The accompanying online learning platform at sprachportal.at offers:
- Free practice questions (over 500 questions)
- Interactive learning modules
- 5 mock exams with timer
- Audio material for learning on the go
Preparation courses at Volkshochschulen
Volkshochschulen (VHS) offer 4–8 week preparation courses. Cost: €80–€200. Advantages:
- Structured learning content
- Experienced trainers
- Practice exams under realistic conditions
- Exchange with other exam participants
What are the costs?
| Cost item | 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee (adults) | €252 |
| Exam fee (14–18 years) | €50 |
| Exam fee (under 14) | free |
| ÖIF study book | €29 |
| Adult education centre course | €80–200 |
| Retake (1st and 2nd attempt) | €126 (50% of regular fee) |
Who is exempt from the exam?
In the following cases you do not need to take the citizenship exam:
- Matura or higher education from an Austrian school or university
- Proven permanent learning disability (medical certificate required)
- Persons over 65 years (exam is considered unreasonable)
- Graduates of the ÖIF integration course with a passed final test (level B2)
- Spouses of Austrian citizens, if the marriage has lasted at least 5 years
What happens after the exam?
After passing the exam, submit the ÖIF confirmation together with the citizenship application to the competent Bezirkshauptmannschaft. Only after this does the state government process (12–24 months) begin.
If you fail: up to three attempts are possible. There must be at least 6 months between attempts. If you exhaust all three attempts, you must first withdraw the application and prepare more thoroughly.
How do I retake the exam?
After 6 months from the failed attempt, you can register again online at sprachportal.at. Recommendation: before the retake, plan at least 20 hours of additional preparation and specifically address the weaknesses of your first attempt (which topics were answered incorrectly? which question formats are unclear?).
Related topics and official sources
Related guides on how2austria.com
- Austria Citizenship: Complete Guide 2026 — the complete naturalization process from requirements to granting.
- Austria Residence Permits: Types, Requirements & Application — those who don’t yet have 10 years of residence start here.
- Teacher Salary in Austria — those who skip the citizenship exam with a degree can start working right away.
Official sources
- Citizenship Exam — ÖIF Learning Portal — official learning platform with practice questions.
- Citizenship Act 1985 (StbG) — RIS — full text of the law.
- Citizenship Regulation 1985 — RIS — exam details.
- Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) — central contact for the exam.
- Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) — reforms and responsibilities.
- Arbeiterkammer — Citizenship Consultation — free legal advice.
Legal notes
This guide summarizes the exam requirements under the Citizenship Act 1985 (StbG) and the Citizenship Regulation 1985. The listed costs and deadlines are valid for 2026. For special cases (learning disability, age-based exemption), contact ÖIF or the competent Bezirkshauptmannschaft directly — this article does not replace individual legal advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Austria citizenship exam cost?
The exam costs €252 for adults in 2026. Minors under 14 are free; teens aged 14–18 pay €50. Retakes cost half if the first attempt was failed.
How many questions are on the citizenship exam?
33 questions total: 18 on Austrian history and geography, 10 on democratic order, and 5 on the relevant state (Bundesland). The passing score is 23 out of 33 (≈ 70%). The exam lasts 60 minutes.
How do I prepare for the citizenship exam?
Through the official learning platform of the Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) at integration.at. There you will find practice questions, a study book (€29), and free online courses. Many adult education centres (Volkshochschulen) offer preparation courses for €80–€200.
What happens if I fail the exam?
You can retake the exam up to three times. There must be at least 6 months between attempts. If you exhaust all three attempts, the citizenship application cannot continue — a new application is only possible after additional preparation.
Who is exempt from the exam?
Exempt: persons with Matura or higher education from an Austrian school, persons with proven permanent learning disability, persons over 65, and persons who have completed an ÖIF integration course with a passed final test.
Can I take the exam in a language other than German?
No, the citizenship exam is only in German. Those who have not yet reached B2 level should complete the German B2 integration course before the exam. Registration via ÖIF or Volkshochschule.