The Local surveyed citizenship authorities in Vienna and Graz to find out how long the naturalisation process really takes in 2025 - and why waiting times vary so much.
Austria is known for having one of the toughest citizenship laws in Europe, with strict residency requirements and long bureaucratic procedures.
But how long does it actually take to naturalise and get your Austrian citizenship?
The answer depends on several factors, including where you live, your personal circumstances, and how efficiently your application is processed.
While some people receive their citizenship within a year of applying, others face much longer delays, particularly in Vienna, which handles most applications and has some of the longest waiting times in Austria.
READ ALSO: Is your Austrian citizenship ‘safe’ after three years of naturalisation?
How long do you need to live in Austria before applying?
Before even submitting an application, you must meet Austria’s strict residency requirements.
In most cases, applicants must have legally lived in Austria for at least ten years before they are eligible to apply.
However, some individuals qualify after just six years if they meet specific criteria. This includes people who have been married to an Austrian citizen for five years while living together, EU or EEA citizens, those born in Austria, and individuals who can demonstrate strong personal integration, such as achieving a B2 level in German or working in fields like healthcare, education, or social services.
There are also exceptions for individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in fields such as science, sports, or the arts. Those granted fast-track citizenship for these reasons do not need to meet residency requirements. Additionally, descendants of victims of Nazi persecution can obtain Austrian citizenship without needing to meet any residency conditions.
What happens after you apply?
Once the application is submitted, processing times can vary considerably depending on the location of the request and whether all documentation is in proper order.
Vienna has the longest wait times due to the high number of applications it processes. In 2024, applicants in Vienna waited an average of 323 days just to get an appointment to submit their application, the city's citizenship department, MA 35, told The Local.
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After that, the process itself can take another year or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional documents are required.
Outside of Vienna, things move faster.
In Graz, for example, authorities told The Local that the average processing time is around 5.5 months. The Styrian capital processes all requests from the state of 1.2 million people. The authorities added that applicants do not need an appointment to apply.
Instead, they can submit their documents at any time after an initial review.
Why does the process take so long?
Several factors contribute to delays in citizenship applications, Vienna's MA 35 said.
Austria’s citizenship laws are complex and require extensive checks, including verification of residency history, financial stability, and legal records. Authorities must ensure that applicants have spent no more than 20 percent of the required residency period outside of Austria.
Even small bureaucratic issues or short gaps in employment can lead to extra scrutiny and slow down the process.
MA 35 says income verification is another big reason for delays. Applicants have to prove they’ve been financially independent for the past six years, which isn’t always straightforward. If someone has switched jobs, received social benefits, or earned income from abroad, the paperwork can get complicated and take longer to review.
READ ALSO: When can I start counting my residency in Austria towards citizenship?
Security checks also extend processing times. Citizenship authorities must review an applicant’s entire legal history, including any administrative fines or criminal records, to determine whether they meet Austria’s requirements for being a “positively disposed” citizen.
These checks involve coordination between multiple government agencies, adding further delays.
Can you speed up the process?
There is no official way to fast-track a naturalisation request, but certain steps can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Ensuring all documents are complete and current before applying can prevent setbacks. Checking eligibility requirements in advance can also save time by avoiding applications that are unlikely to be approved.
Applicants should also consider their residency history and avoid extended periods outside Austria before applying. Frequent or prolonged trips abroad can complicate the process and sometimes result in application rejections.
READ ALSO: How Austria's strict citizenship rules could change in 2025
How long will you be waiting?
The timeline for obtaining Austrian citizenship depends largely on where the application is processed.
While residents of cities like Graz can complete the process in under six months, applicants in Vienna may wait more than two years from their first appointment to final approval. Those planning to apply should be prepared for a lengthy process and ensure that all documentation is to avoid further delays.
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