Pathways to Citizenship for Foreigners in Austria

Citizenship is a key factor in long-term integration, providing security, political participation and equal access to rights for third-country nationals. This study examines the acquisition of citizenship by foreigners in Austria. The focus lies on the naturalization of “new migrants”, i.e. the foreigners who have no pre-existing ties to Austria. Amongst others, the study looks at the naturalization requirements and the procedure for determining whether these requirements are met. The study focuses on examining the status quo, but also takes into account political and legal developments over the past five years.