Workshop of team of RIHS Rechtsanwalt GmbH before the performance of “Lotfullah and Citizenship” at Vienna’s Burgtheater. The play was highlighting the challenges of the Austrian immigration process.

Our Chance for a Shift in Perspective: “Lotfullah and Citizenship”

/in , /by

On May 9th, our office outing took us out of the usual setting of our law firm and away from the routines of everyday legal work—onto the stages of Vienna’s renowned Burgtheater. Here, we had the opportunity to take on new roles and experience a citizenship application process from the perspective of an applicant.

From Office Chair to Center Stage

To set the tone for the play “Lotfullah and Citizenship,” we took part in a preparatory workshop. On the Burgtheater’s rehearsal stage, guided by Marie Theissing—musician and performer in the production—we explored the themes of the play through music and acting exercises. We then watched the performance in the theater’s Vestibül, witnessing how the ensemble brought this topic to life.

One Story, Yet Not an Isolated Case

The performance tells the story of Lotfullah Yusufi, who fled Afghanistan alone in 2015 at just 15 years old, traveling through Pakistan to reach Austria. However, the play focuses less on his escape and more on what many refugees face upon arriving in Austria. Accompanied by a “citizenship choir,” Lotfullah shares his experiences with the Austrian bureaucracy as the play’s central character. His dream of becoming an Austrian citizen is marked by endless administrative hurdles, cryptic official language, and long waiting times. The performance reminds us what a privilege it is to be born with Austrian citizenship.

Between Lightness and Gravity

The theater group masterfully presents the harrowing events in a creative and entertaining way. Though humorous elements lighten the mood, the performance never lets us forget the immense resilience required to navigate the complex bureaucratic system. Beneath the play’s lighthearted delivery lies a constant undertone of heaviness. The endless waiting, the sense of powerlessness, and the uncertainty that people like Lotfullah endure serve as a powerful reminder of how vital it is to have a supportive and meaningful social environment.

A Valuable Experience for Our Work in Immigration Law

As a law firm specializing in immigration and citizenship law, we are well aware of the long road to Austrian citizenship. We understand the concerns of our clients who fear not receiving a residence permit in time. Every day, we support people whose stories resemble Lotfullah’s. This experience offered us valuable insight into the emotional and mental world of someone overcoming numerous obstacles to become a citizen of this country.

Are you considering applying for Austrian citizenship or have already submitted an application and need legal advice and support? Schedule a consultation with us today.

Interested in joining our dynamic team and taking on a meaningful, fulfilling role? Then please send your application (cover letter, CV, references, employment certificates) to: karriere@rihs.law.

Author: Nora Primoschitz

Verleihung der österreichischen Staatsbürgerschaft / Award of Austrian Citizenship

Government Program 2025–2029: Planned Changes in Citizenship Law

/in /by

The new governing coalition of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPÖ), and NEOS – The New Austria and Liberal Forum (NEOS) has presented its government program for the years 2025 to 2029. This includes significant changes in citizenship law. This article highlights the main innovations and their potential impacts.​

Increased Requirements for German Language Skills and Integration

One of the most significant changes concerns language requirements. In the future, proof of German language skills at the B2 level will be a basic prerequisite for the granting of Austrian citizenship.
For comparison: Currently, B1-level German is required, while accelerated naturalization is possible after six years with proof of B2-level proficiency. It remains unclear whether an even higher language level (e.g., C1) will be required for accelerated naturalization in the future. The government program merely states: “Without very good German skills (B2) and successful integration, there is no longer any chance of obtaining citizenship.”​
This tightening is likely to pose significant challenges, especially for applicants in practical professions. Many already struggle with the existing language requirements. Therefore, it might be advisable to submit an application before the new regulations come into effect to still benefit from the current B1 requirement.​
Additionally, a mandatory citizenship course at the Austrian Integration Fund (“ÖIF”) will be introduced, focusing on democratic understanding, European values, and gender equality. However, details on implementation are still open.​

Stricter Revocation Criteria

The government plans to review and expand the criteria for revoking citizenship. However, it remains unclear which new offenses will be added.​

Relaxation Regarding Administrative Offenses

Previously, repeated minor administrative offenses (e.g., five parking violations or a speeding offense within two years) could lead to the rejection of a citizenship application. In the future, such minor infractions should no longer pose an obstacle. This is particularly beneficial for professional groups such as taxi drivers or parcel deliverers.​

Facilitation for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

Another innovation concerns economic requirements. The proof of “self-sufficiency” will be facilitated for individuals in urgently needed professions by using the collectively agreed minimum salary as a basis.​
Whether this change represents a real improvement remains to be seen. In most shortage occupations, the collectively agreed salary is already significantly above the previous income requirements. Moreover, it is unclear which professional groups are exactly covered by this regulation.​

Bureaucratization and Digitization

The government program promises a simplification of citizenship procedures, especially concerning the proof of residence duration and income. Additionally, a digital application tracking system is to be introduced to provide applicants with better transparency about the status of their procedure.​

Conclusion and Need for Action

The planned changes in citizenship law bring both tightenings and facilitations. While stricter language requirements could exclude many applicants, the relaxations regarding administrative penalties and the facilitations for shortage occupations offer opportunities.​
Since some regulations are expected to lead to significant hurdles, we recommend that interested applicants familiarize themselves early with the current conditions and — if possible — submit an application before the new provisions come into effect.​

Do you have questions about applying for citizenship? Contact us now for individual advice.

Author: Dr. Philipp Haas, LL.M. (WU), Lawyer

Symbolbild: Gerichtsurteil über erfolgreichen Einspruch gegen Ausschluss im Vergabeverfahren

Successful challenge: Federal Administrative Court overturns unlawful exclusion from award procedure!

/in , /by

Wrongful exclusion from a procurement procedure? The Federal Administrative Court has set aside the decision to exclude our client from the procurement procedure!
Successful challenge of an award decision before the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG).

Have you been wrongly excluded from a public procurement procedure? Do you or your company feel discriminated against in a public procurement procedure because the contracting authority wrongly denies you professional reliability?
If you are looking for a specialized law firm in procurement law that has already successfully taken action against incorrect procurement decisions, you have come to the right place. We regularly advise clients on procurement law and publish in specialist journals. You can find more about our procurement law publications under Publications. We pay particular attention to questions of bidders’ legal protection:
Our law firm recently successfully defended a client against unlawful exclusion – with complete success!
On November 21, 2024, the Federal Administrative Court ruled in favor of our client in case W606 2299837-2.

The case in question – What happened?

Our client had applied for a public contract (framework agreement for the delivery of hardware and software) from a large Austrian sectoral contracting authority. The contracting authority excluded our client’s bid without giving it the opportunity to comment on the reason for the exclusion or to prove “self-cleaning”.
The deadline for submitting requests to participate had not yet expired. Our client addressed questions regarding the tender documents to the contracting authority (sectoral contracting authority), which the contracting authority failed to answer. The contracting authority – in this case a sectoral contracting authority – denied our client access to the procurement platform and thus effectively excluded her from any further communication.

The decision – What did the BVwG decide?

The FAC found that the contracting authority had violated public procurement principles by not giving our client the opportunity to respond to its allegations and thus denying “self-cleaning”.

“Self-cleaning” to restore (allegedly) lacking professional reliability

Public contracts should only be awarded to appropriately qualified, authorized and reliable companies. Professional reliability can be lost, for example, through antitrust violations, violations of the obligation to pay social security contributions, violations of the provisions of the Wage and Social Dumping Prevention Act (LSD-BG) or of the provisions of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (AuslBG). Austrian public procurement law (BVergG 2018) provides for the possibility of “self-cleaning” in the event of an alleged deficiency (Section 83 BVergG 2018).

“Self-cleaning” in the procurement procedure

A contracting authority is obliged to confront the candidate or tenderer with the alleged reasons for the lack of reliability before exclusion or a decision to eliminate them. The candidate or tenderer must have the opportunity to comment on these allegations and to provide evidence of self-cleaning measures.
If a candidate/tenderer can prove that they have taken specific technical, organizational, personnel-related or other measures to avoid future violations, they can provide the contracting authority with corresponding evidence in response to the allegations. The contracting authority must review these.
In this case, the contracting authority did not give our client the opportunity to comment on the assumption of a lack of professional reliability and to provide evidence of self-cleaning measures. This led to the annulment of the exclusion decision.

The outcome – What are the legal consequences of the BVwG’s decision?

Our client was able to participate in the further procurement procedure. The contracting authority had to set a new deadline for the submission of requests to participate and grant our client access to its procurement platform.
This means that candidates have the right to correct defects accepted by the contracting authority before exclusion or to provide clarifications to prove their professional reliability!
Have you also been wrongly excluded from a procurement procedure?

The relevance of the decision for you and your company

An erroneous exclusion has serious consequences for the competition that public procurement law is supposed to promote. Not every contracting authority acts in accordance with the law – a challenge can be worthwhile!
Our law firm specializes in public procurement law and has already successfully conducted numerous review proceedings against erroneous procurement decisions.

Make an appointment now for an initial consultation.

Politics Up Close: Our Visit to Parliament

/in , /by

Joint Parliamentary Tour and More

Our company outing on January 30th led us to the heart of Austria’s legislative process: the Parliament. Thanks to the invitation from National Council Member Mag. Wolfgang Gerstl (hereinafter: MP), we were able to participate in a tour despite an ongoing Federal Council session. The subsequent conversation with MP Mag. Gerstl provided us with valuable insights into the daily life of a politician and the significance of political engagement.​

The Parliament: Architectural Gem and Center of Political Practice

During our visit, we had the opportunity to tour the recently renovated and modernized Parliament building. As we walked through the assembly hall, the Federal Council chamber, and the newly designed National Council chamber, we absorbed the impressive architecture and learned fascinating facts about the history and importance of this esteemed institution. This experience has enhanced our understanding of its role.​
As a law firm specializing in public law, we deal daily with constitutional and administrative law issues. Therefore, we greatly appreciated the tour of the building, but found the subsequent discussion with MP Mag. Wolfgang Gerstl, where political and legal questions were addressed, particularly enriching.​

A Call for Better Togetherness

Following the tour, we enjoyed a communal dinner at the Palmenhaus, seizing the opportunity to exchange ideas and engage in conversation. This not only concluded an inspiring and informative day but also highlighted what we wish to take away from our parliamentary visit: listening and understanding (or at least the attempt to understand) are essential to strengthen values like cohesion and compassion in our society.

Documentary film “Favoriten”: Contribution on migration, integration and school

/in , /by

A night at the movies – the documentary film “Favoriten” as inspiration for our work in school law

We chose the impressive documentary film “Favoriten” for a night at the movies and watched it in Vienna on October 17. The subsequent get-together in a traditional Viennese restaurant gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas and socialize – a valuable break from the daily routine of the office.

Migration and school administration in the documentary “Favoriten”

In the documentary “Favoriten” (link: Wikipedia article), director Ruth Beckermann critically examines the topics of migration and school administration. For four years, she followed a primary school class with her camera at a so-called “hotspot school” in the Viennese district of Favoriten. The film provides interesting insights into the bureaucratic and practical challenges that arise from children from different countries of origin living and learning together in Vienna.

Performance assessment and educational opportunities – significance for the school career

The film encourages reflection and illustrates the importance of legal principles (Compulsory Education Act, School Instruction Act, performance assessment, etc.) for teaching children of different origins and first languages. In particular, performance assessment in elementary school has a significant impact on further schooling – whether secondary modern school or academic secondary school – and thus on the educational opportunities of children. A solid school law and education administration are therefore of crucial importance.

In our law firm, we regularly advise parents whose children attend compulsory schools, new secondary schools or general higher education schools. In doing so, we are in contact with stakeholders in the education sector, in particular head teachers, teachers and the education authority, in order to represent the concerns of our clients. We are often dealing with topics such as school assignments, performance assessment (grading), the School Education Act (e.g. suspensions) and legal issues for teachers.

The movie helped us to better understand the concerns of our clients, especially in connection with enrollment and assignment to public elementary schools.

Migration, integration and school law – topics for the future

The movie visit offered us a new, realistic perspective on central topics of our work: migration, school law and integration in schools. These topics are not only socially relevant, but also legally forward-looking. Beyond our day-to-day work in the law firm, we follow social developments and cinematic contributions to social topics that are close to our hearts in our work in school and migration law.

Please feel free to contact us if you have legal questions regarding school law and migration law as the parent of a school-age child of compulsory schooling age!

Legal opinion “WGG: Auditing Association and Change of Association” Publication as an expert article in the professional journal “wohnrechtliche blätter:wobl”

/in /by

The challenge: founding a new auditing association

Non-profit developers are required to belong to an auditing association (mandatory association) and to undergo audits by this auditing association (audit requirement). Until now, there was only one auditing association. The founding of a new auditing association for non-profit developers for the first time raised complex issues under association and civil law.
Our client was interested in an expert clarification of these questions and the legal consequences of a change of the auditing association in order to be able to make and enforce its entrepreneurial decisions with legal certainty.

From legal problem (change of auditing association) to legal opinion

Terminating membership of the previously existing auditing association and establishing membership of the newly founded auditing association also has an impact on (ongoing) audits.
Dr. Georg Rihs prepared a comprehensive and fundamental legal opinion in which he clearly answered the relevant questions under association and civil law and presented independent solutions, which were subsequently adopted.
Due to the novelty and complexity of the subject, it was necessary to examine the interaction of several areas of law (law of associations, general civil law, civil procedure law, law of cooperatives and commercial register law) and to develop independent conclusions. A thorough research in the legal literature was followed by the preparation of a legal opinion in which Dr. Georg Rihs examined the legal situation, the case law and the legal literature and provided a structured answer to the – new – legal questions.
The legal opinion led to clear and favorable results for the client.

Publication of the legal opinion on the new framework conditions for the revision in a legal journal

The legal opinion provided by Dr. Georg Rihs attracted attention and interest among experts. An adapted version of the legal opinion was published in the legal journal “wohnrechtliche blätter: wobl” under the title “WGG: Revisionsverband und Verbandswechsel” and is available there to interested experts.
The publication is also of interest to the client because the solid and well-founded conclusions have thus found their way into legal literature. Other market participants, supervisory authorities and courts can refer to these conclusions and discuss them.

This case study shows how our legal opinions can help to ensure legal certainty and clarity for our clients, thereby achieving practical results.

If you have any questions about this topic or any other aspects of public and administrative law, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm. We can provide you with customized legal opinions that will help you and your company make informed decisions and minimize legal risks.

Contact us today! Book an appointment online or call us directly on 01 532 11 38. Let us work together to clarify your legal questions and support you in meeting your challenges.

Assistance for a successful market entry in Austria

/in /by

We successfully assisted a German company in entering the Austrian market. With our support, the company is now fully compliant with Austrian regulations, operating through a branch office registered in the commercial register, and holding the necessary business license. As a result, the company meets all legal requirements to offer its services and participate in public procurement procedures.

Challenges and Solutions

Particular attention was given to the trade law requirements for entering the Austrian market. In principle, foreign companies must meet the same requirements for conducting business in Austria as domestic companies.

European Union law aims to harmonize the internal market and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for cross-border services. Accordingly, the following apply to foreign companies:

Despite these simplifications and the information available on the Business Service Portal (USP), practical challenges still arise in the recognition of professional qualifications. We were able to resolve these issues quickly and successfully for our clients.

Our Support

The following information is essential for ensuring efficient and successful compliance with trade law procedures in Austria:

  • Existing business licenses in the country of domicile,
  • Professional experience and duration of business activities,
  • A detailed description of the business and planned operations in Austria,
  • Curriculum vitae, training, qualifications, and experience of the managing directors or responsible individuals.

With this information, we can determine the applicable requirements under the Austrian Trade Regulation Act (GewO) and its implementing regulations.

Our legal expertise allowed us to provide our client with comprehensive support, from the initial consultation to the establishment of the branch office and the necessary trade law procedures in Austria, all the way through to participation in public procurement processes. This enabled us to successfully position our client in the Austrian market.

This case highlights how we assist companies in navigating complex legal situations, facilitating their successful entry into the Austrian market while overcoming regulatory challenges. We leveraged our extensive experience in commercial law to manage the required procedures efficiently and with legal certainty.

Contact Us

Do you need assistance with trade law, public procurement law, or have general questions regarding your company’s market entry in Austria? We are here to support you with our expertise.

For more information about our services, click here.

Schedule an appointment today and get your business successfully started in the Austrian market!

Lawyers’ Ball 2024 – We were there

/in , /by

As every year, Dr. Georg Rihs hosted a small get-together at the law firm’s premises before the Lawyers’ Ball on Carnival Saturday, 10 February 2024, and met colleagues and friends. We then attended the Lawyers’ Ball at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, which was, as always, a prominent and well-attended event.

The Lawyers’ Ball was an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues and friends away from everyday professional life in a festive and relaxed atmosphere. We are already looking forward to the Juristenball 2025!

Congratulations on the graduation of our long-time employee Ms. Michelle Pfeiffer, LL.M. (WU)!

/in /by

In November 2023, the graduation ceremony of our long-time employee, Ms. Michelle Pfeiffer, LL.M. (WU), took place at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. We are very pleased that Ms. Pfeiffer invited us to the graduation and that we were able to congratulate her personally on this success.

Ms. Pfeiffer, LL.M. (WU), has supported our law firm for many years as an extremely eager, precise and legally interested student. She is currently completing her judicial year. We hope that she will continue to support our team as a trainee lawyer after completing her court year!

Opioid Maintenance Treatment: Success before the Constitutional Court

/in , /by

Constitutional Court Annuls Removal of a Doctor from the List of Doctors Authorized to Provide Opioid Maintenance Treatment Due to Violation of the Prohibition of Arbitrariness

The constitutional problem: regulation of opioid maintenance treatment, strict (and unclear) documentation requirements for doctors

The new calendar year 2024 begins for the law firm with a successful and delightful decision by the Constitutional Court: a doctor who was authorized to provide opioid maintenance treatment and registered on the list of doctors authorized to do so was removed from the list of doctors authorized to provide opioid maintenance treatment by the responsible health authority (Municipal Department 40). The health authority had concerns about the documentation and administration practice. As this is a sensitive and, in the public interest, highly regulated area, doctors who are authorized to carry out opioid maintenance treatment are subject to comprehensive documentation obligations, which, however, are not conclusively and precisely regulated in the applicable laws (Narcotic Substances Law, Narcotic Drugs Ordinance, etc.). In several places, only “comprehensible documentation” is mentioned. The law (Narcotic Substances Law) and the Narcotic Drugs Ordinance alone do not clearly state when documentation is sufficiently comprehensible.

The constitutional solution: comprehensive duty of investigation and justification on the part of the health authority, consideration of the circumstances of the individual case

In the present case, the Constitutional Court took up our argument in particular that measures were taken in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic to provide sufficient treatment and opioid maintenance treatment for people requiring treatment. The Constitutional Court agreed with this argument and came to the conclusion that the health authority (Municipal Department 40) and the Administrative Court had not sufficiently taken this aspect into account in their decision. The decision of the Administrative Court therefore violated the prohibition of arbitrariness derived from the principle of equality. The decision dated 30 November 2023, E 1435/2023-17, was delivered to us in the middle of last week.

Our expertise in constitutional law for you

With this decision, our law firm is sharpening its profile in the area of public law. The applicable provisions in the Narcotic Substances Law and in the Narcotics Ordinance are regulations governing the exercise of gainful employment for the treating physicians. We thus remain true to our principle of successfully handling special administrative law cases in peripheral areas of public law with the utmost care and diligence. We are happy to familiarize ourselves with special matters (such as here: Narcotic Substances Law and Narcotics Ordinance) in order to achieve economically valuable and also constitutionally important victories for our clients!

With this in mind, we wish you a happy and successful new year 2024!

Please contact us at any time if you would like to have public law issues clarified before administrative authorities, administrative courts and ultimately the Administrative and/or Constitutional Court!