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