Turks in Austria - Naturalisation

Naturalisation

According to the Naturalisation Act 1998, Austrian citizenship is based on the principle of jus sanguinis and a regular waiting period of ten years for naturalisation. The new law shifted the burden of proof to the individual immigrant, who now has to show that they are sufficiently integrated into Austrian society. Most importantly, the migrant has to prove that they are economically self-sufficient, that is, not in need of social assistance, and sufficiently capable in speaking German. Minor criminal offences can also constitute reasons for denial of citizenship.

Since June 1995, Turkish emigrants who naturalise abroad can keep their citizenship rights in Turkey (apart from political rights). The pink-card provides former Turkish citizens with rights to residence, employment, acquisition of real estate and inheritance. Since then, naturalisations of Turkish citizens in Austria (particularly in Vienna) have been increasing significantly, but declined sharply since 2007. Between 1995-2008 108,630 Turkish nationals became Austrian citizens.