🇦🇹 Austrian Citizenship – David Yadid Law Office
Who is eligible for Austrian citizenship? (Updated Information)
Descendants of Austrian residents (1933–1955)
As of September 2019, Austria reintroduced a Restitution Law for Holocaust survivors and their direct descendants. Any Jew who can prove that one of their ancestors (parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.) lived in Austria between 1933 and 1955 is eligible for Austrian citizenship and an EU passport.
Descendants of female Holocaust survivors
A recent amendment allows descendants of female Holocaust survivors (not only males) also to obtain Austrian citizenship and passport.
New Eligibility Conditions
• The eligibility period has been extended until May 15, 1955 (Austria’s re-establishment of independence), rather than ending at the conclusion of WWII in 1945.
• The law also includes Jews who were citizens of countries that were part of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire (e.g., Italy, Yugoslavia, Poland, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Hungary), and who lost their Austrian citizenship but lived in Austria until May 15, 1955, even if they left before the Anschluss (March 12, 1938).
• No language, culture, or history exams required — applicants only need to provide official proof of their ancestor’s residence in Austria and a family link.
What does Austrian citizenship and passport offer?
• Full rights as a European Union citizen: the ability to live, work, and study freely across the EU and Schengen Zone.
• Visa-free access to the USA; the right to purchase property and invest in Europe with potential tax benefits.
• You may keep your Israeli citizenship – there is no requirement to renounce it.
• Military service considerations:
- Past service (mandatory or reserve) – allowed.
- Past career service – also allowed.
- Current career service (active duty) – not eligible for Austrian citizenship. If one continues active service in the future, the citizenship may be revoked. However, children and grandchildren of current IDF career soldiers are eligible.
About the Law Office
- A German-speaking team with extensive experience in Austrian and German citizenship applications.
- The firm of Advocate David Yadid has over 30 years of experience, specializing in immigration, European citizenships (including Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian, German, and Austrian), Holocaust compensations, investor visas, and more.
- Located at 29 HaMered Street, 5th floor, Tel Aviv.
Email: info@yadidlaw.com | Phone: +972-73-7841842 or +972-3-5101158
Let me know if you’d like help drafting a message to the firm or checking your eligibility.
