Muss ich für die Verleihung nach § 10 Abs 6 StbG in Österreich leben?

Nein. Ein Mindestaufenthalt ist nicht nötig. Die Leistungen müssen aber im besonderen Interesse der Republik liegen, und das bestätigt die Bundesregierung.

Muss ich meine bisherige Staatsbürgerschaft aufgeben?

Nein. Bei einer Verleihung wegen außerordentlicher Leistungen entfällt der Verzicht auf die bisherige Staatsangehörigkeit.

Den Bescheid erlässt die Staatsbürgerschaftsbehörde. Vorher muss die Bundesregierung bestätigen, dass die Verleihung im besonderen Interesse der Republik liegt.

Extraordinary Achievement | Citizenship Lawyer Vienna

In short

If the Federal Government confirms that granting you citizenship is in the special interest of the Republic, most requirements no longer apply.
No minimum residence, no proof of German, no citizenship test, no proof of income, no renunciation of your current citizenship.
A clean criminal record and the security check still apply.

§ 10 Abs 6 StbG

Citizenship granted in the special interest of the Republic

The general requirements no longer apply if the Federal Government confirms that granting citizenship is in the special interest of the Republic because of extraordinary achievements already made and still to be expected. Which achievements are sufficient is described in a catalogue of criteria (Kriterienkatalog) issued by the ministry.

The advantages

What is then not required

no residence in Austria
no knowledge of German
no citizenship test
no proof of means of subsistence
no renunciation of your current citizenship

The grant can be extended to spouses, registered partners and children.

Field 1

Science

research in new fields or significant further development
work carried out mainly in Austria
high international reputation, publications
knowledge transfer, teaching at Austrian universities

Field 2

Business

owner or senior position with decisive influence
high performance of the company
creating and securing jobs
significant investment, strengthening foreign trade

Field 3

Sport

no Austrian at the same level
outstanding performance in Austria for at least one year
can be fielded in the national team immediately
very good placings in competitions

Field 4

The arts

a significant contribution to artistic life
teaching at Austrian universities
strengthening Austria's international reputation
a large audience, your own technique or a new art form

Questions we get asked

Extraordinary achievement: short answers

Do I have to live in Austria to be granted citizenship under § 10 Abs 6 StbG?

No. A minimum period of residence is not required. However, your achievements must be in the special interest of the Republic, and the Federal Government confirms this.

Do I have to give up my current citizenship?

No. If citizenship is granted because of extraordinary achievements, you do not have to renounce your previous nationality.

Who decides?

The citizenship authority issues the notice (Bescheid). Before that, the Federal Government must confirm that the grant is in the special interest of the Republic.

Good to know

Other fields and criteria

Not every point has to be met, but most of them should apply. A grant is also possible outside the four fields, but without a clear catalogue it is harder to justify.

Further requirements

What still applies

clean criminal record (Unbescholtenheit), no serious administrative offences
no residence ban, no proceedings to end your residence
no expulsion in the last 18 months
no links to extremist or terrorist groups

Next step

Assess your chances

We check whether your achievements meet the criteria and prepare the documents for the ministry.

Book an initial consultation →

Packages & prices

Flat-fee packages for citizenship.

You know the full cost before you start.

Basis

€1,490

One-off, flat fee

✓ Personal consultation with our experts
✓ Review of your documents
✓ Filing the application with MA 35, without an appointment of your own at the authority

Learn more

Most chosen

Plus

€2,990

One-off, flat fee