Vienna saw a record rise in citizenship applications in 2025, reflecting both global migration trends and the city’s evolving identity. According to the immigration and citizenship office, MA 35, a total of 14,445 naturalization applications were filed, nearly 57 percent more than the previous year.
Officials note that each application can include entire families, meaning the real number of people seeking Austrian citizenship is likely much higher.
For years, MA 35 faced criticism over long delays, with applicants waiting more than a year. In 2025, processing times improved, with the average wait for an appointment reduced to about 186 days. The office also cleared more cases, completing around 21,700 matters, a rise of over 63 percent. Among these were about 10,300 cases involving descendants of victims of the Nazi era reclaiming Austrian citizenship.
The number of people granted citizenship also increased significantly. In 2025, around 5,078 individuals became Austrian citizens, compared to 3,665 in 2024. Authorities link this rise to ongoing global conflicts and instability, which continue to push people to seek safety and long-term security abroad. Many applicants had arrived during the refugee influx of 2015–2016 and have now met the requirements.
Syrians made up the largest group among new citizens. Of those naturalized, 1,090 were from Syria; more than one in five. They were followed by applicants from Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran, Serbia, and Ukraine.
Gaining Austrian citizenship remains a demanding process. Applicants must usually live in the country for at least ten years, show financial independence, have no criminal record, and demonstrate German language skills. They must also pass a citizenship test.
Behind each successful application lies years of effort building a life, learning a language, and waiting for a place to finally feel like home.
