20,000 new citizens in Austria – that’s how difficult the naturalization test is

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There were exactly 19,939 new citizens in Austria last year – a decrease of 3.2 percent compared to 2022. Among people living in Austria, Vienna saw the most naturalizations. 3,899 people received an Austrian passport in 2023. There were 2,031 people in Lower Austria and 1,808 naturalizations in Upper Austria.

Anyone who wants to become an Austrian must overcome certain hurdles: Applicants must have a clean criminal record, provide proof of German language skills, and have lived in Austria for a certain period. You must also be able to prove a certain income, around 1,200 euros. Citizenship is a state matter; a test must be passed to obtain a passport. Here, you have to prove that you are familiar with Austria. The MA35 is responsible for this in Vienna. There are tricky sample questions to practice online – and they can be found here:

When was Austria’s perpetual neutrality declared? (26.10.1955

Where was the State Treaty signed (Belvedere Palace, Vienna)?

When did Austria join the EU? (1.1.1995)

Who became Emperor of Austria-Hungary in 1867? (Franz Josef)

What is the task of the Austrian Ombudsman Board? (To investigate maladministration)

What constitutes the constitutional state? (Fundamental and human rights, state abides by the law)

What are the colors of the Austrian flag? (red-white-red)

How many members make up the National Council? (183)

What is the name of the largest bell in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which is always rung at the turn of the year (New Year’s Eve)? (Pummerin)

In which district of Vienna is the UNO City located? (In the 22nd district)

Which parts of Vienna are part of the world’s cultural heritage? (City, Schönbrunn Palace)

Which offices does the Mayor of Vienna hold? (Mayor and Governor)

How is Vienna supplied with water? (Via the Hochquell water pipeline)

Which great empire did Austria belong to for almost 500 years? (Roman Empire)

(source for the questions: www.staatsbuergerschaft.gv.at)

More women than men naturalized
Of course, these are not all the questions. There are many more to choose from. According to statistics, more women than men were naturalized in Vienna last year; most were between 30 and 45 years old and were already born in Austria. The majority of new citizens come from Syria (560 people), followed by Russia (318 people) and Serbia (276 people), as well as Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. All information on the citizenship test and the learning materials can be found on the City of Vienna’s website.

In a nutshell
Last year, just under 20,000 new citizens were in Austria, with most naturalizations taking place in Vienna.
Applicants for citizenship must have a clean criminal record, prove their knowledge of German, and pass a naturalization test that requires knowledge of Austria.
Most new citizens in Vienna come from Syria, followed by Russia, Serbia, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan.