NEOS announce citizenship reform for 2026

The reform of the citizenship law is to be addressed by the three-party coalition in the first half of 2026. This was announced by NEOS club chairman Yannick Shetty on Tuesday in the "Ö1" midday journal. The aim of the amendment to the citizenship law, as agreed in the government program, is to "enhance Austrian citizenship" by tightening requirements regarding German language skills and value commitment, while simultaneously reducing financial barriers.

Income barrier to be removed

Unnecessary bureaucracy and barriers to accessing citizenship should be abolished, said Shetty, referring to the high income barrier. "It should depend on whether one wants to be part of society and not whether one earns 2,500 euros net." The fees are also too high, but part of this is regulated by the states, said the NEOS club chairman. The government intends to tackle the reform in the next half-year.

German level to be increased

Currently, for the granting of citizenship, German language skills at level B1 and proof of a secure livelihood are required. Currently, this means a net income of 1,274 euros for individuals, 2,010 for couples, and an additional 197 euros for each child. According to the government program, the required German level is to be increased to B2. A prerequisite should also be the successful completion of the planned integration program and a mandatory citizenship course at the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).

(APA/Red)

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