To become an Austrian citizen, most applicants must pass the Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung, a written test on Austria’s democratic system, its history, and the history of the federal state (Land) where they live. The test is free, and the official learning materials are free too.
What is the Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung?
It is a written multiple-choice test set out in §10a of the Citizenship Act (StbG) and a federal regulation (StbP-V). The government of each of the nine Länder runs the test. It covers three areas:
- the democratic order of Austria and its principles;
- the history of Austria;
- the history of your Land (for example Vienna, Lower Austria or Tyrol).
The level is roughly what Austrian pupils learn in history and social studies by the end of lower secondary school.
Who has to take it?
Almost everyone applying for Austrian citizenship by grant (Verleihung) must prove this knowledge, together with German language skills.
Who is exempt?
- Children under 14.
- People who cannot take the test because of a lasting physical or mental condition, confirmed by an official medical report.
- Children who attend primary school, or secondary school with a positive grade in German.
- Anyone with an Austrian school certificate showing a positive grade in history and social studies at least at the level of the 4th year of lower secondary school.
- Some special groups, such as people naturalised for extraordinary achievements and descendants of victims of Nazi persecution who use the special route.
Your citizenship authority decides whether an exemption applies.
How to register
You do not book the test yourself. After you apply for citizenship, the competent Land authority (in Vienna, MA 35) invites you in writing. By law the invitation should arrive at least 8 weeks before the test and name the date, place and topics, unless you agree to a different date. Each Land must offer test sessions at least every six months.
In Vienna, if you cannot attend, you must ask for a new date. If you miss two appointments, your application can be rejected. Other Länder may have similar rules, so read your invitation carefully.
How much does it cost?
The test itself is free, and so are the official learning materials. The citizenship procedure has fees, which differ by Land. In Vienna, for example, there are application and procedure fees plus a larger fee when citizenship is granted. Check your Land authority for current amounts.
Test format
| Questions | 18 (6 per area) |
| Answer options | 4 per question; at least one and up to three are correct |
| Scoring | 1 point for a fully correct answer, partial points for partly correct answers |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Aids | None allowed |
| Result | Pass or fail |
How to pass
You pass if you reach either:
- at least half the points in every one of the three areas, or
- at least two thirds of the total points.
These are two alternatives. You do not need both. Many websites get this wrong.
Using aids, getting outside help or handing in late counts as a fail.
Official learning materials
- “Mein Österreich”, the federal learning booklet from the Ministry of the Interior, covers the democratic order and Austrian history.
- Land learning materials, published by each Land, cover the Land history part.
- An official online practice test is available on staatsbuergerschaft.gv.at.
The real exam questions are not published as a full catalogue. Practise the topics, not just individual questions.
What to bring
We could not find an official checklist. Bring your invitation letter and a valid photo ID, and follow any instructions in your invitation.
Results, retakes and validity
You receive a certificate on an official template if you pass. If you fail, you can retake the test as often as needed. A failed test does not pause the authority’s processing deadline. We found no official expiry rule for the certificate; check with your authority if your test was some time ago.
How it fits into your citizenship application
The general requirements for Austrian citizenship include:
- Residence: usually 10 years of lawful residence, at least 5 of them with settled status. Shorter routes (for example 6 years) exist for some groups, such as people with German at B2, spouses of Austrian citizens, people born in Austria and EU citizens.
- German: B1 in general, B2 for the shorter 6-year route.
- Income: a secure livelihood over a set period before applying.
- Clean criminal record and a positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria.
- Usually giving up your previous citizenship.
- Passing the Staatsbürgerschaftsprüfung (unless exempt).
- Taking the pledge of allegiance (Gelöbnis) in person when citizenship is granted.
Planned changes
The Austrian government programme for 2025 to 2029 announces stricter rules, including B2 German for everyone and a compulsory citizenship course on democracy and values. As of November 2026 we could not confirm that these changes are in force. Check the official site before you apply.
Study tips
- Read “Mein Österreich” and your Land material. They match the three test areas.
- Watch for multiple correct answers. Up to three options can be right, so read every option.
- Partial points count. If you are sure of one correct option, mark it.
- Do not neglect Land history. It is a third of the questions, and you need half of those points if you rely on the per-area rule.
- Use the full 2 hours. 18 questions is not many; take time to check each one.
FAQ
How many questions are on the Austrian citizenship test?
18, six for each of the three areas.
What is the pass mark?
Half the points in each area, or two thirds of the total. Either one is enough.
Does the test cost anything?
No. The test and the official learning materials are free.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, as often as you need.
Are the questions different in each Land?
The questions on the democratic order and Austrian history are federal. The Land history questions depend on where you live.
Do I need the test if I went to school in Austria?
Possibly not. A school certificate with a positive grade in history and social studies at the required level can exempt you.
Practise for the real test
Our 159 practice questions follow the real format: 18 questions, pass with 12. Practice is free.
Practise the questionsTake a mock exam
Sources
- www.jusline.at/gesetz/stbg/paragraf/10a
- www.jusline.at/gesetz/stbp-v/gesamt
- gesetzefinden.at/bundesrecht/verordnungen/stbp-v
- www.wien.gv.at/zusammenleben/staatsbuergerschaftstest
- www.wien.gv.at/amtswege/verleihung-staatsbuergerschaft
- www.wien.gv.at/zusammenleben/staatsbuergerschaft-kosten
- www.oesterreich.gv.at/de/themen/menschen_aus_anderen_staaten/staatsbuergerschaft/
- www.staatsbuergerschaft.gv.at/index.php
This guide is independent and not affiliated with any government. Rules, fees and dates can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply.