Citizenship exam mock tests — CIPLE, DELE, DELF, CELI, DTZCIPLE A2 mock test online — Portuguese citizenship and residencyDELE A2 mock test online — Spanish citizenship and nationalityInburgering A2 (Netherlands) mock test online — eligible Dutch civic-integration and naturalisation routesEllinomatheia A2 (Cyprus) mock test online — Cyprus residency and naturalisation pathways requiring Ellinomatheia A2CCE A2 (Czech) mock test online — Czech permanent-residence language equivalence (CCE A2+) and general A2 certification — citizenship language proof starts at CCE B1 on ÚJOPDTZ B1 (Germany) mock test online — German permanent residence and citizenshipDELF B2 (France) mock test online — French citizenship and residencyCELI 2 (B1) mock test online — Italian citizenship and residencyCAPLE — Portuguese language certificationInstituto Cervantes — DELE Spanish examsContact Prep2go — support@prep2go.study
Prep2Go.study
View plans
All news
FlashAustriaNovember 4, 2026

British Citizens in Austria Opt for Naturalization Post-Brexit

PublishedEditorial policy

Following the UK's departure from the EU in 2020, British citizens residing in Austria lost their free movement rights. Many have chosen to pursue Austrian citizenship to regain EU resident status and avoid annual residence permit renewals.

BrexitCitizenshipNaturalizationEU ResidencyBritish Expats

Key takeaways

  • Following Brexit, British citizens in Austria lost their EU rights and now require a residence permit like other third-country nationals.
  • Naturalization, while requiring time (residency period), German language skills, and proof of integration, restores EU citizenship rights.
  • For British nationals intending to stay in Austria long-term, naturalization is often a more beneficial option than annual residence permit renewals.

British Citizens in Austria Face New Residency Rules Post-Brexit

Since the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union in 2020, British citizens residing in Austria have experienced a significant change in their legal status. What was once taken for granted – the freedom of movement and residence as EU citizens – is no longer applicable.

British nationals in Austria now require a residence permit, similar to any third-country national, to live and work in the country.

Naturalization as a Solution for Long-Term Residents

For many British citizens planning to remain in Austria long-term, pursuing Austrian citizenship through naturalization has emerged as a logical solution. While naturalization is not a rapid process, requiring a specific period of residence, German language proficiency, and proof of integration, it offers a pathway to regain the EU rights lost with Brexit.

This route is often seen as more advantageous than annually renewing a residence permit, providing stability and the full benefits of EU citizenship, including freedom of movement within the bloc. The decision to naturalize is a personal one, but for those committed to staying in Austria, it provides a permanent solution to their post-Brexit residency challenges.

Sources

Based on Emigro corridor reporting. Primary links below.

Was this brief helpful?

Turn policy news into a study plan

Browse language decks

Keep vocabulary moving while your residence or citizenship timeline changes.

Start here