Passport Path
Loss / renunciation

Entziehung State-Initiated Revocation incl. Armed-Conflict + Terror Conviction (§33 StbG)

Citizenship in Austria

Eligibility
§33 state-initiated revocation: Abs 1 detached citizens-abroad; Abs 2 armed-conflict (BGBl I 104/2014); Abs 3 terror-conviction (Terrorismus-Novelle 2021). Statelessness safeguard: dual-nat only.
Renunciation
Not required

Overview

§33 StbG provides three-layer state-initiated Entziehung framework. Abs 1 for detached citizens-abroad (rare); Abs 2 armed-conflict participation introduced by BGBl I 104/2014 (anti-foreign-terrorist-fighter Novelle, ISIS-era response); Abs 3 terrorism-conviction introduced by Terrorismus-Novelle 2021. Critical safeguard: §33 cannot result in statelessness — dual-nationality holders only per 1961 Convention Art 8(3). VfGH G 233/2021 reviewed §33 Abs 3 ( holding scope).

Example scenarios

  • Primary applicant

    BMI Section III initiates Entziehung; BVwG appeal with Tjebbes proportionality; constitutional review available

    State-initiated revocation requires individualized proportionality. Statelessness safeguard prevents single-nat revocation. VfGH G 233/2021 confirms §33 Abs 3 constitutionality.

  • Edge case applicant

    Individual proportionality balancing required pre-revocation; potential narrowed application per Art 14 EMRK + EU Charter Art 21 non-discrimination

    EU citizenship loss requires Rottmann/Tjebbes individual review. Native-born/naturalized discrimination concerns (B-VG Art 7 Gleichheitsgrundsatz) potentially active.

Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-05-20.

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