In a previous post, I already touched upon the citizenship test attached to applying for citizenship – and the citizenship test is not unique to taking Austrian citizenship. The content varies from country-to-country, but this week there was media coverage about the absurd case of a candidate naturalising in Switzerland, who spoke the local dialect and living and working in Aarau (roughly equidistant from Basel and Zürich), but who failed the test. Continue reading “Testing times ahead…”
How do other Brits in Austria feel about naturalising?
I started this blog when I had already made the decision that I would naturalise and take Austrian citizenship. From the outset I have always advocated that the decision is the right one for my personal circumstances – both in terms of my professional activities and my family. Given my wife’s experience I am aware that the road ahead is a long one. A number of other Britons in Austria have asked why I already feel so convinced about the decision, while they prefer to wait and see. Continue reading “How do other Brits in Austria feel about naturalising?”
Can you translate my marriage certificate for me?
I may work as a translator, dealing with items with large amounts of money at stake, but there are certain things I can’t translate. In particular birth/marriage certificates – not through any deficiency in my knowledge of German, but because I am not a sworn translator (or a translator offering sworn translations). Continue reading “Can you translate my marriage certificate for me?”
The Citizenship Test – Part of the Process
In addition to proving adequate language skills (B1/B2 level depending on which process applies to you) there is also another step further down the line after all the paperwork has been satisfactorily submitted: a citizenship test to be taken in German to prove that you know enough about Austria and the country’s history and political system. Sounds intimidating? Continue reading “The Citizenship Test – Part of the Process”
The Brexit Trap – from today’s Guardian
An article in today’s Guardian that I received from several sources, and which has been discussed on several groups regardless of whether “British in Vienna”, “The 48%” or among friends today has highlighted many of the concerns faced by Britons in the EU, and has confirmed my thinking about why to naturalise. Continue reading “The Brexit Trap – from today’s Guardian”
Proof of financial means: How much is enough?
Both permanent residence and citizenship hinge on whether you are financially in a position to support yourself. I will have to produce various proof about earnings and my ability to support myself – they also take into consideration dependants (e.g. children or spouse). The same is true for those seeking permanent residence in Austria. Continue reading “Proof of financial means: How much is enough?”
The first step of a long journey…
Tuesday’s announcement from Downing Street was unexpected. Its timing meant that having announced last October, with a considerable fanfare that the “15 year rule” was to be consigned to history and that British citizens will have a vote for life even if they no longer reside in the UK, that that will not be the case at the next General Election, a mere seven weeks away. Continue reading “The first step of a long journey…”
My eroded feeling of Britishness
A keyboard warrior felt motivated to recently accuse me of “treason” due to my having decided to start the naturalisation process to become Austrian. I dismissed the comment, filed the e-mail and will take the matter further if there is some kind of follow-up from the “gentleman” in question (the mail was signed with male forename). Continue reading “My eroded feeling of Britishness”
Précis of the FCO Travel Live Q&A Session with Julia Longbottom
Having received information from the Consular Division at the British Embassy about the FCO Travel live Q&A Session with Julia Longbottom, Director of Consular Services that was held yesterday, last week I duly circulated it to various groups of Britons living in Austria. Continue reading “Précis of the FCO Travel Live Q&A Session with Julia Longbottom”
Overcoming the Emotional Bond of Citizenship
While I was blogging in the run-up to the Referendum, and in the aftermath of the result, I had many thoughts about whether, and how quickly to start, to apply for Austrian citizenship. My emotions about whether to remain British or take citizenship swung back and forth for a long time during 2016. It was a topic I also looked at in the blog last December.
Continue reading “Overcoming the Emotional Bond of Citizenship”