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?”
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”
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”