ProTest for Viennese citizens: This is how easy it is for everyone to become a Viennese”!

ProTest for Viennese citizens: This is how easy it is for everyone to become a Viennese”!

On November 22, 2025, the Vienna city government decided to introduce a mandatory proTest to become a citizen of Vienna. This test is aimed at everyone living in Vienna and aims to promote a fair residence permit and harmonious coexistence in the city. By passing the proTest, city citizenship is automatically granted without the need for a separate application. There are also no documents or evidence to submit, which simplifies the process significantly. This innovation applies regardless of the applicant’s origin and length of stay.

The city's citizens allow the residents of Vienna to be officially called “Viennese”. What is interesting is that income and assets are taken into account when each individual applies. If certain wealth limits are exceeded, social redistribution takes place to ensure equal opportunities. Participation in the proTest is free for everyone, including the learning materials and preparation courses provided.

Contents of the proTest

The proTest consists of 26 questions covering various topics, including migration history, society, political thought, fair work, languages, important figures, and culture and orientation in the city. To ensure broad participation, the test is offered in 200 languages, including German and simple language. Oral exams are also possible to meet the different needs of the participants. There is freedom to choose different identities and affiliations and to reflect on multiple aspects of yourself in the test. There are no binding deadlines for participation.

This reform comes at a time when law enforcement agencies are facing challenges. Again Integration Council Vienna As stated, the legislation on citizenship law in Austria lies at the federal level, but the concrete implementation falls under the responsibility of the states. In the past, massive problems in enforcement have been pointed out, including serious procedural delays and organizational deficiencies in the Vienna municipal department.

Requirements and improvements

The Ombudsman's Office and numerous civil society organizations have repeatedly pointed out the authorities' inadequate accessibility and communication. What is particularly striking is that between 2015 and 2020, only just under half of the citizenship procedures were completed within six months. The waiting time for an appointment to submit an application is currently over a year.

In order to improve process quality, the Vienna state government is planning additional resources, restructuring and digitalization within the existing processes. Information events have been taking place since February 2023 that aim to reduce waiting times for applicants. It is already possible for the enforcement authority to refrain from submitting certain documents if this represents an unreasonable burden for the applicants.

The newly introduced proTest could therefore be a significant step towards an inclusive society. The city government hopes that this measure will not only simplify the process, but also promote social cohesion in Vienna. [OTS].