Military Service and Civilian Service for Dual Citizens in Austria

If you are an Austrian citizen, military service obligations may apply to you even if you also hold another citizenship. Whether you must serve in Austria depends on the applicable international agreements. This guide summarises the rules in 2026.

Who is subject to military service?

Male Austrian citizens are subject to compulsory military service (Wehrpflicht). It begins on the 17th birthday and generally continues until the 50th birthday. For certain officers, non-commissioned officers and specialists in technology, healthcare, pastoral service and foreign languages, the obligation continues until the end of the year in which they turn 65.

Military service obligations include:

• the obligation to attend conscription (Stellung);
• the obligation to complete active service (Präsenzdienst);
• obligations relating to the reserve; and
• notification and authorisation obligations.

Women are not subject to compulsory service. They may volunteer for training service (Ausbildungsdienst).

What applies to dual and multiple citizens?

Dual or multiple citizens (Doppel- und Mehrfachstaatsbürgerschaft) who are liable for service must complete military service in Austria in either of these situations:

1. the state of their other citizenship has not ratified any of the relevant international agreements; or
2. the applicable agreement does not require them to complete basic military service in another country.

To prevent people from having to serve in more than one country, Austria has joined several multilateral agreements and has also concluded bilateral agreements. These include the Strasbourg Convention on the reduction of cases of multiple nationality and military obligations, the European Convention on Nationality and the Hague Protocol. Bilateral agreements exist, for example, with Switzerland and Argentina.

Only agreements ratified by every state concerned can apply. If you have already completed military service abroad, you may request an exemption from service in Austria. However, there is no automatic entitlement: each case is examined individually.

When and where does conscription take place?

Conscription (Stellung) generally takes place during the calendar year in which you turn 18. You may volunteer from the age of 17. Men are required to attend conscription until their 35th birthday.

A general call is published on posters from December for the following year. No later than three weeks before the conscription date, you also receive a personal letter by post, together with a railway voucher and a medical questionnaire.

The procedure takes place at the Ergänzungsabteilung of the military command (Militärkommando) responsible for your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz). Conscription generally lasts about one and a half days and includes medical and psychological examinations. Travel costs, free accommodation and meals are provided.

Possible conscription results

• Fit (tauglich): the call-up is generally expected six months after conscription.
• Temporarily unfit: you will be called for conscription again after the specified deadline.
• Unfit (untauglich): you will not be called for either military or civilian service.

How long do military and civilian service last?

• Basic military service (Grundwehrdienst): 6 months
• Civilian service (Zivildienst): 9 months
• Voluntary training service: from 12 months up to a total of 4 years

Fit men may be called up for basic military service until their 35th birthday, unless the call-up has already taken place for an earlier date.

How can you choose civilian service?

Anyone who rejects armed violence against people for reasons of conscience may complete civilian service. This requires a formally compliant civilian service declaration (Zivildiensterklärung), submitted in writing to the conscription board or to the military command responsible for the place of residence.

The declaration may be submitted from the first determination of fitness. You have at least six months from that date, and may submit it no later than three days before the call-up order is delivered. It is no longer possible to submit the declaration after receiving the call-up order or during service.

You generally receive the determination notice (Feststellungsbescheid) about six weeks after submitting the declaration. A 15-year ban on possessing firearms applies from the start of the civilian service obligation, subject to certain exceptions. Civilian service can only be completed in Austria.

How much money is paid during service?

The monthly payments for basic military service as of 1 July 2026 are:

• Monthly money (Monatsgeld): 297,99 euros
• Basic payment (Grundvergütung): 327,58 euros
• Training service payment: 1.460,01 euros

Subject to certain conditions, family or partner support, housing assistance (Wohnkostenbeihilfe) and free travel may also be available. Applications for housing and maintenance support must be submitted no later than three months after the start of service. During civilian service, a basic payment and free health and accident insurance are provided.

Your employment relationship continues during service, and you are protected against dismissal if you inform your employer without delay.

Frequently asked questions

Does holding another citizenship automatically exempt me?

No. What matters is whether the state of your other citizenship has ratified the relevant agreements and where those agreements require the service to be completed.

Am I exempt in Austria if I have already served abroad?

You may request an exemption, but you have no automatic entitlement to one. Each case is examined individually.

Can I postpone service because of my studies?

Yes, subject to certain conditions. Postponement can last no later than 15 September of the calendar year in which you turn 28.

Is conscription compulsory if I want to complete civilian service?

Yes. You must complete the conscription procedure even if you intend to choose civilian service.

Practical steps

1. Check whether you are a male Austrian citizen subject to military service and identify the international agreements that apply to your other citizenship.
2. Keep your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) details up to date and watch for the conscription notice.
3. Attend the Stellung even if you intend to complete civilian service.
4. If you choose civilian service, submit the Zivildiensterklärung within the applicable deadline: from the first fitness determination, at least six months from that date, and no later than three days before delivery of the call-up order.
5. If you completed military service abroad, request an exemption and provide the relevant evidence; approval is not automatic.
6. Apply for housing and maintenance support no later than three months after service begins if you meet the conditions.
7. For an individual assessment, contact the relevant Ergänzungsabteilung of the Militärkommando or obtain professional legal advice.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at

This article is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute legal advice. Use it at your own risk. For professional guidance, consult a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment-law or labour-market specialist, or another relevant expert.