Vienna's MA 35: Progress at the Dreaded Office, but Challenges Remain

More+Work & Careers ♦ Published: November 13, 2024; 18:18 ♦ (Vindobona)

Vienna's MA 35, responsible for immigration and citizenship, has long been regarded as a symbol of inefficient administration and endless waiting times. The City of Vienna wants to counteract this image with a comprehensive reform process. Initial successes have been achieved, but not all problems have been solved.

Deputy Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr (r.) presents Vienna's Immigration and Citizenship reform report, accompanied by Department Head Georg Hufgard-Leitner (l.). / Picture: © Stadt Wien/Lukas Fuchs

Vienna's Municipal Department 35 (MA 35), responsible for immigration and citizenship, has long been considered one of the most inefficient authorities in Austria. With extremely long waiting times, lack of accessibility, and complicated procedures, it caused a lot of frustration. Reforms are now showing the first signs of success, although challenges remain.

Many expats and…