Austria's citizenship by merit offering, known as Austria Citizenship by Extraordinary Achievements, offers investors and their families the opportunity to obtain Austrian citizenship by making a substantial contribution to the country's economy or through extraordinary achievements in the interest of Austria.
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Austria
Citizenship by Investment Overview
Investment
Substantial contribution to the Austrian economy or extraordinary achievements in the interest of Austria
Key Benefit
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 190 destinations including Canada, Hong Kong, the rest of the EU, and Europe’s Schengen Area
Overview of Austria Citizenship by Merit
As a citizen of Austria, you can live and work in the country and anywhere else in the EU at any time. The Austrian passport has an excellent reputation and offers very comprehensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel, including to Hong Kong (SAR China), Japan, Singapore, and the USA. It is without a doubt among the best travel documents in the world and ranks among the top 10 strongest passports. When you acquire citizenship under the Austrian Citizenship Act, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.
Benefits of Austria Citizenship by Merit
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to approximately 190 destinations
- The right to reside anywhere else in the EU and Switzerland
- High quality of life
- Excellent transport and communications
Requirements of Austria Citizenship by Merit
Under the citizenship by merit provisions, an applicant is required to invest actively in the Austrian economy, for example, in the form of a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs or generates new export sales. Significant direct investment is generally required. Passive investments in government bonds or real estate, for example, do not qualify. Alternatively, citizenship may be granted for extraordinary achievements that serve Austria’s national interest, such as outstanding contributions in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts.
In addition to standard documentary requirements (such as passports, birth, and marriage certificates), a completely clean personal record (certificate of no criminal record), a comprehensive CV, and business background information, as well as impeccable references must be provided by all applicants.
The Austrian Citizenship Act generally requires the applicant to abandon their current citizenship as a precondition for being granted Austrian citizenship. However, in case of a grant of citizenship under the provisions of Article 10 (6) of the Citizenship Act, the former citizenship can be legally maintained, that is, the applicant may not be required to give up their present citizenship.
Austria Citizenship by Merit Procedures
Acquiring citizenship through a capital contribution involves multiple procedures and requires approval from several government authorities. It is therefore crucial that applicants receive expert guidance from the outset, with each case carefully prepared and preliminary approvals sought from the relevant ministries before any investment is made or the formal application is submitted.
DLB Global advises on suitable investment opportunities, coordinates with the relevant government agencies, and manages the preparation and submission of your citizenship application. The process includes a thorough background check to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Citizenship documents are granted only once the application has been formally approved.
Successful applicants are awarded full citizenship and can immediately apply for a passport. Passport issuance is typically completed within a few days.
All citizenship grants are handled discreetly in accordance with government provisions regarding privacy and confidentiality.
Performance Guarantee
The decision to grant citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the Government of the Republic of Austria, and DLB Global cannot guarantee the approval of any application. Nevertheless, we take every measure to provide applicants with the highest level of guidance and protection throughout the application process. Before commencing any engagement, DLB Global formalizes a written agreement with the applicant, clearly outlining the roles and responsibilities of both parties.
Austria Citizenship by Merit Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Austria Citizenship by Merit?
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What are the investment options available for Austria Citizenship by Merit?
Options include contributing significantly to Austria’s economy through a joint venture or direct investment that creates jobs or increases exports. Alternatively, individuals may qualify through outstanding achievements in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts that benefit Austria.
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What are the benefits of obtaining Austrian Citizenship by Merit?
Benefits include the right to live, work, and study in Austria and other EU countries, visa-free access to numerous countries worldwide, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.
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What is the minimum investment required for Austrian Citizenship by Merit?
There is no minimum investment amount, but applicants need to make a substantial contribution to the Austrian economy or show extraordinary achievements in the interest of Austria.
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How long does it take to process an application for Austrian Citizenship by Merit?
Processing times for citizenship by merit applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
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Can family members be included in the Austria Citizenship by Merit application?
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in their application.
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What are the residence requirements for Austria Citizenship by Merit?
There are no specific residence requirements, but applicants may need to demonstrate a connection to Austria and spend some time in the country.
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What documents are required for the Austria Citizenship by Merit application?
Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of contribution, health insurance, a clean criminal record, a comprehensive CV, background business information, impeccable references, and other supporting documents.
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What is the process for applying for Austrian Citizenship by Merit?
Applicants must choose a qualifying investment, submit the application along with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.
Citizenship by Investment Overview
Requirement
Approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds, German language skills, permanent accommodation, and private healthcare insurance
Key Benefit
Freedom of travel to Austria, the rest of the EU, and Europe’s Schengen Area
Austrian Residence by Investment Overview
An Austrian residence permit allows you to travel to all Europe’s Schengen Area states without a visa. A residence permit is initially issued for one year and can then be renewed without problems or interruptions. After 10 years of legal residence, and in certain circumstances after six years, it is possible to apply for Austrian citizenship.
Benefits of an Austrian Golden Visa
- Opportunity to establish residence as a person of independent means
- Visa-free access to all Europe’s Schengen Area states
- Possibility for citizenship eligibility after 10 years of residence
- Attractive lifestyle and healthy environment
- Excellent transport and communications
Austria Golden Visa Requirements
Only a select number of applicants will be chosen, due to the strict annual quota of around 300 individuals in place. To acquire residence under the Austria Private Residence Program, applicants must fulfil all the following requirements. They must:
- Have approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds on a bank account, the amount of which will increase depending on the size of their family
- Provide proof of permanent residential real estate (either purchased or leased), where they and their dependents will live
- Have private healthcare insurance
- Have documented German language skills (at A1 level)
Applicants are also required to:
- Personally submit the mandatory documentation to the Austrian consular or diplomatic representation in their current country of residence
- Obtain a special visa at the Austrian embassy, once their residence application has been approved, which will enable them to travel to Austria to collect their residence permit from the relevant authority
Procedure for the Austrian Golden Visa
In the course of the application process, applicants must personally submit mandatory documentation to the Austrian consular or diplomatic representation in their current country of residence. Due to the strict quota constraints for some residence permits, timing of the submission of the application is of prime importance. Once the permit is granted, the applicant must pick up a special visa at the Austrian embassy, which allows the applicant to travel to Austria to collect the residence permit at the relevant authority.
Once the residence permit is issued, it must be collected in person from the issuing authority in Austria. In addition, all non-EU and non-EFTA citizens must sign an integration agreement if they will be residing in Austria for more than 24 months. The residence and settlement permits are issued in the form of a card and can be renewed each year.
Austria Residence by Investment Program Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Austria Private Residence Program?
The Austria Private Residence Program is open to applicants who have approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds and can show proof of residence, private health insurance, and A1 level German skills.
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What are the investment options available for the Austria Private Residence Program?
There is no investment required, but applicants must have approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds.
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What are the benefits of obtaining Austrian residence through investment?
Benefits include the right to live and study in Austria, visa-free access to Europe’s Schengen Area, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.
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What is the minimum investment required for the Austria Private Residence Program?
Chosen applicants must have approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds on a bank account (exact amount depends on family size).
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How long does it take to process an application for the Austria Private Residence Program?
Processing times for residence by investment applications may vary. Please contact us to find out more.
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Can family members be included in the Austria Private Residence Program application?
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children in their application.
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What are the residence requirements for the Austria Private Residence Program?
Applicants must reside in Austria for six months per year to maintain residence.
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What documents are required for the Austria Private Residence Program application?
Required documents include a valid passport, proof health insurance and German language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
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Is it possible to obtain Austrian citizenship through the residence by investment program?
Yes, after maintaining residence for a certain number of years, typically ten, investors may be eligible to apply for Austrian citizenship.
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What is the process for applying to the Austria Private Residence Program?
Applicants must submit required documents to the Austrian consulate or embassy. Once approved, they must collect a special visa and travel to Austria to receive their residence permit.
Country Information
The combination of economic stability, a clean and safe environment, and an excellent infrastructure makes Austria an outstanding place of residence.
Population: | 8.9 million |
Languages: | German, English |
Economy: | Advanced and well-developed |
Currency: | Euro |
Living in Austria
Austria is an attractive country, with its capital Vienna regularly ranked as having a very high quality of life. The combination of economic stability, a clean and safe environment, and an excellent infrastructure makes it an outstanding place of residence. The country has a vibrant culture and is home to many world-class museums, musical festivals, and impressive architecture. Austria also lays claim to beautiful natural attractions, from snow-capped mountains to a lush green countryside and lakes. Austria ranks among the European community’s richest countries. It has a well-developed economy, with the service sector contributing approximately two-thirds of the country’s GDP. The economy benefits from strong commercial relations with Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
It is an excellent place to establish residence within the EU, and it is one of the only EU countries that have an established practice of offering citizenship and a passport to substantial investors without prior residence requirements, on the basis of a capital contribution to the country.
Residence for Persons of Independent Means
For persons of independent means, Austria offers the opportunity to become resident in the EU country, with minimal requirements. The key criteria are that you have sufficient funds, knowledge of the German language at A1 level, accommodation in Austria, and health insurance that provides full cover in the country. An Austrian residence permit allows you to travel to all Europe’s Schengen Area states without a visa. After ten years of legal residence, you may apply for Austrian citizenship.
Austrian Citizenship Act
10 (6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act states that the government can reward foreign persons with citizenship in cases of extraordinary merit. This process may take various forms, including economic ones and can include capital contribution or other economic benefit brought to Austria. However, in Austria, citizenship is not granted on the basis of a capital contribution alone. The foreign investor must make an extraordinary contribution alongside their investment, such as bringing new technologies to the country or creating a substantial number of new jobs. Significant direct investment is generally required. Passive investments in government bonds or real estate, for example, do not qualify. Each case is handled on an individual basis.
Explore Austria Real Estate Opportunities
Investing in international property opens the door to lifestyle benefits, portfolio diversification, and potential residence or citizenship opportunities.
DLB Global provides access to carefully selected real estate opportunities across some of Austria’s most desirable destinations. Each offering unique advantages — from strong investment potential to strategic mobility benefits.
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