Austria Citizenship By Investment – The Ultimate Guide By Experts | GCS

Austria, the land of breathtaking mountains, world-renowned Bavarian cuisine, and rich cultural activities. Austria is an immigration-friendly European Union country that rewards foreign nationals with Austrian citizenship, via its distinguished Austria Citizenship By Investment Program. 

In this citizenship by investment program guide, you’ll learn about:

• How to qualify for Austria citizenship as a foreign national

• Investment program requirements

• Step-by-step guide on how to obtain Austrian citizenship

• Plus more!

What is the Austria Citizenship By Investment Program?

Austria offers the opportunity for high net worth individuals to obtain citizenship by investment and an EU passport, in exchange for a substantial direct investment in the country’s economy. For an investment in a government fund or in a business venture that generates jobs, successful applicants receive visa free travel to over 180 destinations worldwide.

While other countries run citizenship by investment schemes like Switzerland Citizenship By Investment, Austria’s program is unique in that rather than having set investment options on the table, investors have more freedom to choose their investment, as long as the investment is substantial and serves the Austrian government. Along with being an extremely wealthy country, opportunities for investors to start anew and access a myriad of lifestyle benefits are ripe in Austria.

Financial requirements for Austria citizenship by investment scheme

Under the Austrian Citizenship Act, the applicant must actively invest in the Austrian economy, either via a joint venture or investment in a business that creates jobs or generates new export sales to qualify for obtaining a passport immediately. Alternatively, the investor can donate a lump sum of money to a government fund. 

Unlike other Golden Visa programs, Austria does not allow for passive investments in government bonds or real estate to qualify. Only a significant direct investment is recognized. Moreover, the Austrian government accepts applications on a case-by-case basis.

While the investment amounts aren’t set in stone (but usually range from €2-10 million), there are several rules in place for investors. 

• The main applicant must have a notable influence over an entity
• The entity should have a strong economic performance indicator
• A significant number of full time jobs are to be created from the investment
• Substantial investment must be made (usually in the millions)
• The entity has to have an international reputation
• The achievements of the investor must support Austria’s external relations in the economic sector.

Investment Options For Austrian Citizenship By Investment:

Eligibility for an Austrian Passport

The Austrian Citizenship Act, set forth by government provisions,has established a few rules to consider when applying for an Austrian passport.

Namely, the following rules apply:

• Be over 18 years old when applying
• Hold a clean criminal record
• Have enough funds to make the respective investment
• Prove that the investment is legal and legitimate
• Proof of German language skills (basic knowledge at the very least)
• Knowledge of Austria’s democratic system and history of Austria and Vienna
• Renunciation of current citizenship (Austria doesn’t recognize dual citizenship so your former citizenship has to be given up)
• Uninterrupted legal residence in Austria

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Citizenship is issued at the exclusive discretion of the Government of the Republic of Austria, and there is no guarantee that your citizenship application will be approved.

Benefits of Austrian Citizenship

Become an EU citizen provided you make a minimum capital contribution

The right to live anywhere in the European Union, including Switzerland

No requirement to live in Austria

Excellent education and healthcare

Austria passport is extremely powerful

Visa free access to 189 destinations including Canada, Hong Kong, the rest of the EU, and Europe’s Schengen Area.

Whole family

When you get citizenship, you and your family enjoy lifetime citizenship, which can be passed onto future generations by descent.

Tax advantaged residence

Enjoy tax incentives with citizenship in Austria. Since there are no residency requirements, you may be exempt from paying certain taxes like income tax.

Application Processing Timeline for Austrian Citizenship By Investment

There is no formal application process as such, however, the estimated time frame to obtaining citizenship takes around 24 to 36 months. Due to privacy laws in Austria, the citizenship program is kept mostly under wraps. Meaning, granting of citizenship isn’t openly reported to any other country or government agencies.

Austria Citizenship Documents Checklist

The following documentation is needed when filing your citizenship application and is subject to government approval. 

 Generally speaking, it is advisable to seek assistance from an experienced investment migration specialist prior to starting your application process, since the requirements are quite meticulous. Successful applicants usually have a consultant onboard to increase the chances of success.

• Comprehensive CV of all applicants aged 14 years and above containing details of place of residence since birth, education, vocational training, professional career, and details of personal circumstances.
• Passport-size photographs
• Birth certificate, marriage certificates, death of spouse if applicable, proof of divorce, and proof of previous marriages.
• Proof of change of name.
• Proof of adoption of child by applicant or spouse.
• Proof of educational qualification.
• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of entry in Austria
• Proof of good conduct and character where the applicant has spent more than six months.
• Proof of income for three years immediately preceding the application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Austria Citizenship By Investment Initiative