Austria

Austrian citizenship grants individuals the freedom to live and work in Austria as well as anywhere within the European Union. The Austrian passport is highly regarded and provides extensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 destinations, including Hong Kong (SAR China), Japan, Singapore, and the USA. Recognized as one of the world’s most powerful travel documents, it consistently ranks among the top 10 passports.

Under the Austrian Citizenship Act, citizenship is granted for life and can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Key Benefits of Austria Citizenship by Investment

Global Mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations worldwide.

EU Residency Rights: The ability to live, work, and travel freely within the EU and Switzerland.

Exceptional Quality of Life: Austria offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and a stable economy.

Strong Infrastructure: Well-developed transport and communication networks ensure seamless connectivity.

Applicants seeking Austrian citizenship through investment must make an active contribution to the Austrian economy. This typically involves a direct investment in a business, such as establishing a joint venture, funding an enterprise that generates export revenue, or creating employment opportunities. Passive investments, such as purchasing real estate or government bonds, do not qualify.

Key Requirements

Investment Commitment: A substantial direct investment in Austria’s economy is required.
Documentary Evidence: Applicants must provide standard documentation, including:Valid passport
Birth and marriage certificates (if applicable)
Proof of a clean criminal record (certificate of no criminal record)
Comprehensive CV and business background details
Strong personal and professional references
Dual Citizenship Considerations:Austria generally requires applicants to renounce their current citizenship before obtaining Austrian nationality.
However, under Article 10(6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act, citizenship may be granted without requiring the applicant to surrender their existing nationality.

Application Process

Obtaining Austrian citizenship through investment is a multi-step process that requires government approval at various levels. To ensure a smooth application, it is crucial for applicants to receive proper guidance from the outset, carefully prepare their case, and secure informal approvals from key ministries before making the investment and submitting a formal application.

Application Procedure

Preliminary Assessment & Investment Planning:

Identifying suitable capital contribution opportunities that align with government requirements.
Obtaining informal approvals from relevant Austrian ministries before proceeding with the investment.

Application Submission & Background Verification:

A comprehensive due diligence check is conducted.
Once the formal application is submitted, it undergoes thorough government review at multiple levels.

Approval & Citizenship Granting:

Upon approval, full Austrian citizenship is granted by a government decision.
Successful applicants can immediately apply for an Austrian passport, which is typically issued within a few days.
Privacy Protection:

The granting of citizenship remains confidential and is neither published nor reported to any other country, as it falls under government privacy regulations.
Important Considerations
Government Discretion: The approval of citizenship applications is solely at the discretion of the Austrian government.
Legal Safeguards: To provide applicants with clarity and security, a written agreement outlining the responsibilities of both parties is established before proceeding with the application.