The investment route to Austrian citizenship
The program is designed for investors who are ready to make significant investments in the Austrian economy. Unlike standard naturalization, it provides an opportunity to obtain citizenship without a long residence in the country and without language tests.
Austria – Passport Rating
Mobility Score
175Visa-free
120Visa on arrival
46eTA
9Visa required
23Passport Power Rank
3World reach
88 %Why choose Austrian citizenship: prestige, access and freedom of movement
The Austrian passport gives the right to live and work in any EU state, access to economic and educational resources, and visa-free entry to more than 160 countries. It is an excellent solution for those seeking global mobility, financial security and a European standard of living.
Citizenship without permanent residence
The investor program allows you to obtain an Austrian passport without years of residency and standard naturalization, which significantly shortens the path to citizenship.
Direct access to the EU
Austrian citizenship gives the right to live, work and do business in any country of the European Union without additional permits.
Visa-free travel almost all over the world
Austrian passport holders can travel freely with visa-free access to the US, Canada, UK, Japan and Schengen countries.
High level of confidentiality
The procedure for obtaining citizenship through investment is conducted on a case-by-case basis and is conducted without public disclosure.
Access to European quality of life
Austrian citizens enjoy an advanced health care system, high level of security, developed infrastructure and a stable economy.
Continuity and opportunities for the whole family
Citizenship can be extended to the investor's family members, opening up access to education, social guarantees and prospects in the EU for future generations.
To whom the Austrian passport is available: the individual path to EU citizenship
Austria offers an exceptional opportunity to obtain citizenship outside of standard migration procedures - through an individual decision of the federal authorities. The mechanism is unique in that it requires neither permanent residence nor prior residency status. The application is considered personally, with the participation of the highest state authorities, which makes this path truly exclusive.
Key conditions for obtaining Austrian citizenship for special merits
Number of investments:
There is no fixed threshold - the investment amount is determined by the importance of the project for the Austrian economy and its contribution to the development of key sectors, the recommended amount can be between EUR 2 and EUR 10 million.
Formats of investment participation:
It is proposed to finance enterprises with high innovative, scientific or social potential, participation in large-scale initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth, job creation and development of sectors of strategic importance for the country.
Time limit for obtaining citizenship:
Individually, averaging 18 to 36 months, depending on the nature of the investment and the progress of federal agency approvals
Status:
The investor receives an Austrian passport and in addition EU citizenship with many privileges throughout the association.
Residency requirements:
No prior residency or residence permit/permit is required. Actual stay in the country - by agreement, depending on the circumstances
Family support:
A spouse and minor children may be included in the application - under the same conditions, with no additional requirements
Language proficiency:
At the stage of application for Austrian citizenship, proficiency in German is not required and is not tested in the form of any tests.
Access:
The passport entitles you to visa-free travel to 160+ countries including the US, Canada and the UK
Find out in a personal consultation if you can participate in the program
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Procedure for obtaining Austrian citizenship through investment
Obtaining Austrian citizenship on the basis of investment is an exclusive and strictly personalized process regulated at the highest state level. We provide comprehensive support at every stage: from the preliminary assessment of your chances and the preparation of your investment dossier to the official negotiations with the authorities and the issuance of your passport.
Formation of individual investment strategy
The process begins by analyzing the client’s objectives and selecting an investment area that is both in line with the applicant’s interests and Austria’s economic policy priorities. It is important to ensure that the project idea meets the criteria of exceptional benefit to the country.
Legal audit and planning procedure
A legal review is being conducted for compliance with §10 (6) of the Nationality Act. Potential risks are assessed, a legal strategy and a step-by-step roadmap are prepared, including the required amount of investment, business structure and the possibility of including family members in the application process.
Development and preparation of an investment case study
A comprehensive dossier is created: business plan, information on sources of financing, corporate documents and justification of the significance of the project for the Austrian economy. All materials are submitted in accordance with the regulations of the federal authorities.
Submission of the petition at the state level
A formal application for citizenship is made through authorized attorneys. The application is handled confidentially and directly by the federal authorities, bypassing traditional migration authorities.
Implementation of the investment project
Once the structure of the deal is agreed, the real contribution to the economy is made – launching the company and creating jobs. All stages are documented in accordance with the expectations of state authorities.
Individual consideration and decision making
The case is being held in camera at the highest level. The timeframe can vary – from 18 to 36 months – and depends on the quality of the dossier, the scale of the investment and the political-economic context.
Obtaining citizenship and passport
After a positive decision, the applicant is granted Austrian citizenship. The passport can be issued both in Austria and abroad – through an embassy or consulate. From then on, you become an EU citizen with a full range of rights, from freedom of movement to access to European markets and protection systems.
Why it is safer to obtain Austrian citizenship with legal support
Personalized strategy for submission
Lawyers develop a customized plan of action that takes into account the requirements of federal agencies, the specifics of the investment and the applicant's profile, increasing the chances of successfully obtaining citizenship.
Full legal control at every stage
Specialists ensure legal accuracy and compliance with all regulations: from document execution to support in negotiations with government agencies.
Minimize failure risks
Professional due diligence, preparation of a correct dossier and precise compliance with all procedures significantly reduce the likelihood of rejection on formal or reputational grounds.
Saving time and resources
The lawyers take care of interactions with agencies, preparation of legalizations, translations, notarizations and deadlines, allowing the client to focus on investments and personal tasks.
Discuss the details of cooperation with lawyers at a personal consultation
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Answers to frequently asked questions about Austrian citizenship through investment
We have compiled key information on the procedure for obtaining an Austrian passport for contributing to the country's economy. If you have any questions, please contact us and our lawyers will provide personalized legal advice.
No, Austria does not offer massive investment programs. Citizenship can be granted exceptionally according to §10 (6) of the Citizenship Act for special merits, including significant economic contributions.
The specific amount is not fixed in the law and is determined on an individual basis. In practice, it is usually EUR 2-10 million for projects contributing to job creation, technological development or other priority areas for the state.
No, the applicant is not required to have a multi-year residency. In the investment route, citizenship can be granted without observing the standard naturalization period.
Yes, multiple citizenship is possible within the investment route, as Austria can make an exception in these cases and not require renunciation of the first citizenship.
Only those investments that bring real value to the Austrian economy – start-ups, financing of innovations, export-oriented industries or strategic industries – are suitable.
The procedure takes place in closed mode. Cases are considered individually, without publication of information in any public sources, which ensures a high level of confidentiality.
Average term – from 18 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the investment project, completeness of documents and the timing of approvals with federal agencies.
Key. Austria grants citizenship to an investor only if his or her contribution is recognized as nationally significant – i.e., if there is a tangible benefit for the country: for example, job creation, innovation, development of priority sectors (information technology, medicine, ecology). Without this elementary criterion, no investor will be granted citizenship, even with huge financial injections.
Formally, yes, but in practice it is almost impossible. The submission process requires informal approval at the highest level of government, including the involvement of the Ministry of the Interior and the Federal Chancellor. Most successful cases go through specialized law firms that have experience in communicating with the authorities, helping to properly draw up documents and justify the investor’s contribution.
Yes, citizenship may be granted to the investor’s spouse and minor children if the requirements are met.
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