Austrian Citizenship: Benefits of the Program, Stages of Obtaining, Obtaining through Residence Permit and Permanent Residency

An Austrian passport is an expensive privilege, but it is worth it. Austria is a country with an efficient economy, developed infrastructure, a strong social policy, and simply incredible natural beauty. Here, you can feel confident about tomorrow.

It has been possible to become a citizen of this country (since 1985) by contributing at least €10 million to the national economy. You cannot invest in real estate; the money must work in the economy, and you must create new jobs for Austrian citizens.

Yes, not everyone can meet these conditions, but investors do not need to pass any exams on German language proficiency, live in Austria permanently, and — the best part — citizenship is granted to the entire family.

Important note! The application process takes time, around 2–2.5 years.

What are the benefits of the program?

• Prestige: Austrian citizenship is considered one of the most elite.
• Safe capital: The opportunity to store capital in a reliable EU currency and legally transfer it via a simplified scheme.
• Visa-free travel: The ability to travel visa-free to 160 countries worldwide, including the USA.
• No language exam: No need to pass a German language exam or live in Austria permanently to maintain citizenship.
• Simplified US visa: The opportunity to apply for an E-2 visa to the US via a simplified procedure.
• EU privileges: The ability to study, work, and live in any EU country.

Steps to obtain Austrian citizenship

1. Contract signing: This procedure takes place at our office. You only need to bring copies of the passports of those applying for citizenship. At this point, you will undergo a free preliminary due diligence check.
2. Business start-up in Austria: Establish a company and fund its capital. Our specialists will assist you at this stage, so there is no need to worry.
3. Document preparation: Our specialists will help you prepare the necessary documents and submit them to the Austrian authorities.
4. Applicant verification: Austrian authorities will check your application. We will maintain contact with them and resolve any issues.
5. Citizenship grant: After 26 months, you will become an Austrian citizen.
6. Continued support: We will remain your reliable advisors and assistants for as long as needed! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

What requirements must be met?

• All applicants must have health insurance.
• You must confirm that the funds you plan to invest in the business have a legal origin.
• You must not be on any EU sanction lists.
• No criminal record or legal issues.
• A spotless reputation.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship

“The higher the status of a country in the world, the stricter its approach to increasing its citizenry from outside” — a logical thought. Moreover, it is backed by practice: nearly all developed European countries do not offer direct citizenship to foreigners, even through investment paths, as their economies do not need a large influx of capital.

However, among the few EU countries that offer direct citizenship — without intermediary statuses — Austria stands out, despite its economic self-sufficiency. Naturally, Austria does not have a specific investment program for citizenship, but there are interpretations of the "Austrian Citizenship Law" that are cleverly utilized by potential investors.

Investment requirements for Austrian citizenship

As you would expect from a self-respecting country, the Republic of Austria values its citizenship highly. Article 6 of the mentioned "Austrian Citizenship Law" includes a provision stating that a passport can be granted to a foreigner who has rendered “special service” to Austria.

“Are large sums of money not such a service?” thought interested parties on both sides. Using this legal loophole, very wealthy individuals can obtain Austrian citizenship in 1–2 years after applying, as opposed to the traditional 10 years with intermediary statuses.

The cost is substantial:

• A minimum investment of €10 million into an Austrian business. These funds must expand production and create new jobs. The business must be profitable, which means the investor will also receive returns, recouping part of their investment over time.
• A second option is non-recoverable. This requires a contribution to support the development of education, culture, or sports. Sponsors are given a list of specific projects in these sectors, and the contribution amount depends on the project — from €2 to €4 million. The applicant undergoes a rigorous due diligence check.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship via residence permits and permanent residency

A more traditional path to Austrian citizenship is through intermediary statuses. Wealthy foreigners can obtain an Austrian residence permit by providing their financial means for living in the country. The financial requirements are as follows:

• For a single applicant, around €1,800 per month;
• For a married couple, around €2,600;
• For each child, around €270.

In practice, this means that a prospective residence permit holder with a family must have at least €60,000 in an Austrian or other reliable bank.

Once the application is approved, the residence permit is issued within about six months. It can be renewed twice, first for one year, then for three years. After five years, permanent residency can be applied for, and citizenship is possible after five years of permanent resident status. A residence permit does not grant the right to work.

The conditions for obtaining a passport via this route differ significantly from the investment route.

Requirements for financial independence Applicants seeking citizenship

• Permanent residence in Austria.
• Passing several German language exams (oral and written).
• Full integration into Austrian society, adopting the country’s mentality and traditions.

Obtaining an Austrian passport in 2020

The investment path does not impose strict requirements on applicants. Specifically:

• No need to pass a language exam;
• No requirement to live permanently in Austria;
• You can live in any EU country without time restrictions;
• Visa-free travel to over 150 countries, including the United States;
• You can run a business in Austria or another European country.

While the full process for obtaining citizenship via investment takes about two years, after two months of investing, you can live in Austria with a special investor residence permit.

GARANT IN's migration experts are well-versed in the processes and timelines for obtaining Austrian citizenship and are ready to provide professional assistance throughout the procedure.