Austria
Austria, officially known as the Republic of Austria, is a landlocked country located in Central Europe. Vienna is the country’s capital and largest city, known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Austria is renowned for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes, picturesque villages, and famous ski resorts, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With a population of around 8.9 million people, Austria is a parliamentary representative democracy and has a prosperous economy driven by industries such as tourism, technology, and manufacturing. The country is also known for its cultural contributions to the world, including classical music, art, and literature.
Austrian Citizenship by Investment Overview
Foreigners have the opportunity to gain citizenship and residency in Austria through investments, although the price tag is steep. To qualify, the investment must be significant, contribute to the country’s economy, and generate employment opportunities. Austria’s citizenship by investment program sets itself apart by giving investors the freedom to select their investment, as long as it is substantial and serves the government’s interests. In addition to citizenship, approved investors can enjoy various lifestyle benefits and access diverse investment opportunities. The citizenship application process takes up to 36 months, but once approved, citizenship is granted immediately.
The usual minimum investment required for citizenship by investment in Austria is €10 million when invested directly into a business, or €3 million as a contribution to the government development fund. However, the investment amount is not fixed, and every application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants seeking Austrian citizenship through the Austria Golden Visa are required to renounce their original citizenship, as Austria does not permit dual citizenship. Moreover, the strict quota limits the number of annual approvals for the Austria Golden Visa to only 300, making it a significant deterrent for prospective applicants.
Applicants can include their spouse and children in their application for Austrian citizenship by investment, granting them the same privileges as the primary applicant. This means that the whole family can benefit from the opportunities and advantages of being an Austrian citizen, including access to top-quality education, healthcare, and social services. Additionally, family members can also benefit from the freedom of movement within the European Union, which allows them to live, work, and study in any of the EU member states. This can provide significant benefits and opportunities for families who wish to expand their horizons and explore new possibilities. The entire Austria Golden Visa application process can take around 36 months to complete and have citizenship granted.
Key benefits
Visa free travel
Stable political and economic environment
Wide range of investments
Other benefits
Austrian citizenship by investment offers several key benefits to foreign investors who are looking to become citizens and residents of Austria. Firstly, the program provides immediate citizenship upon approval, which means that investors can benefit from visa-free travel to over 180 countries worldwide, including the Schengen Area, the United States, and Canada. Moreover, Austria is an attractive destination for investors due to its stable political and economic environment, as well as its high standard of living and the excellent healthcare system.
Additionally, the Austrian citizenship by investment program is unique in that it does not have specific investment options, and investors are free to choose their investment as long as it is substantial and serves the Austrian government. This flexibility allows investors to pursue investment opportunities that align with their interests and expertise while also contributing to the growth of the Austrian economy.
However, it’s important to note that Austria does not allow dual citizenship, so investors must be willing to relinquish their original citizenship to become an Austrian citizen. Finally, one of the significant drawbacks of the Austrian citizenship by investment program is that it has strict quotas, and only 300 applications may be approved annually.
- Visa-free travel: Austrian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190 countries and territories, making it a valuable passport for international travel.
- Access to the EU: As an EU member state, Austria grants its citizens the right to live, work, and study in any of the other 26 EU member countries.
- Stable political and economic environment: Austria is a politically and economically stable country with a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for investors and individuals seeking a high quality of life.
- Investment opportunities: Austria offers a range of investment opportunities, including real estate, business, and government bonds.
- Family benefits: Austrian citizenship extends to the investor’s immediate family, including their spouse and dependent children under the age of 18.
Main requirements
- 1
Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- 2
Background check: Applicants need to have no criminal record.
- 3
Maintain a minimum bank balance of €40,000.
- 4
Language: Attain at least A1 proficiency in the German language.
- 5
Documents: 3 years of income proof, Police clearance certificate, Valid Austrian visa, Valid passport, Education certificates, Marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, and evidence of past marriages (if applicable), Complete CV containing information about each family member, Recent passport photos or use iVisa digital photo service.
- 6
Fee: pay a fee of €700 for individual applicants, plus additional administrative costs or €1,400, for married couples
Procedure
If you’re interested in obtaining citizenship by investment in Austria, Empire Global can help you navigate the application process and ensure that you meet all program requirements. We have years of experience in assisting investors with securing second citizenship, and we pride ourselves on providing personalized service tailored to your specific needs.
Don’t miss out on the many benefits of Austrian citizenship, including visa-free travel, great healthcare and educational system, and access to a stable and growing economy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals of obtaining a second citizenship through the Austian Golden Visa Program. Take the first step towards a brighter future for yourself and your family.
