Austria Citizenship by Merit

While Austria does not offer a formal citizenship by investment program, individuals may qualify for citizenship by making a significant economic contribution or demonstrating exceptional achievements that provide clear benefits to the country.

Citizenship by Merit Overview

Austria is an exceptional destination for establishing residence within the European Union. It is the only Western European country that allows individuals to obtain citizenship by merit and secure an EU passport without any prior residence requirements.

Investment

A significant contribution to the Austrian economy or demonstration of extraordinary achievements that serve Austria’s national interest.

Key Benefit

Enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 destinations, including Canada, Hong Kong, the European Union, and Europe’s Schengen Area.

Overview of Austria Citizenship by Merit

Austrian citizenship allows you to live and work freely in Austria and across the European Union. The Austrian passport is highly respected and provides extensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to major global destinations, including Hong Kong (SAR China), Japan, Singapore, and the United States.

By obtaining citizenship under the Austrian Citizenship Act, you and your family receive full citizenship for life, which can be passed down to future generations by descent.

Benefits of Austria Citizenship by Merit

Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 190 destinations worldwide
Right to live and work anywhere in the European Union and Switzerland
High quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services
Efficient transport and communications infrastructure for seamless connectivity

Requirements of Austria Citizenship by Merit

Applicants seeking Austrian citizenship under the citizenship by merit provisions must make a substantial, active investment in the Austrian economy, such as a direct investment in a business or a joint venture that creates jobs or generates new export revenue. Passive investments, including government bonds or real estate, do not qualify. Alternatively, citizenship may be granted for extraordinary achievements that serve Austria’s national interest, including exceptional contributions in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts.
In addition to standard documentation—such as passports, birth and marriage certificates—applicants must provide a clean criminal record, a comprehensive CV, business background information, and impeccable references.
Under the Austrian Citizenship Act, applicants are generally required to renounce their current citizenship to acquire Austrian citizenship. However, in cases granted under Article 10 (6) of the Citizenship Act, it may be possible to retain existing citizenship legally.

Austria Citizenship by Merit Procedures

Obtaining Austrian citizenship through a capital contribution involves multiple steps and requires government approval at several levels. It is therefore crucial that applicants receive expert guidance from the outset, with each case carefully prepared and informal approvals from key ministries obtained before making any investment and formally submitting the application.
Citizen by Investments advises on suitable capital contribution opportunities, coordinates with the relevant government agencies and ministries, and prepares and lodges your application. The process includes a comprehensive background check, and citizenship documents are issued once the application is approved.
Successful applicants receive full citizenship of the Republic of Austria by government decision and may apply for an Austrian passport immediately thereafter. Passports are typically issued within a few days.
The grant of citizenship is confidential and not disclosed to other countries, in accordance with Austrian government privacy and official secrecy provisions.

Performance Guarantee

The granting of Austrian citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the Government of the Republic of Austria, and approval cannot be guaranteed. However, every effort is made to provide the highest level of guidance and safeguards for applicants throughout the process.

Before taking on any mandate, a written agreement is established between the applicant and Citizen by Investments, clearly outlining the responsibilities of both parties.

Citizenship