Austrian Citizenship by Investment
As an Austrian citizen, you have the right to live and work not only in Austria but also anywhere in the EU at any time. The Austrian passport is highly regarded, providing extensive visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries, including Hong Kong (SAR China), Japan, Singapore, and the USA. It is considered one of the world’s most powerful travel documents. Additionally, when you obtain citizenship through the Austrian Citizenship Act, both you and your family receive full lifelong citizenship, which can be passed down to future generations by descent.
Advantages of obtaining Austrian Citizenship by Investment
Benefits of obtaining Austrian citizenship by investment include:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 destinations worldwide.
- The right to live and work anywhere within the EU and Switzerland.
- A high standard of living, with top-tier healthcare, education, and public services.
- Excellent transport and communication infrastructure, providing easy connectivity.
Requirements for Austrian Citizenship by Investment
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Invest actively, directly and significantly in the Austrian economy, such as through a joint venture or direct investment into a business generating jobs. Passive investments such as government bonds or real estate will not qualify.
- Provide documentation including:
- A valid passport
- Birth and marriage certificates where applicable
- Certificate of no criminal record
- A comprehensive CV
- Business background information
- References
Procedures and Timeframes for Austrian Citizenship by Investment
Obtaining Austrian citizenship through a capital contribution involves multiple steps and requires approval from various levels of government. It is crucial for applicants to receive proper guidance from the outset, ensuring that each case is carefully prepared and informal approvals from key ministries are secured before making the investment and starting the formal application process.
Compass Services assists by identifying appropriate investment opportunities, coordinating with relevant government agencies and ministries, and preparing and submitting your application. The process includes a detailed background check. Once the application is approved, citizenship documents are issued.
On average the application process takes 24–36 months. After approval, applicants receive full Austrian citizenship and can immediately apply for a passport, which is typically issued within a few days.
The grant of citizenship remains confidential and is not disclosed to any other country, in accordance with Austria’s privacy and official secrets provisions.
The Outcome of your Application
Please note that the granting of Austrian citizenship is entirely at the discretion of the Government of the Republic of Austria, and therefore approval cannot be guaranteed. However, rest assured every effort is made to ensure the best possible safeguards for applicants throughout the process. Before proceeding with any mandate, a written agreement is established between the applicant and Compass Services, clearly outlining the responsibilities of both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Austrian Citizenship by Investment?
Austria’s Citizenship by Investment program provides investors and their families with the chance to acquire Austrian citizenship by making a significant contribution to the country’s economy. This pathway allows them to gain full citizenship while supporting Austria’s economic growth.
What Investment options are available to obtain the Austrian Citizenship by Investment?
There are myriad investment options which encompass substantial contributions to the Austrian economy, such as through a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs or boosts new export sales. However, passive investment such as government bonds will not qualify.
What are the advantages to obtaining the Austrian Citizenship by Investment?
Benefits of obtaining Austrian citizenship by investment include:
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 190 destinations worldwide.
- The right to live and work anywhere within the EU and Switzerland.
- A high standard of living, with top-tier healthcare, education, and public services.
- Excellent transport and communication infrastructure, providing easy connectivity.
Is there a minimum investment requirement for the Austrian Citizenship by Investment?
There is no minimum investment amount specified, but the investment must be substantial. Each application is handled on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as jobs created, new technologies developed or export sales generated.
What is the timeframe for processing an application?
While the process can vary from application to application, the average processing time is between 24-36 months.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, the main applicant can add their spouse and any dependent children to their application.
Are there any residence requirements in Austria?
There are no mandatory or specific residence requirements. However, applicants might be required to demonstrate having developed a connection to Austria, which can be done through spending time in the country.
What is the process for submitting an application for Austrian Citizenship by Investment?
Applicants are required to select a qualifying investment, submit their application along with the required documents, and complete a due diligence process.