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2026 Program Guide

Austria Citizenship by Investment

Austria has no official 'citizenship by investment' program; however, under Article 10(6) of the Citizenship Act, citizenship may be granted at the government's discretion to individuals who make an exceptional economic contribution to the country. A typical contribution starts from EUR 3 million to a state fund or from EUR 10 million for a direct business investment.

Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal

At a glance

Program type
Citizenship through exceptional contribution (no official program, discretionary)
Typical contribution
EUR 3M (fund) - EUR 10M (business investment)
Passive investment
Not eligible (bonds / real estate not accepted)
Processing time
Approximately 12-36 months
Language / residence requirement
None
Dual citizenship
Possible via this route

Who is it for?

  • Ultra-high-net-worth individuals targeting one of the EU's most powerful passports.
  • Investors able to make an exceptional, active contribution (jobs, technology) to the Austrian economy.
  • Applicants able to accept a long process and a discretionary approval.
  • Those seeking EU citizenship via an exceptional route without a residence or language requirement.

Not an Official Program, an Exceptional Route

Austria does not have a standard citizenship-by-investment program like other countries. Instead, Article 10(6) of the Citizenship Act allows citizenship to be granted, at the government's discretion, to individuals who make an exceptional economic contribution to the country. Approval is entirely discretionary regardless of the investment amount; the strength of the file and the genuine economic impact are decisive.

Active Contribution Required, Not Passive Investment

Passive investments such as bonds or real estate are not accepted under this route. The contribution is expected to provide a concrete and active benefit to the Austrian economy through job creation, exports, technological development, or similar means. A typical contribution starts from EUR 3 million to a state development fund or from EUR 10 million for a direct business investment.

Preparing an Exceptional Contribution File

Austria is not a program in the ordinary sense, and applicants should approach it accordingly. Citizenship here is granted at the government's discretion under Article 10(6) of the Citizenship Act, in recognition of an exceptional contribution to the country. There is no published entitlement and no guarantee, which is why the route suits a small group: individuals of substantial means who can demonstrate genuine economic, cultural or scientific value, and who are prepared for a long assessment with an uncertain outcome. What a successful applicant gains is significant. EU citizenship and one of the world's most powerful passports come without any language or residence requirement attached to this route, and dual citizenship is possible through it. The work sits in the file. Passive holdings such as bonds or real estate are not accepted, so the case has to rest on active contribution, typically job creation or a contribution to technological development, evidenced in detail. Preliminary assessment, file preparation, government review and the decision follow in sequence. Candid professional advice on your prospects, and on whether a different route would serve you better, is worth having before any expense is incurred.

Benefits

  • EU citizenship and one of the world's most powerful passports.
  • No residence or language requirement.
  • Dual citizenship is allowed via this exceptional route.
  • Living and working opportunities at the heart of Europe.

Requirements

  • Exceptional economic, cultural, or scientific contribution to the country.
  • Job creation or a contribution to technological development.
  • Approval at the government's discretion.

Costs

Government development fund contribution
From EUR 3,000,000
Direct business investment
From EUR 10,000,000
Passive investments (bonds / real estate)
Not accepted

Process

  1. Preliminary assessment

    Evaluation of the contribution plan and eligibility.

  2. File preparation

    Preparation of the economic contribution file.

  3. Government review

    Discretionary assessment by the competent authorities.

  4. Approval

    Citizenship and passport upon approval.

FAQ

Does Austria have an official investment program?
No. Instead of an official program, there is a legal provision (Article 10(6)) based on exceptional economic contribution, entirely at discretion.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. The government has full discretion regardless of the investment amount.
Are real estate or bonds accepted?
No. Passive investments are not eligible; the contribution must provide an active benefit to the economy.
How long does the process take?
This discretionary route generally takes 12-36 months; each case is unique.
Is dual citizenship possible via this route?
Yes. Although Austria normally restricts dual citizenship, retaining existing citizenship may be permitted under this exceptional contribution route.
Who is this suitable for?
It is suitable for ultra-high-net-worth, exceptional individuals capable of making an outstanding, active contribution to the Austrian economy.

Sources

Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.

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