Avusturya

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

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.

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. 01

   Preliminary assessment

   Evaluation of the contribution plan and eligibility.

2. 02

   File preparation

   Preparation of the economic contribution file.

3. 03

   Government review

   Discretionary assessment by the competent authorities.

4. 04

   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.