191 countries

visa-free countries

€4,000,000

minimum requirement

24-36

months processing time

While there is no formal Citizenship-by-Investment program in Austria, according to Article 10, Section 6 of the Citizenship Act, the government is permitted to grant citizenship to a foreign national on the basis that they are contributing extraordinary merit to the country.

Benefits of Austria

Austria is consistently ranked among the world’s top countries for quality of life. Citizens benefit from world-class healthcare and education systems, a safe and clean environment, and a strong economy supported by political stability. The country’s cultural richness and high living standards make it an ideal base for raising a family or establishing a European foothold.

A powerful passport enabling visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival to 191 countries and the right of settlement in 31 European countries.

Citizenship does not automatically trigger tax residency. Non-residents are taxed only on Austrian-source income, while residents benefit from a transparent and stable tax regime. This flexibility allows investors to structure their affairs efficiently while enjoying the benefits of EU citizenship.

The Austrian Citizenship by Merit pathway is highly selective, reserved only for individuals whose contributions are deemed extraordinary by the government. This exclusivity enhances the prestige of the Austrian passport and reflects the applicant’s standing as a valued contributor to national development.

Who Can Get Austria Citizenship

  • Over 18 years old
  • Have no criminal record

  • Over 18 years old
  • Have no criminal record

  • Unmarried
  • Fully financial dependent on the main applicant

Requirements

To apply for Austria Citizenship by Merit, applicants must fulfill ONE of the following significant contributions AND other requirements:

OPTION 1. Direct Investment

Extraordinary merit can be in the form of direct investments in a local business which is creating jobs and generating tax revenue for the country. As such, passive investments in real estate, government bonds or bank deposits do not qualify. In general terms, the direct investment must be a minimum of EUR 10 million and provide extraordinary merit to the State. In addition, the set-up and running costs of the investment are substantial and typically in the range of EUR 400,000 to EUR 600,000.

OPTION 2. Contributions

Another option that qualifies as an extraordinary merit are donations to various projects that are in the public interest, such as to the arts, education, science or research. This option generally starts from EUR 4 million and it is vital that the donations and resulting public benefit has the support of many different levels of government.

Other Requirements and Benefits

Benefits:

  • A European passport that provides you with the right to work, study, set-up a business, reside, retire and settle in 31 European countries
  • You can take advantage of Austria’s state education and health system
  • You are not taxed on foreign income or capital gains outside Austria

Application Process

  • STEP 1

    Latitude Onboarding and Pre-Clearance

    We commence our process with Form 1, which enables us to carry out the initial Latitude due diligence. Subsequently, following the successful screening, we will provide you with a Client Agreement (CA) to review and sign.

  • STEP 2

    Preliminary Assessment

    Client signs Latitude Client Agreement. Latitude arranges a call with our local Austrian team for a preliminary assessment of the client’s needs, interests and background, to discuss possible endowment projects to be made in Austria.

  • STEP 3

    Entity Formation

    Local Austrian team establishes the legal entity to accommodate future endowment projects. We start to identify and present suitable capital contribution projects. Client decides to go forward with a first project.

  • STEP 4

    Second Project Commitment and Citizenship Preparation

    Client decides to go forward with a second project. Regular liaising with key authorities in Austria about both projects. Client visits Austria. We start collecting the required documents and complete the government forms for the preparation of the citizenship application.

  • STEP 5

    Citizenship Filing with Verified Documentation

    Upon positive feedback/informal approval from the Austrian authorities, we finalize the citizenship application and complete a Background Verification report to be included in the application.

  • STEP 6

    Ministry Due Diligence and Council Review

    Due diligence is performed by the relevant Ministries. Once completed, your citizenship package and an evaluation of your capital contribution project is sent to the Council of Ministers, who meet twice a year.

  • STEP 7

    Oath of Allegiance and Project Completion

    Upon approval, Client must:

    1) Visit Austria for Oath of Allegiance and receive citizenship documents.

    2) Finalize third/final capital contribution project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austria’s Citizenship by Merit is a special pathway that allows the Austrian government to grant citizenship to individuals who make extraordinary contributions to the nation. Qualifying contributions include:

• Major direct investments that generate jobs and tax revenue.
• Significant donations to public‑interest projects in areas such as the arts, science, education, or research.

Passive investments (e.g., real estate purchases or government bonds) do not qualify. This route is distinct from standard naturalization and is reserved for applicants who demonstrate exceptional value to Austria’s economy, culture, or society.

Austria generally prohibits dual citizenship. However, an exception exists under Article 10, Section 6 of the Austrian Citizenship Act. Successful applicants who obtain Austrian nationality through the Citizenship by Merit route may retain their existing citizenship alongside Austrian citizenship. This exemption applies only to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary contributions to Austria, such as major investments or significant public‑interest support.

Applicants pursuing Austrian citizenship under Article 10, Section 6 of the Citizenship Act should expect:

• Direct business investments starting from approximately €10 million, aimed at creating jobs and generating tax revenue.
• Charitable donations beginning at around €4 million, supporting public‑interest projects such as arts, science, education, or research.
• Operational and professional costs in the range of €400,000–600,000, covering due diligence, legal, and administrative fees.

Passive investments (such as real estate purchases or government bonds) do not qualify under this route.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship does not automatically make you a tax resident. Tax obligations depend on residency status:

• Non‑residents are taxed only on Austrian‑source income.
• Residents (those who relocate to Austria) are taxed on their worldwide income at progressive rates of up to 55%.
• Corporate tax in Austria is currently set at 23%.

This means citizenship alone does not trigger taxation, but moving your primary residence to Austria does.

Yes. Under Article 10, Section 6 of the Austrian Citizenship Act, applicants may include certain family members in their Citizenship by Merit application. Eligible dependents typically include:

• Spouses
• Dependent children under the age of 18

All family members must meet the same eligibility requirements as the main applicant, including a clean criminal record and strong personal references.

Austrian citizenship offers several high‑value benefits for global investors and their families:

• Visa‑free and visa‑on‑arrival access to over 191 destinations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe.
• Lifetime European Union rights, including the freedom to live, work, and study in any EU member state.
• Access to world‑class healthcare and education systems, ensuring long‑term security and opportunity.
• Prestige and credibility of holding one of the most respected passports globally, recognized for its stability and influence.

This combination of mobility, EU privileges, and global recognition makes Austrian citizenship one of the most exclusive options available.

Speak to one of our global experts and begin your journey today

The Latitude Group is a global leader in Residence and Citizenship by Investment. Our IMC-certified professionals are specialists in cross jurisdictional citizenship and residence planning. Moreover, we have more collective invesment migration industry experience than any other international firm.

  • Visa-free travel to 191 countries
  • 24-36 months application processing time
  • €4,000,000 minimum requirement

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