About
Why Austria.
Status: PAUSED for general CBI marketing. The exceptional-merit pathway remains legally available under Section 10(6), but applications are evaluated highly discretionarily.
Austria does not operate a conventional citizenship-by-investment program. Instead, Section 10(6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act 1985 allows discretionary citizenship grants for "extraordinary merit in the public interest", which has historically included exceptional economic contributions to Austria.
The standard investment threshold is €3,000,000+ in active business investment (substantial employment or technology transfer, for example). Ultra-HNWI cases involve €10M+ in strategic-sector investment.
The Austrian passport ranks #5 globally with 184 visa-free destinations. Combined with full EU citizenship rights (the right to live and work in any of the 27 member states), Austria represents the apex of citizenship-by-merit outcomes.
Important caveats:
- Highly discretionary. Each application is evaluated case-by-case by the Council of Ministers. Approval is not guaranteed even with sufficient investment.
- No dual citizenship. Austria does not generally permit dual citizenship. Exceptional-merit grants may include retention provisions but this is discretionary.
- Long timeline. 18-36 months from initial engagement to decision.
- Audit-grade due diligence. Source-of-funds documentation must be exceptionally thorough.
For HNWIs seeking the most prestigious EU passport, Austria is the highest-tier pathway. But Malta CBI offers a structured EU citizenship route at €690K with predictable processing.
Investment routes
How the investment works.
2 routes are available. Pick the one that fits your goals.
Business
Exceptional-merit business investment
From
€3,000,000
Direct, active investment in an Austrian business creating substantial employment or technology transfer. Granted under Section 10(6) of the Citizenship Act 1985, exclusively at the discretion of the Council of Ministers.
- RecoverableNo, non-refundable
Benefits
What this citizenship gives you.
One of the world's strongest passports
Austrian passport ranks
Full EU citizenship
Right to live, work, and start a business in any of the 27 EU member states without restriction.
No language requirement waiver path
For exceptional-merit cases under Section 10(6), language requirements may be waived at ministerial discretion.
Eligibility
Who can apply.
Main applicant
- ✓At least 18 years old
- ✓Clean criminal record
Family members eligible
- ✓Spouse
- ✓Children
Process
How it works, step by step.
Total: ~18-36 months for the exceptional-merit case.
- 1
Pre-engagement
8-12 weeksConfidential pre-screening with Austrian counsel; eligibility assessment.
- 2
Investment structuring
16-24 weeksInvestment vehicle established; Austrian business engagement formalised.
- 3
Application
4-8 weeksApplication submitted via licensed Austrian counsel to the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
- 4
Review
12-24 monthsCouncil of Ministers and Federal Chancellor consideration; multi-ministry consultation.
- 5
Decree and citizenship
4-8 weeksCitizenship granted by Council of Ministers decision; passport issued.
Documents
What you'll need to prepare.
9 documents required. All must be apostilled and (where applicable) translated.
- 1Notarized passport copy
- 2Birth and marriage certificates (apostilled)
- 3Police clearance (extensive, typically 10+ years)
- 4Full financial and tax-history disclosure
- 5Business plan demonstrating Austrian economic benefit
- 6Source-of-funds documentation (audit-grade)
- 7Letters of support from Austrian business partners (typical)
- 8German language certification (B1+ typical, waivable in exceptional cases)
- 9Application via licensed Austrian counsel
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is Austria really a CBI program?
What does 'exceptional contribution' mean?
What is the approval rate?
Can I retain my current citizenship?
Why is this paused / less promoted?
Legal basis
Austrian Citizenship Act 1985, Section 10(6), granted in cases of "extraordinary merit in the public interest" or "exceptional economic contribution"
