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Become Global Citizen is the leading platform for secure and straightforward citizenship investment. Acquire your European passport and experience visa-free travel to 193 destinations worldwide.
The Austria passport is ranked among the top 2 in the 2024 Passport Index.
Travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Expand your mobility options with visa-free access to the European Union, Switzerland, and the UK.
Live and work freely across Europe, and enjoy visa-free travel throughout the EU member states, the Schengen Area, the USA, Canada, and Switzerland.
Each year, thousands of entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals choose to relocate to Austria with their families.
Austria is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live, known for its excellent healthcare system, cleanliness, and high air quality.
Foreign nationals can attain EU citizenship through Austria’s citizenship by investment program, which imposes no nationality restrictions.
As an Austrian citizen, you could benefit from tax exemptions, such as income tax, thanks to Austria’s tax-advantaged residency.
Once you complete the citizenship application process, you’ll have the opportunity to establish permanent residency in Austria without needing a residence permit.
Successful applicants can enjoy an exceptional quality of life in one of the world’s safest and most stable countries.
Under Austrian Citizenship Law, dual citizenship is typically not permitted, requiring the renunciation of your current citizenship for Austrian naturalization.
However, through the Citizenship by Investment program (Article 10 (6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act), you can retain your previous citizenship while acquiring Austrian nationality.
Additionally, you must provide all supporting documents, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of wealth and source of funds, and evidence of income for the three years preceding your application, among others.
Your spouse and any dependent children under 21 are also eligible to obtain Austrian citizenship.
To obtain Austrian citizenship by investment, you need to make an active investment in the Austrian economy. While there are no specific investment options outlined, substantial direct investment is required.
For instance, you might invest in a joint venture or directly fund a business that creates jobs or boosts export sales.
Passive investments, such as in government bonds or real estate, do not meet the requirements.
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Gain EU citizenship with the ability to live and work throughout the entire European Union. | A significantly high minimum investment of €7-10 million, among the highest globally. |
| An Austrian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 185 destinations worldwide. | Passive investments, such as in government bonds or real estate, do not qualify; only direct business investments are acceptable. |
| The Austrian passport has an outstanding reputation, ranking among the strongest in the world. | The application process typically takes 24-36 months, which is considerably longer than most other citizenship by investment programs. |
| Access to Austria’s exceptional healthcare and education systems. | Thorough due diligence and background checks are enforced, with even minor issues potentially leading to disqualification. |
| Austria boasts a robust and advanced economy, making it an excellent location for business. | Applicants must show "extraordinary merit" and demonstrate that their investment will bring substantial benefits to Austria. |
The Austria Citizenship by Investment Program and the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs differ in several key ways. Here are some important factors to consider:
| Â | Caribbean CBI | Austria CBI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost |
Caribbean citizenship offers visa-free travel to a varying number of countries based on the specific program, but typically provides fewer destinations compared to Cyprus. |
Austria's program does not permit passive investments and mandates active involvement in the Austrian economy, such as direct investment in a business that creates new jobs or stimulates exports. |
| Benefits |
Caribbean citizenship offers visa-free travel to a varying number of countries based on the specific program, but typically provides fewer destinations compared to European countries. |
Possessing an Austrian passport enables visa-free travel to numerous countries and offers consular protection and assistance across the EU. |
| Processing | Caribbean CBI programs generally have quicker processing times, with some providing a fast-track option that can complete the process in as little as 40-60 days. | Austria's program typically takes about 3-5 months to issue a passport to successful applicants. |
| Business opportunities | The Caribbean islands provide business opportunities, particularly in tourism, but on a smaller scale compared to Europe. | As a member of the European Economic Area, Austria offers access to the world’s largest single market and a wide range of business opportunities across diverse industries. |
The legal foundation of this program is established by the Austrian Citizenship Act. The decision to grant citizenship rests entirely with the Austrian Government.
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