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" — historically including exceptional economic contributions to Austria.
The standard investment threshold is €3,000,000+ in active business investment (creating substantial employment, technology transfer, or export contribution). Ultra-HNWI cases involve €10M+ in strategic-sector investment.
The Austrian passport ranks #3 globally with 194 visa-free destinations — among the world's most powerful passports. Combined with full EU citizenship rights (live, work, and operate 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, technology transfer, or export contribution. Granted under Section 10(6) of the Citizenship Act 1985 — exclusively at the discretion of the Council of Ministers.
- RecoverableNo — non-refundable
Benefits
What citizenship unlocks.
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)
- 4Comprehensive 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"
