Austria is a landlocked East Alpine country located in the centre of Europe. The country is mountainous with stunning Alpine peaks and crystal clear lakes. Austria is a real jewellery-box in the middle of Europe, offering not only beautiful natural scenery but idyllic historic cities as well. Its capital, Vienna, has been ranked as the most liveable city several times.
Austria is a member country of the EU since January 1, 1995; the country enjoys political stability and its economy is one of the most stable in Europe. Crime rate in the country is one of the lowest in Europe, and violent crime is rare.
Austria has a highly developed two-tier healthcare system offering universal care for residents of the country and from the EU as well. The country is also known for its highly reputable educational system.
Capital city: Vienna
Area: 83,879 km²
Population: 8,859,000
Official languages: German
Dominant religion: Roman Catholic
Currency: euro
Time zone: GMT+2
An Austrian residency or citizenship is highly desirable since the country is a well-respected European Union member with an excellent reputation. Austrian residency permits are usually issued for one year and can be renewed. Applying for Austrian citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residence.
Austria residency key benefits:
- Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Area countries
- citizenship opportunity after 10 years of residency (naturalization)
- reputable jurisdiction for business as well
Austria residency requirements:
- 10 different types of residence permits exist, depending on the applicants’ and their families’ objectives. Whether a residence title can be acquired and subsequently also maintained is always examined ‘ex officio’ on the basis of 3 alternative prerequisites:
- (a) the (intended) establishment of a residence that actually exists for more than 6 months per year;
- (b) the (intended) establishment of the principal place of life interests in Austria; and
- (c) in the (intended) commencement of a gainful employment that is not merely temporary. In general, investment is min €100,000, but this depends on the permit.
- proof of funds to finance daily life without working income is required (min. EUR 40,000)
- confirmation of health insurance;
- accommodation in Austria;
- clean criminal record
Austria citizenship key benefits:
- a passport with one of the strongest and most prestigious reputations
- living and working freely in the EU
- Visa free travel to several countries, including the USA
Austria citizenship requirements:
- The Austrian Citizenship Act allows an applicant to apply for citizenship, if
- (a) he fulfils general granting requirements and certain legal period of residence or
- (b) if he can prove that he has already made extraordinary achievements and more of such can be expected from him. For (a) some important general requirements are six years of residency, the abandonment of previous citizenship and proof of German language skills. For (b) the Austrian Federal Government has to certify that the naturalization of such an applicant is “in the special interest of the Austrian Republic” because of his extraordinary merits. The criteria for determining the special interest are based on scientific, economic, sporting or artistic achievements. Usually, a min. investment of EUR 10 million is required.
- clean criminal record
