Austria Merit CitizenshipAustrian citizenship for exceptional achievers, decided by the Federal Government.
Legal Basis
Section 10(6) of the Austrian Citizenship Act allows the Federal Government to grant citizenship to people whose extraordinary achievements – already made and still expected – are in the special interest of the Republic. Candidates include entrepreneurs with influential positions in high-performing companies that create jobs and invest in Austria, as well as scientists, artists and athletes.
The Federal Government’s decision is final and cannot be appealed. Applicants do not have to prove German or pass a citizenship test, and they are not required to give up their existing citizenship.
Who May Qualify
- Economic contribution – Influential ownership in high-performing companies with job creation and investment in Austria.
- Science & research – Internationally recognised researchers and academics.
- Culture & arts – Artists and performers of international standing.
- Sport – Elite athletes, often to represent the national team.
Advantages
- Full EU citizenship with one of the world’s strongest passports
- No German language or citizenship test
- Confidential, case-by-case process
- Dual citizenship permitted by exception.
Requirements
- Section 10(6) Citizenship Act
- Foreign citizenship can be kept
- No German test required
Key Facts
- Decided by: Provincial government, with Federal Government confirmation
- Processing time: 1–3 years
- Residence: Case-specific; no fixed residence period
- Family: Spouse and children – assessed case by case
About Austria
Austria sits at the heart of Central Europe, bordered by Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Vienna is consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world and hosts the United Nations, OPEC and the OSCE.
With a high-income, export-driven economy, world-class healthcare and education, and outstanding quality of life, Austria offers an ideal base for families and international careers. Austrian citizenship also brings full EU citizenship rights — to live, work and study in any of the 27 member states.
- Full EU citizenship — live and work across 27 states
- One of the world’s strongest passports
- Political stability and very low crime
- World-class healthcare, universities and culture
- Hub for international organisations
Citizenship by merit is discretionary: there is no fixed price or investment threshold, and every case is decided individually. See all citizenship by merit countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fixed price for the Austria Citizenship by Merit?
No. Citizenship by merit is granted at the government’s discretion, case by case, and there is no published price or investment threshold. Your advisor assesses your profile and achievements before any application is prepared.
How long does the Austria Citizenship by Merit take?
Processing typically takes 1–3 years from submission of a complete application. Your advisor gives you a personal timeline after the pre-eligibility review.
Can I include my family in the application?
Family members who can be included: Spouse and children – assessed case by case. Your advisor checks each dependant’s eligibility before you apply.
Do I need to visit or live in Austria?
Case-specific; no fixed residence period. Rules change from time to time, so your advisor confirms the current requirement in writing.
Source: Austrian Citizenship Act, Section 10(6).
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