If you participate in the investment programme and meet all its conditions, you’ll be eligible for permanent residence in Austria after 5 years. Additionally, after six years of legal residence, successful and talented individuals may also obtain citizenship through naturalisation and receive an Austrian passport.
Residence permit in Austria
The Austria residence permit by investment offers straightforward restrictions on the number of days they can stay
Document submission
At the beginning of January
Processing time
Approximately 3 months
Conditions
Must stay in the country for 183 days or more per year
Austria residence permit requirements and conditions
To be the owner or secure a long-term rental agreement for housing, the area of which corresponds to the composition of the family
Demonstrate financial independence
Pass a medical examination and obtain health insurance
Prove basic knowledge of the German language
Reside in the country for the duration required by the programme
Visa-free travel with countries
USA
United Kingdom
Canada
Norway
Switzerland
Germany
France
Spain
Sweden
Finland
What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Austria
If you're exploring how to get an Austrian residence permit, investment is a suitable option for financially self-sufficient individuals. Austria requires the following documents from applicants:
- A completed application form in German
- A valid passport
- Passport-style photographs
- Proof of housing in the country (long-term lease or purchase agreement)
- Health insurance policy
- Bank statements, tax returns or other income documents
- Criminal record certificate from the country of residence
- Birth and marriage certificates (for family members)
The process of obtaining an Austrian residence permit
1-2 weeks
Selection of the basis
Determine the appropriate category for your application for an Austrian temporary residence permit: self-employment,
entrepreneurship, study or financial independence. The financial independence category is suitable for investors who can
support themselves without working and wish to reside in Austria under this permit.
1-2 weeks
Prepare and if necessary, translate and certify the following documents
- Completed application form in German;
- Passport;
- Document photos;
- Proof of residence (rental or ownership agreement);
- Health insurance policy;
- Proof of financial security (bank statements, tax returns);
- Criminal record certificate from your country of residence;
- Birth and marriage certificates (if applying for family members).
1 day
Submission of the application
Submit the prepared documents to the consulate in your country. It’s important to schedule an appointment in advance.
1-2 days
Payment of the state fee
Pay the applicable state fee for processing the application. The fee varies depending on the category of the residence
permit.
1-2 days
Passing the interview
In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with Austrian authorities to clarify details and verify the
authenticity of the submitted documents.
from 3 weeks
Waiting for a decision
The processing time starts from three weeks and can extend to several months. It‘s important to monitor the status of
your application and be prepared to provide additional documents if requested.
Receiving the status
You will need to pick up the residence permit in person once you move to Austria.
Residence registration
Upon arrival, you must register your place of residence at the local municipality (Meldeamt) in Austria.
How to obtain a residence permit after the expiry of the original document
Foreigners must renew a residence permit in Austria as it is issued for a specific period. This process requires the
resubmission of various documents and proof of continued eligibility.
Investor costs in Austria
Financially self-sufficient applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds in their account. The required amount depends on the size of the family. The minimum amount per applicant per year is EUR 23,208. If you plan to purchase your own home, keep in mind that investing in Austrian property involves several costs that should be considered when planning your budget. The main costs include the property transfer tax, which is 3.5% of the purchase price. Additionally, registration fees are paid separately and amount to 1.1%.
Legal services also involve costs: notary and attorney fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the property’s value. Additionally, property valuation costs should be considered, which may amount to 0.5% of the property’s value.
| Applicant's expenses | The money spent |
|---|---|
| Buying or renting a property | There is no minimum amount |
| Registration of health insurance | From EUR 400 per month for each family member |
| Mandatory application fee | EUR 75 per child under 6 years of age, EUR 120 per participant over 6 years of age |
| Fee for processing personal data | EUR 20 per applicant |
| Fee for issuance of residence permit cards | EUR 50 per family member over 6 years old, EUR 20 per child under 6 years old |
Countries whose citizens can obtain a residence permit in Austria
Citizens from the following countries can obtain an Austria residence permit by investment: Russia, China, India, the USA, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Turkey, the UK and Brazil.
FAQ
What investment programmes are available for an Austrian residence permit?
The state offers various programmes for investors, including options for investing in real estate, companies or creating jobs.
What are the benefits of an Austrian residence permit through investment?
The investment programme for investors and financially independent individuals provides access to a safe place to live, excellent medical and educational services, visa-free travel within the Schengen area and a stable economic environment.
Moving to Austria: How can you obtain a residence permit through investment?
The process involves submitting an application, demonstrating proof of sufficient funds, undergoing a security check and obtaining approval from the Austrian authorities.
How long does the process of issuing a residence permit last?
The whole procedure of obtaining a card typically takes from three to six months, depending on the complexity of the case and the completeness of the submitted documents.
How much does a residence permit in Austria cost?
Financially independent applicants must demonstrate a minimum amount of EUR 23,208.
