Austria

	Residence in Austria
	Citizenship-by-Investment
	More about Austria

The Republic of Austria offers one of the highest living standards in the world. Although one of the smaller states of Europe, it has a world-class capital, Vienna , with a rich cultural and historic heritage. But Austria boasts also a beautiful countryside with Alpine peaks and spectacular scenery. Austria is an excellent place to establish residence within the European Union, and it is the only EU country that offers the possibility for substantial investors to obtain citizenship and an EU passport immediately on the basis of an investment in the country.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

Residence for Persons of Independent Means

For persons of independent means Austria offers the possibility to become resident in the European Union with minimal requirements. The key criteria are that you can show sufficient funds, accommodation in Austria , and health insurance that provides full cover in Austria. An Austrian residence permit allows you to travel to all Schengen states without the need for a visa. After ten years of legal residence it is possible to apply for Austrian citizenship.

Types of Residence Permit

• Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Temporary Residence Permit.
• Niederlassungsbewilligung - Permanent Residence Permit.
• Aufenthaltstitel "Familienangehöriger" - issued to spouses and minor children of EU or EFTA citizens having permanently resided in Austria.
• Aufenthaltstitel "Daueraufenthalt - EG" - issued to foreigners who have stayed in Austria for at least five years.
• Aufenthaltstitel "Daueraufenthalt - Familienangehöriger" - issued to individuals who have held an Aufenthaltstitel "Familienangehöriger" for at least the last five years.
• Anmeldebescheinigung - issued to EU and EFTA citizens (except Swiss) who work and therefore take up residence in Austria; also issued to accompanying EU and EFTA spouses and minor children.
• Daueraufenthaltskarte - for non-EU and non-EFTA spouses and minor children of EU and EFTA citizens (except Swiss).

Citizenship by Investment

Section 10 paragraph 6 of the Austrian Citizenship Act states that the government can reward foreign persons with citizenship in case of extraordinary merits. Such extraordinary merits can be in different forms, including in an economic form, and can include investment or other economic benefit brought to Austria. However citizenship will not be granted based only on investment. It has to be a qualified investment and the foreign investor has to bring an extraordinary personal achievement alongside his investment, like bringing to the country new technologies, or creating a substantial number of new jobs. Generally a significant direct investment is required. Passive investments in Government bonds, real estate, etc. do not qualify. Considerable fees apply, depending on the case and the number of persons in an application, as each case is handled on an individual basis.

Some of the many advantages of Austria

	Possibility to establish residence as a person of independent means
	Austrian residence permit gives visa-free access to all Schengen States
	There is no need to spend any particular time actually residing in Austria
	Citizenship may be available after 10 years of residence
	Citizenship-by-investment possible without prior residence for substantial investors
	Attractive life style and healthy environment
	Excellent transport and communications

Residence of Choice^SM and Citizenship of Choice^SM

We advise on all aspects of moving your personal residence to another country. This not only involves immigration law, but also international private law, taxation, and more. We specialise in the world's top locations for private residence in view of personal taxation, the business environment, and the overall quality of life. We also give advice on the citizenship laws of the most relevant jurisdictions. Individuals as well as other consulting and law firms worldwide rely on us for specialist advice and assistance in these delicate areas where our expertise and experience are second to none.

We will analyse your situation, inform you of the options open to you, develop a plan of action to help you achieve your goal and make it happen. We deal with government procedures quickly and efficiently on your behalf, based on professional expertise and years of experience. Top specialists will work for you and assist you in every respect.

Henley & Partners Vienna Offices

To establish yourself or your business in Austria will require securing relationships with key people such as government officials, bankers and corporate professionals. You need experienced consultants to build a network of contacts and help you to become established in your new environment.