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Located in the center of Europe, Austria is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture, and breathtaking alpine vistas, and stands as a beacon of excellence in the heart of Europe. Far more than a tourist destination, Austria offers a high standard of living within one of the world’s most well-regulated economies. This distinguished nation invites potential residents to experience its exceptional quality of life, robust infrastructure, and unparalleled natural beauty. With its rich heritage and modern amenities, Austria is the ideal location for those seeking to start a sophisticated and fulfilling lifestyle.
Austrian offers an immigration program aimed at financially independent applicants. This exclusive program allows individuals with self-sufficient income to obtain a residence permit and to reside in Austria for 12 months without needing to work. This provides a clear route to long-term residency and eventual citizenship after 10 years.
In this section we will discover the myriad benefits of living in one of Europe’s most stable and beautiful countries with the comprehensive support of Inimex. We will also delve into the details of the immigration program, including its requirements, procedure, list of documents, and other related topics. Our expertise ensures a positive transition, guiding you through each step of the process to make Austria your new home and unlock a world of possibilities in one of Europe’s finest nations.
Our services
Services offered in Austria
Advantages
Advantages of living in Austria
Living standards
Austria enjoys exceptionally high standards of living to its residents, with impeccable public services, infrastructure, education, and health care. It is an ecosystem where a clean environment is combined with a wide range of sport and cultural activities.
Education level
Austria offers an exceptionally high quality of education, making it an excellent choice for international students seeking to further their studies. The country’s universities and schools are known for their high standards and diverse academic offerings.
Ease of travel
Holding an Austrian residence permit allows individuals to move easily around the Schengen Area. Plus, as an Austrian resident, visa applications to countries like Canada, Australia or the USA become more accessible.
Economy
Austria boasts a highly developed and diversified industrialized economy, providing a stable and prosperous environment for businesses and individuals alike.
Banking
The Austrian banking sector is known for its stability and security, providing a reliable environment for both personal and business accounts.
Landscapes
The Austrian stunning scenery makes it an exceptional destination to live in, offering sunny alpine meadows, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. This natural beauty enhances the quality of life and provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Permits
Residence permits
01 | Immigration for Financially Independent Individuals
Austria’s Financially Independent Person Program (settlement permit except gainful employment) offers a unique opportunity for individuals who wish to establish themselves in the country without the necessity of employment or business investment. This program is designed for financially self-sufficient individuals and their families who can demonstrate the means to support themselves. The Austrian government maintains a quota for immigration each year starting on the first business day of January.
To meet the requirements of Austria’s Financially Independent Person Program, individuals of independent means must adhere to the following main criteria:
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members without local employment. Singles must have a monthly income of €2,436, couples €3,843 and an additional €376 for each child.
- Possess a comprehensive health insurance coverage for all risks in Austria.
- Justify German level skills of A2.
- Provide proof of suitable accommodation in Austria, such as a rental agreement or property ownership documents.
- Reside in Austria for at least 6 months a year in order to maintain your residence.
For those seeking to reside in Austria without the need for employment, we provide a detailed guide to streamline your application process. All documents issued in a foreign language must be translated into German by a certified translator. Alternatively, documents in English are also accepted.
- Below is the list of essential documents you will need:
- International passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate, if applicable.
- Police certificate.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance covering all risks in Austria
- Confirmation of revenues and assets, such as employment letter and contract, business ownership, tax returns, title deeds.
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds.
- German language test.
- Education documents.
Applying for residence in Austria without gainful employment involves several steps, particularly for individuals from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA). While EEA citizens can relocate to Austria without applying for a long-stay visa, this guide focuses on the process for non-EEA nationals. The key steps are:
Initial Consultation: We initiate our services with a personalized consultation tailored to address all pertinent aspects of your immigration application to Austria and your relocation process. This consultation encompasses a wide range of topics, including the education and healthcare systems, bank account opening procedures, taxation, and other essential administrative matters.
Document Preparation and Legalization: We assist you in preparing and legalizing all required documentation for your long-stay visa and residence permit in Austria. Additionally, your documents will have to be translated into one of the officially accepted languages by the Austrian authorities (English or German).
Medical Insurance and Accommodation: We help you and your family subscribe to medical insurance in Austria as well as to find you a home to rent or acquire.
Visa Application: Once your file is complete and your documents are legalized and translated, we will reserve an appointment for you to submit your long-stay visa application at the appropriate Austrian Consular services.
Visa: Processing time can take several weeks. In the event that your application is successful, a national immigration will be issued. You will then have to travel to Austria to validate your stay into a permit. Upon arrival, you can apply for a resident card, which is valid for 1 year, and renewable for 1 year.
Renewal: The Austrian residence permit is issued for 1 year and can be renewed each year. The residence permit can be issued for a period of 3 years if you have completed Module 1 of the Integration Agreement, and have lawfully resided in Austria continuously for the preceding 2 years.
Long-term Residency: After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, you may be eligible to apply for a Long-term Residence – EU permit, provided you meet the general requirements and have completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement.
Citizenship: An application for Austrian citizenship by naturalization can be made after 10 years of residency in Austria, with at least 5 of those years being permanent residency. This pathway allows long-term residents to obtain Austrian citizenship, provided they meet all necessary legal requirements during their period of residency.
Inimex also kindly reminds you of some other key distinctions that make Austrian wealthy individual program special:
Family: Your spouse and any dependent children under the age of 18 can be included in your application, and can enjoy the same status as you at all times;
The Austrian government maintains a quota for immigration each year, and it is advised to consult Inimex before proceeding to final submission, in case of quota restrictions;
Your residence permit allows you to freely travel and live in the European Union Schengen zone, but it does not allow you to work;
Citizenship: once you have lived in Austria legally for 10 years, you may apply for citizenship.
02 | Citizenship of Austria
Austria possesses one of the most valuable passports globally. Once Austrian citizenship is obtained, you and your family can obtain a national identification card and passport. The passport of Austria allows you to freely travel, reside, study, and work throughout the Schengen Zone. Additionally, the Austrian passport allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to 185 countries and regions worldwide, which significantly simplifies international travel for both leisure and business purposes.
Due to these benefits, many individuals have consulted us at Inimex regarding the methods and procedures for obtaining Austrian citizenship. This page provides detailed information on the citizenship requirements, process, and necessary documents for those interested in becoming Austrian citizens.
There are various pathways to acquire Austrian citizenship, each with its own specific requirements. However, some general requirements apply to most methods of acquisition. A key requirement is maintaining a completely clean background, meaning no criminal history. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language and justify established ties to Austria. It is important to note that Austria generally does not permit dual citizenship, therefore you might be expected to renounce your original citizenship upon becoming a citizen of Austria.
Austria offers a pathway to citizenship through naturalization for those who meet specific requirements and have demonstrated a commitment to integrating into Austrian society. Obtaining citizenship of Austria by naturalization is a multi-step process that involves fulfilling residency, language, and integration requirements.
- Regular and continuous residency: You must have legally resided in Austria for at least 10 years, with at least 5 of those years under a permanent residence permit. Under certain conditions, such as marriage to an Austrian citizen, the period may be reduced to 6 years.
- Positive integration: Demonstrate a positive and a successful integration into Austrian society, including demonstrating sufficient knowledge of the German language (test with at least B1 level) and an integration test covering Austrian history, society, and the democratic system.
- Clean Criminal Record: Maintain a clean criminal record in Austria as well as in your country of origin (and of previous residency if applicable).
- Justify financial Stability: Present documentation of financial self-sufficiency, showing that you have a steady income to cover your living expenses without relying on financial help.
- Possibility of renunciation of previous citizenship: Generally, Austria requires applicants to renounce their previous citizenship. However, there are some exceptions, particularly for EU citizens.
The second path to citizenship of Austria is by descent.
This implies children automatically become Austrian citizens at birth if the mother is an Austrian citizen. The same applies if the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen.
For unmarried parents, if only the father is an Austrian citizen, the child can acquire Austrian citizenship if the father recognizes his parenthood within 8 weeks of birth or if it is determined by a court within this timeframe. If recognition of fatherhood or court determination occurs after 8 weeks, the child may still be awarded Austrian citizenship through a simplified procedure.
In cases where the parents have different nationalities and the non-Austrian parent’s country also follows the jus sanguinis principle, the child will hold dual citizenship. According to Austrian law, the child does not need to choose between Austrian and the other nationality upon reaching adulthood, although the other country might require such a decision.
Inimex provides comprehensive support throughout this process, ensuring a smooth and efficient pathway to Austrian citizenship for you and your family.
All foreign language documents must be presented in the original along with a German translation, certified in Austria.
The last method is an exclusive one designed for persons who are willing to contribute greatly to the Austrian economy and to invest a significant amount, usually averaging 10 million euros. It is called citizenship by capital contribution. Not only is there an investment bar to clear, but you also need to demonstrate significant abilities to bring creative business practices, innovation, or technology, into areas where the Austrian government deems worthy.
Documents