Overview
Investment-based residence and citizenship by investment programs in Austria. Requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary depending on your specific situation, nationality, and the type of residence permit you're seeking.
Available Investor Pathways
Austria Investor / Business Residence (RWR Card for Self-Employed & Start-Up Founders)
Austria has NO golden visa or passive investor programme. All investor routes require active business establishment. Two routes: (1) RWR Card for Self-Employed Key Workers (€100k+ investment, active business, job creation); (2) RWR Card for Start-Up Founders (€30k–€50k+ investment, innovative business, 50+ points). Both require business plan, AMS evaluation, points assessment. Unlike Portugal/Greece/Malta, Austria does not offer residency for real estate purchase or passive financial investment. 2024 incentives: FlexCo structure, 23% corporate tax (down from 25%), favourable employee equity tax treatment.
Eligibility
Route 1 (Self-Employed): €100k+ capital transfer to Austria. Business must create/secure jobs, transfer know-how/new technologies, or be regionally significant. Points on qualifications, experience, language. Applicant must control business (majority ownership or management). Route 2 (Start-Up): €30k–€50k+ investment with 50%+ equity. Business must develop innovative products/services/technologies under approved business plan. 50+ points. Bonus: admission to Austrian business incubator or startup agency funding.
Requirements
Valid passport; detailed coherent business plan demonstrating innovation and economic benefit; evidence of investment capital/equity; articles of association (if company established); proof of qualifications (degree certificates, translated and legalised); work experience proof (references, employment records); language certificates (German or English, internationally recognised); health insurance covering all risks; proof of adequate accommodation; police clearance; proof of financial subsistence (salary from company or personal assets). AMS issues expertise within 3 weeks.
Processing Time
4–8 weeks standard once complete application submitted (AMS: 3 weeks; residence authority: within 8-week total window). Total: 3–5 months including document gathering and Visa D collection.
Validity Period
RWR Card (both routes): 24 months. After 21 months (if business requirements met): RWR Card Plus – 3 years, free labour market access. Business must be successfully realised: operating, providing salary, financially viable. After 5 years: Long-Term Residence – EU (permanent). Austrian citizenship: After 10 years (6 years exceptional).
Last updated: 2/28/2026
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