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Citizenship by merit

Austria Citizenship by Merit

Austrian citizenship for exceptional achievers, decided by the Federal Government.

Basis
Exceptional merit
Visa-free destinations
152
Processing
1–3 years
Visit / stay
Case-specific; no fixed residence period

Buy online · 2026

Austrian Citizenship by Merit Program

A discretionary naturalization route to Austria citizenship for people whose achievements in business, science, culture or sport serve the national interest. We assess your profile confidentially and build the case with licensed local counsel.

  1. ReserveUS$500 online
  2. Pre-eligibilityDue diligence screening
  3. Build the caseEndorsements & evidence
  4. Passport1–3 years

Who qualifies · Frequently asked questions

Overview

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.

Key benefits

  1. Full EU citizenship with one of the world's strongest passports
  2. No German language or citizenship test
  3. Visa-free access to 152 destinations
  4. Confidential, case-by-case process
  5. Dual citizenship permitted by exception.

Who qualifies

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.

Family & requirements

Who can be included
Spouse and children – assessed case by case
Visit or residence
Case-specific; no fixed residence period
Processing time
1–3 years
  • Section 10(6) Citizenship Act
  • Foreign citizenship can be kept
  • No German test required

Austria passport: travel access

152destinations without a visa in advance
  • 116 visa-free
  • 27 visa on arrival
  • 9 eTA
  • 29 eVisa
  • Schengen Area – no visa in advance
  • United Kingdom – no visa in advance
  • Ireland – no visa in advance
  • Canada – no visa in advance
  • United States – no visa in advance
  • Singapore – no visa in advance
  • Japan – no visa in advance
  • South Korea – no visa in advance
  • Brazil – no visa in advance
  • Russia – visa required
  • China – no visa in advance
  • United Arab Emirates – no visa in advance
  • Switzerland – no visa in advance
  • Australia – no visa in advance
  • New Zealand – no visa in advance
Show all 152 destinations

Albania · Andorra · Angola · Antigua and Barbuda · Argentina · Armenia · Australia · Bahamas · Bahrain · Bangladesh · Barbados · Belarus · Belgium · Belize · Bolivia · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Botswana · Brazil · Brunei · Bulgaria · Burundi · Cambodia · Canada · Cape Verde · Chile · China · Colombia · Comoros · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Czech Republic · Denmark · Djibouti · Dominica · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · Egypt · El Salvador · Estonia · Eswatini · Ethiopia · Fiji · Finland · France · Gambia · Georgia · Germany · Greece · Grenada · Guatemala · Guinea-Bissau · Guyana · Haiti · Honduras · Hungary · Iceland · Indonesia · Ireland · Israel · Italy · Jamaica · Japan · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kenya · Kiribati · South Korea · Kuwait · Kyrgyzstan · Laos · Latvia · Lebanon · Lesotho · Liechtenstein · Lithuania · Luxembourg · Madagascar · Malawi · Malaysia · Maldives · Malta · Marshall Islands · Mauritius · Mexico · Micronesia · Moldova · Monaco · Mongolia · Montenegro · Morocco · Mozambique · Namibia · Nepal · Netherlands · New Zealand · Nicaragua · North Macedonia · Norway · Oman · Palau · Panama · Paraguay · Peru · Philippines · Poland · Portugal · Qatar · Romania · Rwanda · Saint Kitts and Nevis · Saint Lucia · Saint Vincent and the Grenadines · Samoa · San Marino · São Tomé and Príncipe · Saudi Arabia · Senegal · Serbia · Seychelles · Sierra Leone · Singapore · Slovakia · Slovenia · Solomon Islands · South Africa · Spain · Sri Lanka · Suriname · Sweden · Switzerland · Syria · Tajikistan · Tanzania · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Tonga · Trinidad and Tobago · Tunisia · Turkey · Tuvalu · Ukraine · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · United States · Uruguay · Uzbekistan · Vanuatu · Vatican City · Venezuela · Zambia · Zimbabwe

Source: Wikipedia – Visa requirements for Austrian citizens, updated 29 Sep 2026. Always confirm entry rules with the destination before travel.

How Citizenship Shop helps

Add the program to your cart or click Buy now to reserve it for US$500. Create your client account and complete the pre-eligibility questions at checkout. A senior advisor then reviews your profile within one business day, confirms the best investment route and the exact government fees for your family, and prepares your application with a licensed local agent.

Austria Citizenship by Merit: FAQ

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.

How many countries can I visit visa-free with an Austria passport?

An Austria passport gives visa-free, visa-on-arrival or eTA access to 152 destinations. See the travel access section above for the full list and key destinations.

Official source

Prices and rules on this page were verified on 28 September 2026 against: Austrian Citizenship Act, Section 10(6).

Governments revise fees and thresholds without notice. Your advisor confirms the exact figures in writing before any investment is made.

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Reserve today US$500