Xi is a wealthy citizen of the People’s Republic of China and is looking for a way to obtain a second citizenship in a European country. During his research on the Internet, he finds information that Austrian citizenship can be obtained by investing at least €4 million in Austria. When he asks for more information and asks to which account he should transfer this amount and when he can pick up his Austrian passport, he has the sobering realisation that it is not that easy after all. So what is the truth behind the rumour that you can buy Austrian citizenship?
Exceptional achievements in the special interest of the Republic of Austria
The Austrian Citizenship Act provides for the possibility that, by decision of the Austrian Federal Government, citizenship can be granted to persons who have made extraordinary achievements in the special interest of the Republic of Austria or who can be expected to make such extraordinary achievements in the future. The advantage of acquiring Austrian citizenship on the basis of this provision is that it is not necessary to prove either a specific period of residence in Austria or a specific knowledge of German. In addition, unlike with the regular granting of citizenship, you can also retain your previous citizenship.
Such extraordinary achievements can be in the scientific, economic, sporting or artistic field. You can find more information here.
However, Austrian citizenship cannot be bought, like a product or service. However, it is possible to obtain Austrian citizenship as an investor if it can be proven that the applicant is the owner of a company or holds a management position in a company that has a high economic performance, creates jobs in Austria, attracts further investment in Austria and/or is also known abroad and strengthens Austria’s foreign trade relations.
Investment alone is not enough to buy Austrian citizenship
To summarise, this means that you cannot obtain Austrian citizenship simply because you invest a certain amount of money in Austria. You have to prove that your investments have significantly promoted Austria’s economic interests and that you have done more than just act as an investor.
Xi is therefore disappointed to realise that the information that he can obtain Austrian citizenship simply by investing at least € 4 million in Austria is false. Although a high investment increases the chances of obtaining Austrian citizenship on the basis of extraordinary achievements, it is not enough on its own. It is therefore not possible to buy Austrian citizenship, it can only be earned on the basis of outstanding achievements in the interests of the country.
