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Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
This Page is Sponsored by:
Program Type:
Active Investor Visa
Processing Time:
3 months
Citizenship Timeline:
10 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
5 years
Physical Presence Required:
183 days per year
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
188 countries
Minimum Contribution:
€30,000
Contribution Options:
Business Investment
On This Page
Program Overview
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
The Austria Start-up Founder Residence Permit (Red-White-Red Card) allows third-country nationals to establish innovative businesses in Austria and obtain long-term residency. Applicants must meet a minimum investment requirement of €30,000, with at least a 50% equity share in the business.
Eligibility is determined through a points-based system, with a minimum score of 50 points, based on criteria such as qualifications, experience, language skills, and the innovation level of the business idea.
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
How to Qualify
To qualify for the Austria Start-up Founder Residence Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Establish an innovative business: Applicants must set up a company that develops and launches innovative products, services, or technologies. Innovation is a key requirement for the program, and the proposed business idea must clearly demonstrate its novelty and potential to contribute to Austria’s economy.
- Submit a comprehensive business plan: A detailed and well-structured business plan is mandatory. It should outline the business idea, target market, financial projections, and operational strategy.
- Maintain active management: Applicants must personally manage the business and exert a controlling influence over its operations.
- Demonstrate sufficient capital: Applicants must prove they have at least €30,000 in seed capital, with an equity share of at least 50% in the company.
- Score at least 50 points: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 50 points under Austria’s points-based eligibility criteria, which assess education, work experience, language skills, and other qualifications.
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Salient Benefits
- Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
- No investment or donation requirement
- Path to citizenship
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Enhanced education opportunities
- Safety and security
- Short processing time
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
Applicants first receive a Red-White-Red Card that is valid for two years, which can then be renewed for an additional three years. After five years of continuous residence, they may apply for permanent residency.
After ten years of legal residence in Austria, they may apply for Austrian citizenship. Austria generally does not recognize dual citizenship, so applicants are typically required to renounce their existing citizenships unless a specific exemption applies.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to: Prospective applicants must submit their Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence. If legally present in Austria, they can apply directly at the competent residence authority, such as the Provincial Governor, Regional Administrative Authority, or Local Administrative Authority.
Legislation upon which this program is based The Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, NAG) of 2005.
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Qualifying Real Estate
As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Recent Stories About This Destination
Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.