Startup Visa in Austria (€50,000 investment)
A €50,000 investment in Austria, or in other words, the Austrian startup, is one of the investment methods in this country that can lead to residency. Applicants who have conditions such as a strong resume, a suitable business plan, sufficient capital, and a clean criminal record can apply for the Austrian startup visa.
Obtaining this visa does not require considerable expenses, and initially, the applicant receives a two-year temporary residence followed by a three-year residency, providing them the opportunity to grow their business. You can contact the experts at Malekpour Institute for specialized advice on foreign investment and obtaining residency regarding immigration to Austria and other countries.
Conditions for the Startup Visa in Austria
Austria has a population of approximately 8.8 million, with an employment rate of around 77.3%, which is above the EU average rate of 76.2%.
Non-EU citizens can obtain the Austrian Red-White-Red Card or Austrian work visa through an innovative or entrepreneurial scheme. In this method, the individual must present a Business Plan that includes Innovation.
To achieve this, the following conditions must be fulfilled.
- Create a company to develop and launch a business in the field of innovative products, services or technologies.
- To achieve this, the person must present a strong business plan for the establishment and management of this company.
- Have a plan to personally manage the newly established company.
- Proof of having at least 50,000 euros in initial capital to start the company
- The person must obtain at least 50 points on the scoring scale.
You must submit your application in person to the Austrian embassy in Tehran for the review process to begin. If your proposal is accepted, there is the possibility of receiving a loan to start your creative business.
Scoring System for Startup Visa in Austria
For the Austrian Startup Visa or low-capital investment scheme in Austria, in addition to presenting an innovative business proposal, individuals must also earn the required points.
The scoring system for investment in Austria is described in the table below.
| Criteria | Max Points | Details | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Competencies | 30 | Education, specialized training, or skills in the relevant field | Up to 20 points for at least 3 years of university educationUp to 30 points for degrees from Austrian universities/institutions |
| Relevant Work Experience | 10 | 2 points per year of related work experience | Up to 10 points |
| Language Skills | 15 | German A2 (basic) | 5 points |
| German B1-B2 | 10 points | ||
| English B2 | 10 points | ||
| German C1-C2 | 15 points | ||
| Other Points | 30 | Proof of additional capital of at least €50,000 | 10 points |
| Financial support from an Austrian startup institution | 10 points | ||
| Age under 36 | 10 points | ||
| Total Maximum Points | 85 | ||
| Minimum Required Points | 50 |
Obtaining Residency through the Startup Visa in Austria
After submitting your €50,000 investment documents to the Austrian residency office, they will forward them to the Public Employment Service (AMS). AMS reviews your economic proposal within three weeks, assessing its impact on capital transfer and job creation. If approved, AMS informs the immigration office, which then checks general requirements like housing and health insurance. Once all conditions are met, your Red-White-Red Card is issued.
After approval, obtain a Type D visa to enter Austria and visit the residency office for your residence permit. As a startup founder, you’ll receive a Red-White-Red Card valid for up to 2 years, allowing self-employment. After meeting legal requirements, you can upgrade to the Red-White-Red Plus Card, granting full labor market access without the obligation to remain self-employed.
After this three-year period, it is also possible to obtain permanent residency in Austria, and subsequently, Austrian citizenship can be achieved after 7 years of residency.
Application Costs for the Startup Visa in Austria
To obtain the Austrian Startup Visa, you need to consider the following costs and make arrangements to pay them:
| Fee Type | Cost (Euros) |
|---|---|
| Startup Visa Application Fee | 120 |
| Photo, Signature & Biometric | 20 |
Validity of the Startup Visa in Austria
If the applicant wishes to apply for a visa through the Austrian startup and invest in this country, initially, the Red-White-Red Card of Austria will be granted to them. This card has a two-year validity, during which the applicant can stay in Austria until the expiration of this card.
After two years, if the startup is profitable, and the applicant is financially capable, pays taxes on time, and has no criminal record in Austria, the Red-White-Red Plus Card will be issued to them, which has a validity of three years.
Investment Standards in Austria
Assessing investment standards is vital to ensure both capital preservation and profit growth. Austria offers a secure investment environment, with low judicial corruption being a key factor.
According to the latest Global Competitiveness Report, bribery and illegal payments are rare, and around two-thirds of businesses trust Austria’s independent and effective legal system for dispute resolution, boosting investor confidence.
Required Documents for the Startup Visa in Austria
When applying for the Austrian Startup Visa, the necessary documents must be provided. The required documents are listed below.
- Valid travel documents (e.g. passport)
- Birth certificate or similar document certified by the Austrian authorities
- Photo (dimensions: 45×35 mm) not older than six months
- Evidence of temporary local residence (e.g. rental contract, initial rental agreement or proof of ownership in Austria)
- Evidence of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent health policy)
- Evidence of sufficient financial means (capital or personal assets, certificate of insurance benefits, documents of pension benefits or other income)
- Educational diploma or certificate of completion
- Work certificate
- Proof of German or English language proficiency
- Evidence of sufficient capital
- A business plan and documents demonstrating the innovation of products, services or technology.
- Educational qualifications required for professional activity as a self-employed person
Please note that both the original and copies of all documents must be provided. Also, you may be asked for English or German translations.
Benefits of Obtaining Startup Visa in Austria
Investing in Austria brings advantages that we will review below.
| Attractive business environment | High personal safety | Low corporate tax rates |
| Excellent infrastructure | Austria is the fourth richest country in the European Union | High labor productivity and low labor costs |
| Highest quality of life | Significant energy security level | Modern and efficient government management |
| Above-average purchasing power for Austrian consumers | Political stability and reliable legal system | Highly motivated and well-qualified employees |
| Stability and security | Low strike rates and high social welfare levels | Good relations between employers and employees |
| Ideal trade center for East and West | Qualified consultants with extensive CEE knowledge | Home to 380 CEE centers of multinational companies |
| Coordination center for about 1000 foreign companies | Logistics centers for flights and transportation to Eastern Europe |
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Startup in Austria
- What are the requirements for a fifty thousand euro investment in Austria?
In addition to providing an innovative business proposal and securing at least 50,000 euros, you must obtain the necessary points in the scoring system.
- What factors influence the scoring system?
Age, language proficiency, education, relevant work experience, financial support from a startup institution in Austria, and proof of securing additional funds of at least €50,000 are influential in this system.
- What is the initial residency granted through a fifty thousand euro investment in Austria?
Initially, it is a two-year residency, which can then be extended for three years, after which the individual can obtain permanent residency in Austria.
- After how many years of residency in Austria can one obtain the passport of this country?
After 7 years of residency in Austria, Austrian citizenship can be achieved.
Conclusion:
This article explained the key requirements for obtaining Austrian residency through a €50,000 startup investment. The main condition is presenting an innovative business plan. Other essential details about this visa process were also covered. Since investing abroad involves legal complexities, consulting experts at Malekpour Institute is recommended. For further questions about investing in Austria, use the comments section to get quick responses.
