Austria granted 138 citizenships for ‘extraordinary achievements’

The Republic of Austria has denied operating a citizenship-by-investment programme involving "the outright sale" of Austrian citizenship, Consul at the Embassy of the Republic of Austria Erik Dreymann.

In a right of reply to TV programme Reporter, Dreymann said Austria never had such a programme in action.

Article 10 paragraph 6 of the Austrian Citizenship Act (StbG) states that Austrian citizenship can be granted upon confirmation by the Austrian Federal Government - which is the Council of Ministers) if the granting of citizenship is in the interest of the Republic of Astria as for reasons of exceptional performances already provided by the foreigner/applicant and to be expected in the future.

"Extraordinary achievements" under Article 10 (6) StbG can be classified as exceptional performances which cannot be provided by other people of the same education and the same educational level and additionally eminently serve the public interest.

"Although not specifically mentioned, this provision of law applies primarily to scientists and researchers, athletes, recognised artists and cultural performers and only in very rare case to entrepreneurs," Dreymann said.

Over four years, a total of 138 citizenships were granted under this article: 39 in 2008; 40 in 2009; 30 in 2010 and 29 in 2011.

"Not a single Austrian citizenship has been granted according to Article 10 (6) StbG for the past two and a half years," the Consul said.