Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Murau

About Golden Visa Law in Murau, Austria

Many people use the term Golden Visa to describe a residence-by-investment route. Austria does not operate a single nationwide Golden Visa program like some other countries. Instead, Austria provides several legal pathways to residence that can be used by investors, company founders and high-net-worth individuals. These pathways are governed by national immigration law and implemented through federal and regional authorities. Murau is a district in the state of Styria - so applications and practical steps are handled through the national rules and the relevant regional and district offices, including the Bezirkshauptmannschaft in Murau for local administration.

Common routes that investors and entrepreneurs consider include permits for self-employed key workers, permits based on setting up a business that creates local economic benefit, and various work-related residence permits such as the Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers and certain self-employed persons. Buying property in Austria by itself rarely creates an automatic right to residency - other criteria must be met.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration and investment-related residence matters interact with several complex legal areas - immigration law, company law, real estate law, tax law and administrative procedure. A lawyer experienced in Austrian immigration and investment matters can help in multiple ways:

- Assess eligibility for different residence routes and identify the most appropriate legal pathway.

- Prepare and review application documents - business plans, proof of funds, contracts and statutory forms - to meet strict evidentiary requirements.

- Advise on real estate purchases and compliance with local restrictions that may affect non-EU buyers.

- Coordinate with local authorities in Murau, including the Bezirkshauptmannschaft, municipal offices and regional government bodies.

- Structure investments and company setups to reduce legal and tax risk and to meet regulatory requirements.

- Represent you in administrative proceedings if there are delays, refusals or appeals.

- Advise on family reunification, tax residency, social security and long-term strategies towards permanent residency or citizenship where available.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal elements that affect residence-by-investment and related matters in Murau include:

- National immigration law - The Austrian Settlement and Residence Act and related regulations set out the main categories of residence permits, procedural steps, documentation requirements and rights attached to each permit.

- Permit categories - Relevant categories include the Red-White-Red Card for qualified key workers and certain self-employed persons, settlement permits for gainful employment, EU long-term residence and short-stay Schengen visas. Each category has its own criteria for qualification, duration and rights.

- Real estate rules - Property purchase is governed by federal and provincial provisions. Buying property alone typically does not grant a residence permit. Some restrictions and approval requirements may apply to non-EU buyers - requirements differ by property type and location.

- Company and commercial law - If seeking residence through business activity, you must comply with company formation rules, trade licensing and local registration obligations. Demonstrating economic benefit to the local area helps applications for business-related residence permits.

- Tax and social security - Becoming resident for immigration purposes usually has tax consequences. Austrian tax residency generally arises when you have a habitual abode or spend more than 183 days per year in Austria. Proper tax planning and consultation with a Steuerberater - tax advisor - is important before moving.

- Local administration - Practical steps such as registering your place of residence - Meldezettel - are handled at municipal offices in Murau. District-level authorities - Bezirkshauptmannschaft Murau - process many types of residence permits and provide local guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Golden Visa in Murau, Austria?

Golden Visa is an informal term often used to describe residence obtained through investment or business activity. In Austria and in Murau there is no single uniform Golden Visa program. Instead, non-EU nationals can pursue several residence routes based on employment, self-employment, business investment or other legal categories set out in Austrian immigration law.

Can I get residency in Austria just by buying property in Murau?

No - buying property in Austria generally does not automatically grant a residence permit. Some provinces have additional formalities for foreign buyers and approval requirements. To obtain residency you usually need to satisfy criteria for a relevant residence permit - for example by showing employment, self-employment, establishment of a business that creates local economic benefit, or another qualifying reason.

What is the Red-White-Red Card and could it apply to me?

The Red-White-Red Card is a national residence permit designed for certain skilled workers, key workers and some self-employed persons. It has point-based and category-specific criteria. Entrepreneurs who can demonstrate economic benefit and certain qualifications may be eligible under self-employment or key-worker categories. A lawyer can assess whether your profile meets the criteria.

How long does the residence-permit process take in Murau?

Processing times vary by permit type, the completeness of the application, and current workloads at authorities. Some initial decisions may take several weeks to a few months. Complex cases or those requiring coordination with embassies and other agencies may take longer. Preparing a complete file and using an experienced lawyer reduces avoidable delays.

Can my family join me if I obtain a residence permit?

Family reunification is possible in many residence permit categories. Spouses and dependent children usually can apply to join a permit holder, subject to meeting documentation and subsistence requirements. The exact rules depend on the permit type and nationality of the applicants.

Do I need to speak German to succeed with an application?

Language requirements depend on the specific permit and the stage of the immigration process. Some permits do not require German at the outset, while long-term residence and naturalization pathways often include integration or language obligations. Demonstrating willingness to integrate can be beneficial to local authorities.

What documents are typically required for an investor or entrepreneur application?

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, evidence of business registration or investment, a detailed business plan showing local economic benefits and job creation where applicable, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and criminal record certificates. Exact lists depend on the permit category.

Will obtaining residency affect my taxes?

Yes. Residence in Austria for immigration purposes often triggers tax residency and local tax obligations. Austria taxes residents on worldwide income. It is essential to consult a tax advisor before relocating or structuring investments to understand obligations, double-taxation treaties and reporting requirements.

Does Murau handle my application locally, or do I apply at a federal office?

Both. The legal framework is national and some decisions originate with federal authorities - for example visas issued abroad by Austrian embassies and national-level clearances. Practical processing and registration steps are handled locally by district authorities and municipal offices, including the Bezirkshauptmannschaft Murau for many residence formalities.

What should I do if my application is refused?

If an application is refused you generally have administrative remedies - including requests for clarification, re-submission with corrected documentation, or appeals. Time limits apply to appeals and administrative steps. Engaging a lawyer promptly is important to preserve rights and pursue available remedies.

Additional Resources

When seeking reliable information or official procedures, consider the following local and national bodies and professional contacts:

- Federal Ministry of the Interior - immigration and residence law policies.

- Austrian diplomatic missions - embassies and consulates for visa issuance abroad.

- Bezirkshauptmannschaft Murau - district administration for local residence registration and processing.

- Land Steiermark - Styrian provincial government for regional rules and potential local support programs.

- Wirtschaftskammer Österreich - Austrian Chamber of Commerce for business and start-up support in Styria.

- Local municipality offices in Murau for Meldezettel - residence registration.

- Steuerberater - certified tax advisors for tax planning and compliance.

- Licensed immigration lawyers and law firms with experience in Austrian residence, business and real estate law.

Next Steps

If you are considering residence in Murau through investment or business activity follow these practical steps:

- Initial assessment - get an eligibility review from a lawyer experienced in Austrian immigration and investment matters. This will identify the most suitable permit category for your situation.

- Prepare documentation - assemble passports, financial proofs, a clear business plan if relevant, proof of accommodation and other standard documents. A lawyer can produce and review documents to ensure compliance.

- Local due diligence - if you plan to buy property or set up a business in Murau, carry out legal and commercial due diligence and consult a Steuerberater on tax consequences.

- Contact local authorities - check specific requirements with the Bezirkshauptmannschaft Murau and the municipality for registration rules and any regional peculiarities.

- Submit applications - follow the correct procedure whether applying at an Austrian embassy abroad or with local authorities after arrival. Use legal representation if you prefer a coordinated approach.

- Plan for residence and compliance - once a permit is granted register your residence - Meldezettel - arrange health insurance and set up tax and social security obligations as needed.

Final note - This guide is general information and not legal advice. Immigration and investment matters are fact-specific and subject to change. For a tailored plan and to minimize risk, consult a qualified Austrian immigration lawyer and a tax advisor who can advise on your personal circumstances.