How Austria residence permit for financially independent individuals helped young sportsmen reach heights in hockey
Vasili and Ivan were always passionate about hockey, and from their childhood, I knew they would succeed one day. I also knew I had to do everything to make this happen!
When Russian hockey could not give Vasili and Ivan more opportunities to grow, my husband and I agreed to give our sons a chance to play hockey in another country. After careful consideration, we chose Austria as our destination.
To ensure nothing comes our way and ruins our children’s hopes, we addressed Immigrant Invest. Not only did their experts assist in obtaining residence permits for financially independent people, but they also helped us rent a house and even find a suitable hockey team!
Olga, Alexei, and their sons, Vasili and Ivan,
A family from Russia
Clients’ names and photos have been changed
This case was provided by our expert
Head of the Austrian office
How Austria residence permit for financially independent individuals helped young sportsmen reach heights in hockey
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Why investors decided to obtain residence permits in Austria
Investors’ background. Olga, Alexei, Ivan, and Vasili are a Russian family. Alexei owns companies in Russia and Germany and rents out real estate in Greece. The boys are sportsmen who used to play hockey in their home country.
In 2016, when Vasili and Ivan were 10, they seemed to have reached the ceiling in Russian hockey. Olga and Alexei decided to find more promising teams for Vasili and Ivan to play in. They also wanted their sons to receive a good European education. So, Olga and Alexei looked for opportunities to combine both and move to Europe.
Vasili and Ivan in their childhood, when they were playing for Russia
Investors’ choice. The family had three countries with good hockey teams in mind: Austria, Germany, and Czechia. In their opinion, the best choice was Germany because Alexei had been running a business there for several years. The family tried but could not obtain German residence permits, and after that, two options remained.
When choosing between Austria and Czechia, the family considered the levels of life in both countries. Austria seemed more appealing due to its higher safety and general standard of living.
Olga started to explore residence permit options in Austria and learnt about the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for financially independent persons (FIPs).
The permit is granted to people with sufficient income from abroad. Alexei and Olga’s income, sourced from their companies’ profits and renting out real estate in Greece, was enough to qualify.
In 2017, the family decided to consult immigration experts to ensure the success of their next residency application. Through a friend, they heard about Immigrant Invest and booked an online consultation with them.
During the call with Olga, the Immigrant Invest lawyer guided her through all the requirements and procedures for obtaining Austrian residence permits for FIPs. The conditions were suitable, and Olga proceeded with an application.
The couple agreed that Alexei would not apply. He needed to stay in Russia to keep his business running and could not move to Austria. Thus, Immigrant Invest started working with three applicants: Olga, Vasili, and Ivan.
Requirements for Austria residence permit
In 2025, requirements for an Austria residence permit include the following:
having a passive income of at least €2,436 per month for the main applicant; additional €376 are paid for every child;
securing housing in Austria;
proving a basic knowledge of German at an A1 level — for persons over 14.
To confirm financial solvency, applicants must transfer at least €30,000 to an Austrian bank account. However, Immigrant Invest lawyers advise transferring at least €80,000 to increase one’s chances of acquiring residence permits.
The applicants can either rent or buy housing. The Austrian authorities do not establish a minimum cost for it, but there are requirements regarding the size of a rented property. For three people, it must be at least 60 m².
The Austrian government starts issuing residence permits at the beginning of each year, with around 450 quotas available for applicants. One quote is granted to one person. Those who apply as a family must obtain a quote for every member.
To maintain the status, one must spend at least 183 days per year in Austria and cannot work there.
How Immigrant Invest helped the family
Arrangement of a tryout with an Austrian hockey team. Before applying for an Austrian residence permit, the boys needed to be accepted to an Austrian hockey team. The Immigrant Invest expert contacted several teams’ scouts and arranged a few tryouts. Vasili and Ivan performed well and were soon accepted into the EC Red Bull Salzburg Hockey Academy.
Besides the Hockey Academy, the boys also enrolled at the prestigious St. Gilgen International School. Both institutions are located in Salzburg.
Renting of real estate. To find suitable housing, Olga traveled to Austria and visited several properties with an Immigrant Invest expert.
The family chose to rent housing in Upper Austria, as it was easier to obtain quotas in this part of the country at the time. Olga and Alexei rented a three-bedroom apartment in Mondsee, a small town a 20-minute drive from Salzburg. The apartment had a total size of 105 m² and cost €1,300 per month.
Olga signed a 12-month lease agreement and paid the first month’s rent along with a one-month deposit. The total payment was €2,600.
How the family obtained residence permits in Austria
The process of becoming Austrian residents took five and a half months. Alexei did not participate, and Olga acted as the main applicant. Immigrant Invest experts accompanied her throughout the entire process.
The lawyers filed the application for Austrian residence permits right after New Year’s to obtain three quotas for all family members.
October 16th, 2017
Preliminary Due Diligence
Immigrant Invest experts conducted a thorough background check to determine the applicants' eligibility for the residence permit. This step ensured no surprises could delay or complicate the application.
After the successful check, lawyers signed a contract with Olga.
Immigrant Invest experts conducted a thorough background check to determine the applicants' eligibility for the residence permit. This step ensured no surprises could delay or complicate the application.
After the successful check, lawyers signed a contract with Olga.
+ 3 weeks
Documents preparation
Lawyers provided Olga with the required documents. The list included:
international passports — for all applicants;
birth certificates — for children;
marriage certificate — for Olga;
police clearance certificate — for Olga;
property ownership certificate;
photos — for all applicants;
German language certificate — for Olga;
proof of financial solvency.
To prove financial solvency, Olga, with the help of Immigrant Invest, opened a bank account in an Austrian bank and transferred €80,000 there.
Immigrant Invest lawyers legalised all the documents and arranged translations of papers to German when all the documents were collected.
Lawyers provided Olga with the required documents. The list included:
international passports — for all applicants;
birth certificates — for children;
marriage certificate — for Olga;
police clearance certificate — for Olga;
property ownership certificate;
photos — for all applicants;
German language certificate — for Olga;
proof of financial solvency.
To prove financial solvency, Olga, with the help of Immigrant Invest, opened a bank account in an Austrian bank and transferred €80,000 there.
Immigrant Invest lawyers legalised all the documents and arranged translations of papers to German when all the documents were collected.
+ 2 weeks
Rental of of real estate
Immigrant Invest specialists provided applicants with suitable property options and arranged meetings with real estate owners. When Olga and Alexei chose a suitable apartment, lawyers checked that it had a clear title.
Immigrant Invest specialists provided applicants with suitable property options and arranged meetings with real estate owners. When Olga and Alexei chose a suitable apartment, lawyers checked that it had a clear title.
+ 1 week
Purchase of health insurance
Immigrant Invest provided the Austrian insurance agent with all family members' initial details, including birth dates, height, weight, and existing medical conditions. The health insurance contracts were concluded for three years.
Immigrant Invest provided the Austrian insurance agent with all family members' initial details, including birth dates, height, weight, and existing medical conditions. The health insurance contracts were concluded for three years.
+ 5 weeks
Application for residence permits in Austria
The family already had residence permits in Greece obtained through real estate investment, so they did not need to apply for Schengen visas to enter Austria. They could travel to the country and file their applications in person. They chose to do this in Vöcklabruck, Austria.
Lawyers booked an appointment at the town’s administration for January 2nd to ensure the application was filed as early as possible.
On the scheduled date, Olga and her sons submitted their documents and had their fingerprints taken.
The family already had residence permits in Greece obtained through real estate investment, so they did not need to apply for Schengen visas to enter Austria. They could travel to the country and file their applications in person. They chose to do this in Vöcklabruck, Austria.
Lawyers booked an appointment at the town’s administration for January 2nd to ensure the application was filed as early as possible.
On the scheduled date, Olga and her sons submitted their documents and had their fingerprints taken.
+ 3 months
Quota allocation
Once the application was submitted, it was placed in the queue for quota allocation. Approval depends on the availability of these quotas, so timely submission and complete documentation were crucial.
Once the application was submitted, it was placed in the queue for quota allocation. Approval depends on the availability of these quotas, so timely submission and complete documentation were crucial.
April 5th, 2018
Residence permits collection
After the quotas were allocated, Olga, Vasili, and Ivan became eligible for residence permit cards. The family collected their cards from the Municipal Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Austria.
After the quotas were allocated, Olga, Vasili, and Ivan became eligible for residence permit cards. The family collected their cards from the Municipal Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Austria.
Investors’ lives in with Austria residence permits
With Austria residence permits, Olga, Vasili, and Ivan moved to Mondsee, while Alexei split his time between Russia and Austria. After relocating, the boys began training at EC Red Bull Salzburg Hockey Academy and studying at St. Gilgen International School. They quickly showed good results and were praised by their trainers and teachers.
In November 2022, with the support of EC Red Bull Salzburg, the boys applied for Austrian citizenship. In June 2024, after waiting for 1 year and 7 months, they finally obtained their passports. Since Vasili and Ivan received their passports in the interest of the Republic of Austria as athletes, they did not need to renounce their Russian citizenship.
Before becoming Austrian citizens, Vasili and Ivan could not play for Austria in world championships. Now, with their new passports, they can finally participate.
In December 2024, Vasili and Ivan played in the World Championship for the Austria U20 Youth Team in Slovenia. The family hopes both boys will continue to represent Austria in international tournaments.
Vasili and Ivan in Bled, Slovenia, during the World Championship in 2024
Now, Vasili is playing for the USHL Green Bay Gamblers. In June 2024 he was selected by the Buffalo Sabres, an NHL team from the USA. He has already been admitted to the University of Wisconsin on a full scholarship for 2025.
Ivan is currently playing in a college league NCDC NY P.A.L. Junior Islanders, and it is hoped that he will also enter college in 2025.
Olga,
The main applicant and the mother of the boys
When we moved in 2018, we could not have imagined or predicted what life would be like six years later. We are all incredibly, incredibly happy for Vasili and Ivan and so glad that we made the right decision to relocate. All of that has become possible with Immigrant Invest’s help!
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