Buying an apartment with money from abroad – what do I need to consider?
Your co-pilot in real estate law
Mag. Nevena Shotekova-Zöchling
Attorney in Vienna · 16 years of legal practice · Real estate law & purchase contracts
You keep the controls and make the decisions. We sit next to you in the cockpit, know the route and the instruments – and when it gets turbulent, we take over.
Whether savings from home, a gift from parents or the sale of a property abroad: if you transfer the purchase price from abroad, plan early – otherwise time gets tight.
Proving the source of funds
Lawyers, notaries and banks are legally required to prevent money laundering. Before the purchase price is accepted into an escrow account, it is therefore checked where the money comes from. Typical evidence:
- Bank statements showing the path of the money
- Salary or profit statements, tax assessments
- Purchase contract for a property or business that was sold
- Proof of gift or inheritance
- Loan agreement with a foreign bank
Depending on the country of origin, enhanced due diligence applies. Foreign-language documents often need a translation.
Acquisition by foreigners: approval for non-EU citizens
EU and EEA citizens are treated the same as Austrian citizens. Third-country nationals need official approval to acquire property in most federal states – including Vienna. Without approval, the acquisition cannot be entered in the land register. The purchase contract is therefore concluded subject to approval. In Vienna, relief applies to married couples where one spouse is Austrian.
Allow enough time
International transfers, source-of-funds checks and, where applicable, approval take time. Agree realistic payment deadlines in the purchase contract and transfer directly to the escrow account – not to the seller.
Taxes and sanctions
Check with your tax adviser whether taxes on gifts, inheritances or capital outflows apply in the country of origin. For payments from countries subject to sanctions, banks may refuse transfers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy an apartment in Austria as a foreigner?
As an EU or EEA citizen, yes, just like Austrians. As a third-country national, you need approval from the land transfer authority in most federal states, including Vienna.
What evidence do I need for money from abroad?
Documents showing where the money comes from – such as bank statements and proof of income, sale, gift or inheritance.
May I pay the purchase price in cash?
We advise against it. The purchase price is handled through the escrow account; cash payments trigger additional verification duties.
Mag. Nevena Shotekova-Zöchling, attorney and insolvency administrator in Vienna. As of October 2026. General information – not legal advice for your individual case.
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