Austria isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally 2 to 6 weeks for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €10,000 (€5,000 to be paid in cash at incorporation).
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
Mandatory for a multi-member GmbH. For a single-member GmbH, a simplified digital incorporation exists without a physical notary visit.
Minimum capital of €10,000 (€5,000 paid in cash at incorporation); the bank certifies the deposit for the commercial register.
If the director does not sufficiently master German, a sworn interpreter must attend the deed.
Overall timing depends mainly on how quickly the bank certificate and the register court process the file.
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 20% | |
| Reduced rates | 13% | culture, swimming pools, thermal spas |
| Reduced rates | 10% | food, rent, passenger transport, books, press |
| Reduced rates | 4.9% | basic food products from 1 July 2026 |
23% (Körperschaftsteuer).
No for an EU/EEA national. A non-EU national wanting to run the business on-site needs a residence permit suited to economic activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
For a single-member GmbH, digital incorporation avoids a notary visit. A third-country national wishing to carry out operational activity needs a valid residence permit — a tourist visa is not enough.
2 to 6 weeks: the bank must certify the minimum capital deposit before commercial-register filing; the timeline depends heavily on the founder's origin (EU or third country).
Minimum share capital: €10,000 (€5,000 to be paid in cash at incorporation).
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Commercial lease, a trade declaration (Gewerbeanmeldung) with the local authority, and registration with the chamber of commerce (WKO).
A cash register is mandatory for any business with more than €15,000 in annual turnover and over €7,500 in cash sales.
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Austria.
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Austrian Customs (Zollamt Österreich).
A sale concluded in person at a stand during a trade fair that is not your usual place of business is generally classed as an "off-premises" contract under the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): the customer then has a 14-day right of withdrawal, subject to exceptions (personalised, perishable or sealed goods). This principle, harmonised across the EU/EEA, applies in Austria — we check the local details with you based on your sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Describe your project and timeline, and we'll quickly tell you whether we can act directly in Austria or point you to a trusted local partner.
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