Our firm can offer you a full package for setting up a compay in Austria. You will be assisted through the entire process, starting from the incorporation of your company in Austria all the way through opening of your bank account in Austria and more.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Who can register a company in Austria? | Both Austrian and foreign individuals or companies. |
| What is the most common company type? | The GmbH (limited liability company). |
| What is the minimum share capital? | EUR 10,000, with at least EUR 5,000 paid before registration. |
| How long does company registration take? | Usually a few weeks, depending on the documentation. |
| Is a registered office required? | Yes, every company must have an Austrian business address. |
| Do I need a managing director? | Yes, every GmbH must appoint at least one. |
| Can foreigners become managing directors? | Yes, if Austrian legal requirements are met. |
| Is a corporate bank account required? | Yes, to deposit the share capital and operate the business. |
| Do I need to register for taxes? | Yes, including tax and VAT registration when applicable. |
| Are business licences always required? | Only for regulated business activities. |
| Can the incorporation be completed remotely? | Yes, in many cases, except where a bank requires personal presence. |
| What services are available after incorporation? | Accounting, payroll, compliance and business support. |
| Why register a company in Austria? | Stable economy, strong legal framework and EU market access. |
| Can professionals handle the registration? | Yes, they can manage the entire incorporation process. |
| What are the main company registration costs? | • GmbH incorporation package: EUR 6,500, • Tax/VAT registration: EUR 500, • Bank account assistance: EUR 190/hour, • Business licence support: EUR 140/hour, • Registered office: from EUR 600/month, • Initial share capital: EUR 10,000 (minimum), with EUR 5,000 payable upon incorporation. |
What services do you offer for opening a company in Austria?
Our specialists provide help to customers at all stages of the incorporation procedure and also ensure compliance with the laws of Austria. Our services include:
- Company incorporation and registration of Austrian companies;
- Consultations on choosing an appropriate type of company;
- Help in opening corporate bank accounts;
- Assistance in obtaining work and residence permits;
- Interactions with Austrian government agencies and public bodies;
- Office and location arrangements;
- Accounting and payroll;
- Business consultation and assistance in other administrative matters.
What are the types of companies / entities in Austria?
The Company Act is the main law which provides for the establishment of a business in Austria. The first step for company formation in Austria is to choose a legal entity from the ones mentioned below:
- the sole proprietorship or sole trader which is the simplest form of starting a business in Austria;
- the GmbH is the most employed type of company;
- the partnership which is suitable for those who want to create small and medium-sized businesses;
- the subsidiary, branch and representative offices which are business forms available for foreign companies interested in entering the Austrian market.
Our company formation agents can offer information on the legislation applicable when setting up a business in Austria.
What are the costs of setting up a company in Austria?
Costs of incorporation of a business in Austria in 2026 depend on the services needed and on the complexity of the project. Below are some of the major fees associated with formation and operation of an Austrian GmbH, the most common company type in Austria:
- Formation and registration of the GmbH (notary, court and registration fees): EUR 6,500;
- Registration for tax and VATpurposes: EUR 500;
- Corporate bank account assistance: EUR 190 per hour;
- Help with business license application: EUR 140 per hour;
- WiEReG registration and maintenance: EUR 170 per hour;
- Further due diligence (if any): EUR 2,600;
- Services of a registered office: from EUR 600 per month;
- Payroll system implementation: EUR 400 one-time;
- Monthly payroll service: EUR 60 per person;
- Accounting services: EUR 140 per hour;
- Consultation services: EUR 190 per hour.
How many types of GmbH are in Austria?
The GmbH in Austria can take two forms:
- the private company, shortly known as the GmbH, which must be formed by at least one shareholder who cannot trade the company’s shares on the stock exchange and which requires a minimum share capital of EUR 10,000 (only EUR 5,000 must be paid upon incorporation);
- the public company, shortly known as the AG, which also requires at least one shareholder and a minimum share capital of EUR 70,000; compared to the GmbH, the AG can trade its shares on the stock exchange.
The branch office is one of the options foreign companies can use to create a presence on the Austrian market. The Austrian company will totally depend on the parent company, which means that all the decisions related to the management of the branch will be taken by the head office. The Austrian branch will complete the activities of the parent company for which it must obtain the necessary licenses and permits.
Can I open a subsidiary in Austria in 2026?
Yes, another business form available for foreign companies is the subsidiary. Compared to the branch office, the subsidiary is an independent entity, usually registered under the form of a GmbH. As such, it can take its own decisions and will be treated as a local company in the Austrian market. The Austrian subsidiary offers similar advantages as the branch office.
We invite you to watch a short video about company formation in Austria:
FAQ related to company incorporation in Austria
Yes, it is quite easy to open a company in Austria, as the company registration process is completed in a matter of days.
Your presence is not necessary when opening a company in Austria if you grant us the power of attorney to represent you.
Yes, the company must have a local address in an Austrian city. We can assist with virtual office services for this purpose.
The standard corporate tax rate in Austria is 23%.
If you have other questions or simply need company formation services in Austria, please feel free to contact us.