Foreign investors who want to enter the Austrian market can do so by registering a new company or by buying a ready-made company, also known as a shelf company.
NOTE: Although we do not offer shelf companies or ready-made companies in Austria, we are however happy to assist in the search for companies available for acquisition. These are generally companies that were actually operating and not just existing on paper.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf company | – private limited liability company, – joint stock corporation |
Time required for purchasing the company | A few days |
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) | – trading name, – legal address, – company director, – Articles of Association, – bank account number, – tax number |
| The advantages of a shelf company | – easy to purchase, – reduced bureaucracy, – multiple uses, – access to bank loans |
| Appointing new directors | Yes |
| Capital increase allowed | Yes |
| Certificate of no commercial activities | No |
| Modify the objects of activity | Yes |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer or representative and seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | It depends on the age and legal structure of the company. |
Table of Contents
What kind of help can I receive when buying a shelf company in Austria?
Even though we do not offer shelf companies for sale, we can offer comprehensive help during the purchase process as well as for setting up your business in Austria. The following is included in our package of services:
- selection of appropriate companies to buy;
- corporate due diligence;
- preparation of transaction papers;
- help during Commercial Register processes;
- assistance with tax and VAT registration;
- getting business licenses;
- opening bank accounts;
- accounting and payroll services;
- corporate compliance assistance after the purchase.
We invite you to have a look on this infographic for a brief understanding of the steps to purchase a shelf company in Austria:
How can I buy a shelf company in Austria?
The most common types of ready-made companies that can be bought in Austria are the limited liability company and the public company, usually known as stock corporation. Buying an Austrian shelf company means buying its shares, a process which is completed by drafting a sale-purchase agreement which is signed before a public notary. Once the company is bought and the share transfer has been made, the new owner can bring several changes to the company, among which changing its name, the company address and directors are the most usual.
Who can buy a shelf company in Austria in 2026?
Shelf companies in Austria can be purchased by individuals, entrepreneurs, or other businesses looking to expand their operations or establish a presence in Austria without going through the complex process of incorporating a new company. However, please note that in Austria it is required for a company to have a local director who either holds Austrian citizenship or possesses a valid work permit for Austria.
Can a foreign investor control an Austrian shelf company?
Yes, but certain management rules apply according to the type of company and its regulated business. A foreign investor needs to accomplish the following:
- the managing director needs to follow Austrian laws;
- in many cases, the managing director needs to live near the company’s registered office;
- if the investor cannot find an appropriate person for a managing director right away, he may need some help from professionals.
What are the features of ready-made companies in Austria?
All Austrian shelf companies have been registered with the Commercial Register, so they will have the Memorandum and Articles of Association drafted. After buying the shelf company, the new owner must amend these documents. Considering these companies also have directors, their replacement must be reported to the Austrian Trade Register. These companies also have dormant accounts. However, once purchased, the shelf company must be registered for VAT.
What are the preliminary actions when purchasing a shelf company in Austria?
When purchasing a shelf company in Austria, several preliminary actions should be taken for a successful transaction. Here are some key steps recommended by our specialists in company registration in Austria:
- Due diligence is a crucial step in reviewing the company’s documents, including its articles of association, shareholders’ agreements, financial statements, and any other relevant records to ensure transparency and assess the company’s status;
- Understand the tax implications of purchasing the shelf company, including any potential liabilities or benefits. Our accountants in Austria can assist in this situation;
- Ensure that the share capital is fully paid up and that there are no disputes over ownership or shares;
- If the shelf company has assets, you can consider the transfer of these assets as part of the purchase agreement.
What is the process of buying a shelf company in Austria in 2026?
After selecting a suitable shelf company and conducting due diligence, the following steps must be followed to finalize the purchase:
- Completing the sale-purchase agreement and conducting formalities, such as shareholder meetings to approve the new owner’s appointment;
- The new director would likely need to appoint a new management team and possibly an auditor, depending on legal requirements and the company’s structure;
- Certain licenses or permits may be required before the Austrian shelf company can commence operations. These are generally done as part of the post-acquisition steps.
What other costs can be incurred while purchasing a shelf company?
Apart from the cost of acquisition of the company, some additional costs that may have to be incurred by the investors are:
- costs of notarization for transferring the shares;
- costs of registering in the Commercial Register;
- legal and tax consultations;
- costs of due diligence;
- VAT registration (if necessary);
- licensing of business for regulated activities.
Why buy a shelf company in Austria?
The main reason to purchase a ready-made company in Austria is the time spent on the registration of a new company. Secondly, one can buy a shelf company in any Austrian city they want. The third important reason to buy a ready-made company is that one will be allowed to apply for loans, if necessary. From a business point of view, creating relations with new partners and clients can be easier through an Austrian shelf company.
Please feel free to contact us whether you want to buy a shelf company or to open a company in Austria.