Open a Joint Stock Company in Austria

Foreign investors can open a joint stock company in Austria (Aktiengesellschaft/ AG), which is ideal for larger businesses seeking to raise capital through share offerings. A joint stock company has its own legal entity and is responsible for its debts and obligations. Shareholders are only required to fulfill their financial commitments as per their investment. Our specialists for opening a company in Austria can assist with every step of the process. We assist with drafting the necessary legal documents and registration with the commercial register.

Requirements to open a joint stock company in Austria

The Aktiengesetz (Stock Corporation Act) regulates the formation, operation, and management of joint stock companies in Austria.

The minimum shared capital required to open a joint stock company in Austria is EUR 70,000. An AG can issue either nominal-value shares or non-par-value shares, but not both types at the same time. Nominal-value shares must be valued at least EUR 1. Non-listed companies must issue registered shares; bearer shares are only allowed for listed companies.

The company’s name must include Aktiengesellschaft or AG to inform the public of its corporate structure. Each company in Austria must have a local registered address for legal and administrative processes.  Our specialists in company registration in Austria can provide a registered address for your business.

At least one shareholder is required to set up a joint stock company in Austria. In terms of management, companies must hold a General Meeting within the first eight months of the fiscal year. The General Meeting is composed of all shareholders and serves as the primary decision-making body. The Executive Board manages the day-to-day operations and must consist of natural persons only. The Supervisory Board must have at least three members elected by the General Meeting and its role is to oversee the Executive Board’s activities.

Additionally, a joint stock company must always appoint an auditor, responsible for reviewing the company’s financial statements. Our accountants in Austria can assist with audits.

How to open a joint stock company in Austria

Opening a joint stock company in Austria involves the following steps:

• Check that your company name is available (there is no formal name approval in Austria; the name is examined by the commercial register court – Firmenbuch – on registration);
• Establish a registered local address. A virtual office can also be used;
• Draft Articles of Association and notarize them;
• Deposit the minimum shared capital in a local bank account;
• Choose the members of the Supervisory Board;
• Prepare documentation (ID documents, proof of shared capital, business plan, Articles of Association, etc.);
• Submit the documents to the commercial register (Firmenbuch) at the competent regional court, along with the registration application;
• Pay the registration fee for setting up a joint stock company in Austria;
• After entry in the commercial register, notify the tax office (Finanzamt Österreich) of the start and location of the business within one month.

Additionally, you must obtain special licenses or permits and register for VAT, depending on business activity. If you plan to hire employees, you must register them in the social insurance system. Our specialists in opening a business in Austria assist with post-registration steps as well. We can also help you establish a company in Serbia, through our local affiliates. In Serbia the incorporation process lasts 3 weeks compared to 5 weeks in Austria.

Statistics about Austrian companies

If you are looking to set up a joint stock company in Austria, you can find the following statistics useful:

• In 2022, there were 583,947 total active enterprises in Austria;
• 41,601 companies were activating in the construction sector;
• 92,833 companies were registered in the wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles sectors;
• The lowest number of companies (334) were registered in the mining and quarrying sector.

If you have any questions about starting a company in Austria, do not hesitate to contact our specialists for support and guidance.