In short
Americans can register an Austrian limited liability company (GmbH) without living in Austria. The minimum share capital is €10,000, of which €5,000 must be paid in cash, and the founding documents are normally notarised — remotely by video if you like — though a single-shareholder GmbH run by its owner can use a simplified formation without a notary. Profits are taxed at 23% corporate income tax, with a €500 minimum tax a year. Owning a company does not give you a right to live in Austria, and US owners keep their US tax and FBAR obligations.
Austria company formation: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Most common entity | GmbH (limited liability company)# Source: Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG), RIS |
|---|---|
| Minimum share capital | €10,000, at least €5,000 paid in cash (since 2024)# Source: Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG), RIS |
| Notary | Needed, except a simplified single-shareholder GmbH; remote video notarisation possible# Source: Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG), RIS |
| Corporate income tax | 23% (since 2024)# Source: USP: corporate income tax overview |
| Minimum corporate tax | €500 a year for a GmbH, credited against later tax# Source: Corporate Income Tax Act § 24(4) (minimum tax), RIS |
| VAT | 20% standard (10%, 13% and 4.9% reduced rates)# Source: USP: VAT rates |
| Small business VAT exemption | Up to €55,000 turnover (since 2025)# Source: USP: small business exemption |
| FlexCo | Since 2024: €10,000 capital, share classes and employee shares# Source: WKO: flexible capital company (FlexCo) |
| Statutory audit | Needed unless small: not over two of €6.25m assets, €12.5m revenue, 50 staff# Source: Size thresholds from 2024 (BGBl II 318/2024) |
| Beneficial owners | Report owners above 25%; GmbHs owned only by individuals are exempt from filing# Source: USP: beneficial owners register |
| US–Austria tax treaty | In force (1996 convention)# Source: IRS: Austria tax treaty documents |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Austria's company law doesn't depend on nationality, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits register a GmbH exactly as described on this page. Only your home country's side is different:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Tax at home | The US taxes its citizens wherever they live, so the FBAR and US company-tax notes on this page apply to Americans only. Most other countries tax by residence, with their own rules for owning a foreign company. Check with a tax advisor in your country. |
|---|---|
| Tax treaty with Austria | Austria has income tax treaties with the US and many other countries — check whether yours is on the list. Source: Austrian Finance Ministry: tax treaty list |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
| Residence | Owning an Austrian company gives no right to live in Austria for any nationality; founders need a residence permit such as the Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers or start-up founders. |
Why Austria
Why Americans Register Companies in Austria
Austria offers a business environment built on decades of political stability, a highly developed legal framework, and an economy deeply integrated with both Western Europe and the fast-growing markets of Central and Eastern Europe. For American entrepreneurs and investors, an Austrian company provides a premium EU address, access to the full single market, and a jurisdiction with a well-established infrastructure for international business.
The country's extensive double taxation treaty network — including a treaty with the United States — reduces the risk of being taxed twice on the same income. Austria's workforce is among the most highly educated in Europe, and the country ranks consistently high for quality of life, rule of law, and ease of doing business. Vienna in particular is a hub for finance, professional services, and international organisations.
Business Structures
Which Entity Type Is Right for You?
Austria offers several business structures suited to different sizes and purposes. The GmbH is the default choice for the vast majority of foreign entrepreneurs — it limits liability, is well understood by Austrian banks and partners, and has a straightforward governance structure. A January 2024 company law reform cut the GmbH's minimum share capital from €35,000 to €10,000 and introduced the FlexCo as a startup-oriented alternative. Here is how the main options compare.
Limited Liability Company
GmbH — Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
The standard choice for small to medium-sized businesses and foreign entrepreneurs. Liability is limited to contributed capital. Well understood by Austrian banks, partners, and institutions. Straightforward governance with no mandatory supervisory board for smaller companies.
- Min. share capital
- €10,000 (€5,000 paid up)
- Directors
- 1+ managing director
- Liability
- Limited to share capital
Public Limited Company
AG — Aktiengesellschaft
For larger businesses, companies seeking institutional investment, or those planning a public listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange. Can issue shares to the public. Requires both a management board and a supervisory board, making governance more complex.
- Min. share capital
- €70,000 (25% paid in)
- Directors
- Management + supervisory board
- Liability
- Limited to share capital
General Partnership
OG — Offene Gesellschaft
Two or more partners sharing full management rights and unlimited personal liability. Simpler to establish than a GmbH but exposes all partners to the full obligations of the business. Rarely chosen by foreign nationals due to unlimited liability.
- Min. capital
- None
- Liability
- Unlimited personal liability
- Best for
- Professional firms
Sole Proprietorship
Einzelunternehmer
For individuals operating independently — freelancers, consultants, and very small businesses. Simple to set up with no capital requirements, but the owner bears unlimited personal liability for all business obligations. Running a sole proprietorship does not by itself give a residence right.
- Min. capital
- None
- Liability
- Unlimited personal liability
- Best for
- Resident freelancers
Flexible Company
FlexCo — Flexible Kapitalgesellschaft
A hybrid form introduced in January 2024, sitting between the GmbH and AG. Designed for startups and growth companies, it allows multiple share classes and simplified employee equity participation (ESOP/VSOP) — features a standard GmbH does not offer. Worth considering if you plan to raise venture capital or issue equity to employees.
- Min. share capital
- €10,000 (€5,000 paid up)
- Directors
- 1+ managing director
- Best for
- Startups, VC-backed companies
Tax Environment
Austria's Corporate Tax Structure
Austria applies a standard corporate income tax on profits earned by Austrian-registered companies. Unlike Latvia's deferred-tax model, Austrian corporate tax is assessed annually on taxable profits. However, Austria's rate has been reduced in recent years and compares favourably with Germany and other German-speaking neighbours. A comprehensive US-Austria tax treaty helps prevent double taxation for American-owned businesses.
Austrian Corporate Tax — Key Numbers
Austria has an extensive double taxation treaty network, including a treaty with the United States. The US-Austria tax treaty provides relief mechanisms for American shareholders and directors operating Austrian companies. A minimum corporate tax of €500 per year applies to a GmbH even in loss-making years; it is credited against corporate tax in later profitable years. All companies are subject to Austrian social contribution requirements for any employees.
US citizens and Green Card holders are taxed by the United States on worldwide income regardless of where their business is incorporated. Owning an Austrian GmbH creates US tax obligations — including FBAR reporting for Austrian bank accounts exceeding $10,000, potential Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) reporting, and the former GILTI rules (reported to be renamed "net CFC tested income" from 2026) that may bring undistributed Austrian profits into your US tax return annually. The US-Austria tax treaty provides important relief, but cross-border tax planning is essential. Consult a US-qualified international tax advisor with US-Austria treaty expertise before incorporating.
Step-by-Step Process
How to Register a Company in Austria
Registering a GmbH in Austria involves notarization (in most cases), banking, and a formal application to the Austrian Commercial Register (Firmenbuch). Because notarization can be completed remotely by video, the process is more streamlined than it once was — but it still requires more preparation than some other EU jurisdictions, particularly around banking due diligence for non-residents. Plan for several weeks from start to completion.
Choose Your Business Structure Decision
For most American entrepreneurs, the GmbH is the correct choice — it limits personal liability and is the most widely recognised and trusted structure in Austria. Confirm the appropriate structure with an Austrian business attorney, particularly if your intended business involves regulated sectors such as financial services, healthcare, or food production.
Choose and Check Your Company Name ~1 day
The company name must be unique, not misleading, and compliant with Austrian naming regulations. It must include the entity type suffix (e.g., "GmbH"). Name availability can be checked in the Firmenbuch database, and the Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO) can advise, before committing to a name.
Draft and Notarize the Articles of Association Notarization required
The Articles of Association (Gesellschaftsvertrag) — the founding document outlining the company's purpose, share structure, and governance rules — must normally be drawn up as a notarial act by an Austrian notary (Notar). One exception: a GmbH with a single shareholder who is also the sole managing director can use the simplified formation without a notary, with the bank checking identity. Austrian notaries can also notarise remotely by video, so non-resident founders generally do not need to travel. The notary will also verify the identity of all founding shareholders during the video session.
Open a Corporate Bank Account and Deposit Share Capital Banking
Open a corporate bank account with an Austrian bank and deposit the required share capital — at minimum €5,000 in cash of the €10,000 GmbH minimum before registration. The bank will issue a confirmation letter (Einzahlungsbestätigung) that must be submitted to the Firmenbuch with your registration application. Austrian banks apply AML due diligence procedures — allow extra time for this step as a non-resident.
Submit Application to the Austrian Commercial Register (Firmenbuch) Commercial Register
Submit the registration application — including the notarized Articles of Association, bank confirmation of share capital deposit, identification documents of shareholders and directors, and proof of registered office address — to the Austrian Commercial Register (Firmenbuch). In most cases the notary handles this submission directly. Once approved, your company receives a unique Company Registration Number (Firmenbuchnummer).
Register for Tax with the Austrian Tax Office (Finanzamt) Post-registration
After receiving your Firmenbuchnummer, register the company with the Austrian Tax Office (Finanzamt) for corporate income tax purposes. If your expected annual turnover exceeds €55,000, register for VAT (Umsatzsteuer) at the same time. The Finanzamt will issue a tax identification number (Steuernummer) for the company.
Register Employees with Austrian Social Insurance (if applicable) If hiring
If your company will hire employees in Austria, register each employee with the Austrian health insurance fund (ÖGK) before they begin work. Austrian social security contributions cover health, pension, accident, and unemployment insurance and are split between employer and employee.
Obtain Business Licences (if applicable) Regulated sectors
Certain business activities in Austria require a trade licence (Gewerbeschein) issued by the local trade authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde), or sector-specific licences for regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, or food production. Regulated activities must be licensed before commencing commercial operations — verify requirements with an Austrian attorney or the WKO before registration.
Costs & Fees
What Does It Cost to Register a Company in Austria?
Austria's company formation costs were reduced by the January 2024 capital reform, which cut the GmbH's minimum share capital from €35,000 to €10,000. Notary and court fees, which scale with share capital, fell accordingly — though notarization still makes it somewhat costlier to incorporate than some Eastern European EU jurisdictions. The amounts below are market estimates, not official fees. These costs reflect a premium, highly regulated jurisdiction with strong institutional credibility.
| Cost Item | Notes | Est. Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Notary fees | Mandatory notarization of Articles of Association and founding documents (can be completed remotely by video — see below). Fee is regulated and scales with share capital. | €1,000–€2,500 (estimate) |
| Firmenbuch registration fee | State fee for entry into the Austrian Commercial Register; waived for qualifying new founders under the New Founders Act (NeuFöG). | about €500 (estimate) |
| Minimum share capital (GmbH) | €10,000 total required; at least €5,000 must be paid up in cash at registration. This remains as company capital — it is not a fee. | €5,000 paid up |
| Registered office address | Every Austrian company requires a local registered address. Virtual office and registered address services are available. | €500–€1,200/yr (estimate) |
| Legal & advisory fees | Attorney assistance with Articles of Association, structuring, and registration coordination. Recommended for non-residents. | €800–€2,500 (estimate) |
| Accounting & annual compliance | Annual financial statements and tax returns mandatory. Statutory audit required for larger companies. | €1,500–€4,000/yr (estimate) |
Ongoing Obligations
Post-Registration Requirements
Austrian companies face robust ongoing compliance obligations. Accounting standards are strict, annual reporting is mandatory, and corporate governance requirements must be maintained. Factor compliance costs into your business plan from the outset.
Annual Financial Statements & Tax Returns
All Austrian GmbHs must prepare annual financial statements in accordance with Austrian accounting standards (UGB) and submit corporate tax returns to the Finanzamt. Financial statements must be filed with the Firmenbuch and are publicly accessible.
Corporate Governance — Managing Director
A GmbH must appoint at least one managing director (Geschäftsführer), who is registered in the Firmenbuch. The managing director can be a foreign national but must be personally registered. For larger GmbHs, a supervisory board may be required.
Accounting Records
Austrian companies must maintain double-entry bookkeeping records in accordance with the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB). A statutory audit is mandatory for GmbHs exceeding two of the following thresholds: €12.5M annual revenue, €6.25M total assets, or 50 employees (from 2024) — and for any GmbH that must have a supervisory board.
Beneficial Ownership Register (WiEReG)
Austria maintains a mandatory beneficial ownership register (Wirtschaftliche Eigentümer Registergesetz — WiEReG). Companies must report their ultimate beneficial owners — individuals who own or control more than 25% of the company or otherwise exercise effective control — and review this every year. A GmbH whose shareholders are all individuals is exempt from filing, because the data is taken from the Commercial Register.
Expert Notes
What Americans Should Know Before Registering in Austria
Notarization is usually required — and it can be done entirely by video, with no travel
Austrian GmbH formation usually requires a notarial deed for the founding documents (a single-shareholder GmbH with the owner as sole managing director can skip the notary). Austria allows remote notarization by secure video call under the Notarization Act (§ 69b Notariatsordnung, current version since 2025). Identity is verified via video with an ID document (such as a passport), and the notary handles the deed, signatures, and Firmenbuch filing digitally. This makes Austria, alongside Estonia, one of the EU's most advanced jurisdictions for remote company formation — American founders generally do not need to travel to Austria or route the process through a consulate. Confirm video-notarization availability with your chosen notary before starting, as procedures can vary slightly by office.
Banking due diligence for non-residents has become more stringent
Austrian banks apply thorough AML (Anti-Money Laundering) due diligence to all new corporate accounts, particularly for foreign-owned companies. Non-resident founders should prepare detailed documentation — including corporate structure, source of funds, business plan, and expected transaction flows — before approaching banks. Some Austrian banks decline non-resident-owned companies outright; engage an advisor who can recommend banks with a track record of working with international clients. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find vetted, English-speaking Austrian attorneys and notaries with direct experience serving American founders.
The Gewerbeschein (trade licence) is required for many business activities
Austria's trade licensing system (Gewerbeordnung) requires a Gewerbeschein for a wide range of regulated commercial activities — including retail, construction, hospitality, personal services, and many professional services. The licence must be obtained before commencing those activities. Some activities are "free trades" (freie Gewerbe) requiring only notification, while "regulated trades" (reglementierte Gewerbe) require proof of professional qualifications. Verify your activity's licensing status with the WKO or an Austrian attorney before registration.
Minimum corporate tax applies even in loss-making years
Austria imposes a minimum corporate income tax (Mindestkörperschaftsteuer) on GmbHs regardless of whether the company is profitable. This is currently €500 per year (€125 per quarter) for a GmbH. It is credited against corporate tax in later profitable years, but it is a cash cost from the first year and must be accounted for in any business plan.
Austria's US tax treaty is valuable — but cross-border planning is still essential
The Austria-United States tax treaty provides important relief from double taxation, including reduced withholding rates on dividends, interest, and royalties paid between the two countries. However, US CFC rules (including the former GILTI provisions) and FBAR requirements still apply to American owners of Austrian companies. The treaty reduces — but does not eliminate — US tax obligations. Engage a cross-border tax advisor with specific US-Austria treaty expertise before incorporating.
Registering an Austrian Company Is Right for You If…
- You want a premium, highly stable EU business address with strong institutional credibility and a long track record for international business.
- You need access to Central and Eastern European markets alongside the full EU single market — Austria borders eight countries and is a natural hub.
- You want to benefit from Austria's extensive double taxation treaty network, including the US-Austria treaty that provides withholding tax relief.
- You are establishing a business in a sector where Austrian regulatory standing and credibility matters — finance, professional services, pharmaceuticals, or manufacturing.
- You are prepared for a slightly more involved registration process (notarization, €10,000 share capital) in exchange for operating in one of Europe's most business-friendly and legally predictable jurisdictions.
We work with trusted Austrian corporate attorneys, notaries, and accountants who specialise in company formation for non-EU nationals. From choosing the right entity structure and managing the notarization process to post-registration compliance and US cross-border tax coordination — we guide you through every step.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common company type for foreigners registering in Austria?
The GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) — Austria's limited liability company — is the most popular structure for foreign entrepreneurs and American business owners. It limits shareholder liability to contributed capital and, since a January 2024 reform, requires a minimum share capital of just €10,000, of which at least €5,000 must be paid up in cash before registration (down from €35,000/€17,500 previously).
What is the corporate tax rate in Austria?
Austria's standard corporate income tax rate is 23% (reduced from 25% in recent years). Companies also pay a minimum corporate tax annually regardless of profit. Austria has an extensive network of double taxation treaties, including with the United States.
How long does it take to register a company in Austria?
Once all documents are in order — including notarized Articles of Association and bank confirmation of share capital — registration with the Austrian Commercial Register (Firmenbuch) is usually quick; opening the bank account and notarization are often the longest parts of the process.
Do I need to be a resident of Austria to register a GmbH?
No residency is required to register a GmbH in Austria. Foreign nationals, including Americans, can be shareholders and directors. Owning a company does not give you a right to live in Austria; for that you need a residence permit such as the Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers or start-up founders.
When do I need to register for VAT in Austria?
In Austria, VAT registration (Umsatzsteuer) is mandatory when annual turnover exceeds €55,000 (raised from €35,000 effective 1 January 2025). The standard VAT rate is 20%. Companies expecting to exceed this threshold must register with the Austrian Tax Office (Finanzamt) before commencing taxable activity.
Can Canadians, Australians or Brits register a company in Austria?
Yes, on exactly the same terms as Americans. What differs is home-country tax and whether your country has a tax treaty with Austria.
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Company formation · other countries
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