In order to register a company in Austria, the law involves a detailed incorporation procedure to be completed with the local Trade Register, known as the Commercial Register (Firmenbuch). The company registration is the most significant function of the Austrian Trade Register; however, this institution has various roles. This article will discuss the main aspects and the Trade Register in general, mentioning that our lawyers in Austria can assist investors of any nationality throughout the business registration process.
| Short Facts | |
| Trade Register in Austria is known as | Commercial Register (Firmenbuch) |
| Overseen by | Commercial Court of Vienna |
| Applicable legislation | – Business Register Statute of 1991, – the Enterprise Code 2005 |
| Main role | Business registration in Austria |
| Other important functions | – provides access to company data, – records all business updates, – ensures all companies comply with the applicable laws, etc. |
| Required incorporation documents | – Articles of Association, – proof of share capital deposit, – notarized shareholder agreements, – proof of business address registration, etc. |
| Standard application form | Offered by the Commercial Register in Austria at the time a business is incorporated. |
| Issues Certificates of Registration (YES/NO) | YES |
| Incorporation & administration fees | Paid at the Trade Register in Austria |
| Business updates that must be recorded | If a company changes from a structure to another, if there is a new business address/ management/ shareholders/ capital, etc. |
| Legal agent/representative for business registration | For non-EU/ EEA citizens interested in doing business in Austria |
| Precautions | All company documents must be notarized before submission with the Austrian Trade Register |
| Electronic signatures allowed (YES/NO) | YES |
| Incorporation fee for companies in Austria | Starts at EUR 1,300 |
| Working with our lawyers in Austria | For: – representation with a power of attorney at the Austrian Trade Register for business incorporation. |
Table of Contents
How to register a company with the Austrian Commercial Register?
If you want to register a company in Austria with the Commercial Register, you must consider the following formalities:
- the business name is checked and reserved with the Austrian Trade Register;
- the necessary documents for business registration in Austria are being prepared;
- complete the standard application provided by the Commercial Register in Austria, with information about the company, its activities, shareholders, business address, etc.
Once this information is submitted to the Trade Register in Austria, one of the officials will take care of their verification. The Commercial Register in Austria is responsible for notifying applicants if additional documents are required. If all papers are accepted, a Certificate of Incorporation of the business in question can be issued.
Solicited documents for business registration in Austria
Here are some of the documents required for company registration in Austria:
- Articles of Association are the basis for forming a company in Austria. These are also called the Company Charter and must be submitted in a notarized form;
- a notarized shareholders' agreement is also required, plus a certificate attesting that the trading name is approved;
- proof of registered business address is also solicited;
- in the case of shareholders and directors, they must present copies of IDs/passports, a clear criminal record, and proof of residency in Austria (for non-EU entrepreneurs);
- samples of signatures are also required.
These are, therefore, some of the documents required for business registration in Austria. Our lawyers in Austria can represent foreign and local entrepreneurs in this process, with a power of attorney. We will ensure that our clients comply with all the formalities imposed by the Austrian Trade Register.
What are the main roles of the Commercial Register in Austria?
The Commercial Register in Austria mainly deals with the registration of companies, but also has other important roles, such as:
- maintaining company records and providing public access to such information;
- registering business/company changes;
- updating company documentation and providing business transparency;
- ensuring all companies comply with the laws and business regulations in Austria;
- it ensures that all data of companies registered in Austria is protected.
Registering changes brought to a company in Austria
If the company you own in Austria changes the structure/shareholders/capital/name, you must consider notifying the Austrian Trade Register. With the help of standard forms, you can register a company alteration and comply with the legislation at the same time. We recommend that you work with our attorneys in Austria for any business modification you make in your firm.
Some data about companies registered in Austria
Here are some statistical data about companies active in Austria:
- According to data for 2024, there were over 602,000 active companies in Austria.
- Around 99.7% of companies registered in Austria are small and medium enterprises.
Ready to register a business in Austria? Our law firm in Austria will provide you with specialists to represent you in the procedures related to the Commercial Register in Austria, so contact us whenever you are ready for business in this country.