Would you like to start a business in Austria or develop your activities as a self-employed in 2026? You will have to apply for a special license and/or permit in Austria. Below, this article provides you with information about the main features of business licenses available in Austria, with the mention that all the procedures can be attentively managed by our Austrian lawyers.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Activity sectors for which a business license is required in Austria |
– banking, – financial services, – tourism, – transport, – real estate, and more |
|
Licensing requirements for professional services in Austria |
– residence permits for non-EU/EEA businessmen, – clear criminal record, – proof of qualifications, etc. |
|
Minimum age for business license application |
18 |
| Authority that issues the business licenses in Austria | Depending on type: Austrian Economic Chamber, Financial Market Authority, Professional Chambers |
| License for banking activities in Austria |
Issued by the Financial Market Authority |
| How can business license applications be registered in Austria? |
Online or in person. In both cases, we recommend the services of our lawyers in Austria. |
| Providing travel/tourism services in Austria |
Only by licensed travel agents |
| Real estate licensing in Austria |
Real estate agents must prove professional qualification, as stated by the Austrian Trade Act 1973. |
| Recognition of foreign degrees/qualifications |
Might vary depending on the profession. |
| Lisbon Recognition Convention required for: | Recognition of qualifications in the higher education sector to carry out a specific profession |
| Trade license in Austria |
A trade license is issued through informal registration with the responsible trade authorities in Austria. |
| Sole traders without proof of qualifications |
Should name a manager who has the requisite certificate of qualification, under the Trade Act in Austria. |
| Time frame to get a business license in Austria |
About 3 months |
| Representation with a power of attorney for getting a business license in Austria |
Our Austrian lawyers can act on behalf of entrepreneurs for obtaining a business license for their future activities. |
| Working with our attorneys in Austria | We help foreign and local entrepreneurs obtain a business license in Austria, by managing the paperwork and dealing with the relevant authorities. |
| Applicable legislation | Trade License Act in Austria (Gewerbeordnung) |
|
What is GISA (Austrian Business Licence Information System)? |
The Austrian commercial register of businesses that also provides information about licensing |
|
Business location |
Information required when applying for certain business licenses in Austria |
| Other categories of trades/activities for which a license is needed in Austria |
– security, – gas & sanitary engineering, – carpentry, – construction, and more |
| Certificate of competence |
Required for regulated trades |
| Translation and legalization of documents |
Required, in German |
| Do registered partnerships need a trade license in Austria? (YES/NO) |
YES |
| Proving license before starting the activities |
With the copy from the Austrian Business License Information System |
| Residence requirements for non-EU citizens before applying for a business license in Austria |
In certain fields business owners must have a residence permit first. |
| When is a certificate of competence required? | For certain regulated businesses in Austria |
| Ineligibility to carry out operations in Austria |
The authorities can take varied administrative decisions and reject the business license application. |
| Conditions to obtain a financial license in Austria |
Applicant must present: business plan/model, scope of the activities, company documents, and registration for anti-money laundering (AML) in Austria. |
| Can a business license be obtained before registering a company in Austria? |
NO |
| Fees imposed |
Depending on the type of trade license in Austria |
| Cities where we can represent our clients when applying for a business license in Austria |
– Vienna, – Salzburg, – Graz, – Innsbruck, etc. |
Table of Contents
How is the special license known in Austria?
Trade license – Gewerbeberechtigung
What are the categories for trade licenses in Austria?
- free trade category,
- regulated trades category.
What types of special licenses and permits are available in Austria?
For:
- financial sector,
- tourism,
- real estate & construction,
- accounting, etc.
What is the legislation for special licenses and permits in Austria?
The Trade Act, Article 95.
Also, this infographic might help you understand the business license conditions in Austria:
Where do I apply for a trade license in Austria?
The formalities & procedures are done via Business License Information System in Austria.
NOTE! You can skip the complexities when applying for a trade license in Austria by choosing our Austrian lawyers to represent you from a legal point of view.
What are the conditions to obtain a business/trade license in Austria?
- applicants must be at least 18 years old,
- non-EU applicants must first obtain a residence permit in Austria to apply for a trade license,
- a clear criminal record/police certificate is solicited as part of the application,
- applicants must provide diplomas/certificates to prove their qualifications. There is also the option of presenting an Individual Qualification Recognition, a document that can be issued by the Austrian authorities.
NOTE! Applicants should know that the administrative procedures for a trade license are done in German, the official language. All documents must be translated into German.
Are there any extra conditions to get a business license as a company owner in Austria in 2026?
Yes, applicants must appoint a qualified manager to deal with the business license application in Austria.
You can also discover this video presentation with details on this topic:
Where do I apply for a trade license in Austria?
At the local administrative authority.
Can trade license applications be submitted in person?
Yes, but it is best to choose the online application via the official portal to get a prompt answer, helped by one of our attorneys in Austria.
How can I get a business license in the construction sector in Austria?
You will have to apply for a Master Builder license (Baumeister) if you want to develop and execute construction projects in Austria. For this, you will have to:
- prove your qualifications/professional skills,
- pass the official master builder exam,
- apply for formal recognition if you already have a construction or engineering license issued in an EU/EEA country,
- wait for the local authorities’ response or approval notice.
What are the conditions to get a professional license in Austria in 2026?
- presenting a clear criminal record,
- fulfilling legal qualifications for the respective profession,
- applying for a trade license in Austria with the Economic Chamber.
NOTE! The competencies and foreign qualifications are recognized in Austria, but in certain case process.
What is the time frame to get a trade license in Austria in 2026?
About 2-3 months.
What is a certificate of competence, and why is it required?
The certificate of competence can be requested as part of the application for a business license in Austria. This document is necessary for regulated trades and refers to a craftsman’s certificate, university graduation diploma, etc.
In addition to assistance in obtaining a business license in Austria in 2026, our specialists can also help you in other endeavors. For example, you can choose the legal services offered by our immigration lawyers in Austria if you want to relocate. Moreover, even those already established can opt for our services if interested in citizenship in Austria. We are here for any kind of information, so do not hesitate to contact our law firm in Austria.