Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about setting up a company and relocating to Austria. If you have any further questions, write to us at or via WhatsApp +436766607343 We will answer your questions as soon as possible.
Do I have to travel to Austria if I want to set up a branch or a GmbH?
- No, you don't have to come to Austria. We can take care of the entire formation process for you with full power of attorney.
Can I set up a company in Austria if I do not have Austrian citizenship?
- Yes, a company is not dependent on citizenship. Foreign citizens can also set up a company.
Do I have to live in Austria to start a company?
- No, the company owner does not have to live in Austria, but the company needs an authorized person who lives in Austria.
Does the company owner have to live in Austria?
- No, the company owner does not have to live in Austria, but the company needs an authorized person who lives in Austria.
Does a branch have to hire a manager?
- No manager is required for a branch. But a branch must have a permanent representative who is responsible for correspondence with the authorities.
What does the permanent representative do in a branch?
- The permanent representative is responsible for correspondence with the authorities.
Does a GmbH need two managing directors?
- In most cases, the Austrian GmbH requires a manager under commercial law and a manager under trading law. Both functions can be performed by one person.
Does the managing director have to be employed in the GmbH?
- Generally, yes. However, there is one exception. If one of the shareholders takes on this function, then he does not have to be employed under certain conditions.
Does the manager have to live in Austria?
- In principle yes, the managing director must live in reasonable proximity to the company. However, there are exceptions here. The possibilities should always be checked on a case-by-case basis.
Do I have to pay taxes even if I do not make a profit in the GmbH?
- Yes, you have to pay corporation tax of 1750 euros per calendar year. For newly founded GmbHs, the amount can be reduced to 500 euros per year.
Do I need a tax advisor if I own a GmbH?
- No tax advisor is required. If you do not have your own accounting department, we strongly recommend that you contact a tax advisor.
Do I need a real office for a branch or a GmbH?
- No, you don't need a real office. We can provide you with the necessary address including post processing.
Can I open a bank account with an Austrian branch?
- In principle yes, but it depends very much on your business model and the country from which the main company comes from. A bank account is not mandatory to open a branch.
Can I open a bank account with a GmbH?
- Yes, it is even mandatory that you open a bank account. You have to pay the initial share capital into this account. As long as the initial share capital contribution has not been paid in, the company cannot be entered in the commercial register.
If I don't live in Austria, can I still set up a sole proprietorship?
- For a sole proprietorship, you need a valid registration address in Austria.
Can I hire employees in a branch office and in a sole proprietorship?
- Yes of course you can employ staff.
Can one person set up a GmbH on his own?
- Yes, that is possible. Then this person is, owner, shareholder, managing director under commercial law and managing director under trading law in one person.
Do I automatically get a residence permit with a company?
- No, it doesn't work automatically. But you can apply for a residence permit. For company owners, directors and managing directors, permission is usually given. But it should be checked in advance.
How long does it take to set up a sole proprietorship?
- If you have prepared all the required documents, it will take between one to three weeks.
How long does it take to set up a branch?
- If you have prepared all the required documents, it will take between three to five weeks.
How long does it take to set up a GmbH?
- If you have prepared all the required documents, it will take between three to five weeks.
How long does it take to prepare the documents?
- In most cases, our clients need around two to three weeks to obtain all the necessary documents.
You have any further questions, write to us and we will answer your questions via WhatsApp +43 676 6607343