Services · Company formation
Company registration in Austria in 2026
A limited liability company with capital from €10,000 or the new flexible company for start-ups: Commercial Register entry, taxes and what most often causes delays.
Since 1 January 2024 the minimum capital of an Austrian limited liability company has been cut to €10,000, about $11,300; at least half, €5,000, must be paid in cash. The flexible capital company was introduced on the same date: the same minimum capital, but shares can be transferred without a notarial deed and employees can receive special company value shares.
Corporate tax is 23%, with a minimum of €500 a year, about $570, even at a loss. Dividends are taxed at 27.5% and VAT is 20%.
How to register a company in Austria: steps and timelines
| Step | What happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name and articles | name check, articles, appointing the managing director | 2-5 days |
| 2. Capital | paying at least €5,000 into an Austrian bank, bank confirmation | a few days; banks take longer with foreign founders |
| 3. Deed of formation | before a notary or simplified via the government business portal | 1 day |
| 4. Commercial Register | entry in the register, the company gets its register number | usually 1-2 weeks |
| 5. Tax office and beneficial owners | tax number, VAT number, ultimate owner details | within 4 weeks of registration |
Simplified formation without a notary
A single founder who is a natural person can form the company without a notary using standard articles. The founder visits the bank in person, pays in the capital and leaves a specimen signature; the bank sends the data to the register. The founder then files through the government portal with an electronic signature. The bank confirmation is valid for a limited time, so filing must follow within days. Court fees for the register entry are waived where the new business promotion act applies.
How much does it cost to open a company in Austria in 2026
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Capital (stays with the company) | from $11,300; in cash from $5,700 |
| Minimum corporate tax | €500 a year, ~$570 |
| Notary, translations, apostille | per the notary's and translator's rates |
Dollar amounts use the European Central Bank rate of 5 October 2026, rounded up. The turnkey package is in the price table below. More on taxes on our Austria taxes page.
Capital from $11,300, and the notary and register forgive no inaccuracies
The law does not forbid registering a limited liability company in Austria on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: capital paid in other than as the law requires, articles the notary sends back for rework, foreign founders' documents without an apostille and translation, the minimum tax forgotten in a loss-making year. We choose the company form, prepare the articles and documents, support you at the notary and the commercial register and keep the taxes.
The cost of support depends on the company form and founders; a manager will calculate it in the chat.
Residence for a founder from outside the EU
A company alone gives no right to live in Austria. A founder of an innovative project from outside the EU can obtain start-up residence: capital from €30,000, about $34,000, at least 50 points in the assessment system, and processing takes 6-8 weeks. After 5 years the path to permanent residence opens. More on our Austria start-up residence page.
Why registration gets delayed
- The bank takes long to vet a foreign founder, so the capital is not paid in.
- The activity needs a trade licence and there is no qualified managing director.
- Foreigners' documents lack an apostille and a certified German translation.
- Ultimate owner details are not filed on time.
Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Company registration (GmbH) | from €12 940 |
| Private foundation setup (Privatstiftung) | from €14 490 |
| Citizenship by investment processing | €210 000 |
We will calculate online the cost of registering and running your company for the first year.
See also
Business account · Personal account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs
FAQ
What is the minimum capital of an Austrian company?
Can you register an Austrian company without a notary?
What taxes does a company pay in Austria?
What is Austria's flexible capital company?
How long does company registration take in Austria?
Does an Austrian company give residence?
Want to open a company in Austria?
We choose the Austrian company form, usually a GmbH, prepare the documents for the notary and the commercial register and help with the account. The catalogue covers every country.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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