Once your company has been formally registered in the Austrian Register of Trade (Firmenbuch), you’ve completed a major milestone. However, this is not the end of your journey. To ensure your business can officially “go live” and operate legally in Austria, you still need to carry out some essential post-incorporation procedures. This includes crucial steps like registering for tax and VAT with the Finanzamt (Tax Office), obtaining specific trade licenses through GISA, and setting up social security for employees. This comprehensive guide details these basic and mandatory procedures, ensuring you achieve full legal compliance and smoothly transition from company formation to active business operations in Austria.
Instructions on the procedure for registering a tax identification number after setting up a company in Austria
Once your company is officially registered in the Austrian Commercial Register, one of the first and mandatory administrative procedures is to register for a Tax Identification Number (Steuernummer). This number is a unique identifier of your business in the Austrian tax system.
Tax identification number registration process
You need to determine the competent tax authority based on your company’s registered business address. To register, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Tax registration form (form available);
- Copy of company registration certificate (extract from the Commercial Register);
- A copy of the company’s charter;
- Company contact information;
- Information of the legal representative.
- Other documents (if required).
Registration documents can be submitted in person or sent by post. After processing the dossier, the tax authority will issue your company an official Tax ID.
Instructions on VAT registration procedures after setting up a company in Austria
After having a tax identification number, businesses need to carry out VAT registration procedures if your company’s business activities meet certain conditions. VAT is a common consumption tax, and compliance with VAT regulations is mandatory for many businesses.
VAT Registration Process
- Determine the registration obligation: First, you need to determine whether your company’s projected or actual revenue exceeds the regulatory threshold for VAT registration. If so, you need to proceed to the next steps.
- Prepare your application: You will need to prepare the following documents to submit your VAT application:
- VAT Registration Form (Form U1);
- Mã số thuế (tax number);
- Company registration certificate;
- Description of business activities;
- Expected information about revenue;
You can file in person, by mail, or you can file online depending on applicable regulations. Once the application is approved, Finanzamt will issue your company with a VAT number, also known as a VAT identification number (Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer – UID). This UID number must be used in invoices, transactions with other businesses in the European Union, and in VAT-related transactions.
Instructions on business license procedures after setting up a company in Austria
General regulations on business licenses
- The principle of freedom of business: Austria follows this principle, which means that basically everyone has the freedom to conduct business activities. However, there are certain industries that are regulated and require licenses.
- Types of licenses: Business licenses can be divided into two main types:
- Free license: For industries that are not on the list of regulated industries, the business is usually free and does not require a specific license. However, you still need to register your business.
- Conditional license: For the industries specified in the Business Law, you need to meet certain requirements and apply for a license to be allowed to operate. These requirements may include proof of qualifications, experience, or health conditions.
Steps to Apply for a Business License
Define your business line
You need to accurately identify your business to know if it falls under the category of industries that need to apply for a business license. Austria’s Business Law details the industries that require a license and the specific requirements for each industry.
Identification of competent authorities
Usually, the issuance of a business license is done by the local government where you are located. In some special cases, licensing may fall under the jurisdiction of specialized agencies (e.g., in the medical or financial sectors).
Prepare the application for permission
- Application for operation permit;
- Copy of identity document;
- Degrees, certificates, certifications;
- Certificate of Company Registration: Copy or extract from the Commercial Register.
- Other Documents: Depending on your industry and specific requirements, you may need to provide additional documents.
