Austrian Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH)

The preferred company structure for an Austrian Company Formation is a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH). A GmbH is a legal entity that is separate and distinct from the individuals who run it. Unlike sole traders and partnerships, the individuals’ personal assets are not at risk if there is a claim against the organisation.

An Austrian GmbH is legally exempt from dividends tax received from a foreign subsidiary and also reduces the tax burden on shareholders by providing access to the large network of double taxation treaties Austria has signed with other nations across the world.

Company Name

All Austrian company names must end with GmbH; we can conduct a company namecheck with the registry to clarify if your chosen name is available. The name can be reserved free of charge for 10 days. Certain words, such as ‘Austria’ are controlled and require permission from the Commercial Register to use.

Registered Office

Austrian companies are required to have a registered office, which must be a physical address in Austria. We can provide a registered address as part of our incorporation service.

Directors

Only a single director is required for an Austrian company formation with no restrictions on the directors nationality or residency.

Shareholders

Only one shareholder is required for an Austrian company formation and this may be the same individual as the company director. Corporate shareholders are allowed.

Share Capital

Minimum share capital for a GmbH is EUR 35,000. At least 50% (€17,500) of the share capital must be fully paid up before incorporation and a bank certificate confirming this status is required upon incorporation.

Timescale

It takes a maximum of two weeks to incorporate a GmbH company in Austria.

Austria Company Formation Fees

We offer an all inclusive Austria Company Incorporation Service

Your company will be incorporated using your chosen name and we will ensure that the procedure is as simple as possible.

The whole incorporation process can be completed online and we will administer the preparation and filing of all registration forms on your behalf.

Filing Requirements

Filing of annual financial statements is required for all Austrian companies, with the size of the company determining the level of detail required in these statements. Company turnover, assets and the number of employees together determine whether a company is ‘Small’, ‘Medium’ or ‘Large’; a statutory is required for medium or large companies. Annual returns are mandatory for all companies.

Proof of Identity

As part of our due diligence we require proof of identity and address for all directors and shareholders of the company.

Travel

There is no need to visit Austria for the incorporation of the company. Although if the documents are signed in the UK or certain other countries, an Apostille is required for these signatures.

Ready Made Company

We do not provide ready made companies in Austria.