Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
I have some questions about starting up a business in Vienna. Where can I get the best advice?
You can get all the information you need from one place – from our team. If necessary, we’ll put you in touch with relevant stakeholders.
Do I need to come in person to get your advice?
We make most of our advisory services available digitally as well, not least due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
How much do you charge for such an advice session?
The service is free, and it’s definitely worth it.
Can I arrive in Vienna and just get underway?
In principle, yes, it is possible to set up a company in Austria quickly, although the legal requirements of course do need to be met. We’ll give you comprehensive advice. The Austrian Business Agency can also offer you advice and support services in this area.
Can I set up my company online as well?
e-foundation has also been possible in Austria since the end of 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
What do I need to consider in order to set up my company here?
Depending on its legal form (sole proprietorship, limited partnership, general partnership, limited liability company (GmbH)) and type of trade (regulated or unregulated), you will have to take different business formation steps. Details can be found, for example, in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber’s Foundation Guide (PDF).
What support can I get while setting up my business in Vienna? We advise foreign companies in all phases of their business development. Anyone wanting to start a business – start-ups, sole proprietorships, domestic/international small and medium-sized enterprises, or corporations – receive exactly the support they need. We’re able to offer funding to existing businesses in all sectors and of any size, business space tailored to their needs, and advisory and networking services.
Do I have to know German to start a business in Vienna?
Our multilingual team will be happy to guide you through the start-up process. We will also connect you with notaries, lawyers and tax experts who speak your language. However, German remains the official language and German language skills and/or professional support may thus be necessary at certain stages.
Can I bring my team with me to Austria?
If you or your colleagues wish to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you’ll need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel), unless you come from Switzerland, member states of the European Union, or the European Economic Area. Information regarding permanent immigration to Austria can be found at migration.at. Individuals wishing to live and work in Austria may also apply for a Red-White-Red-Card if they meet certain criteria. You can get answers to all your queries from our team at the Expat Centre or from the Business Immigration Office.
Will I be able to find staff in Vienna easily?
Vienna is the largest German-speaking university city with about 200,000 students; so it has a huge pool of – in many cases multilingual – talents.
Vienna in a nutshell. What makes Vienna the best city for my business?
Vienna isn’t just the world’s most liveable city. With around two million inhabitants, Vienna is neither too little nor too big. The cost of living and housing is moderate and affordable compared to other European capitals. A low number of days are lost to industrial disputes and employees are highly motivated, many are at least bilingual. Located in the heart of Europe, the city is a well-travelled bridge between Eastern and Western Europe and has excellent connections to the CEE region.
