Sole Proprietorship
The sole proprietorship is the simplest legal form for self-employed people in Austria. The owner has unlimited liability with their entire private assets. No minimum contribution is required and formation takes place through trade registration without notarisation.
Explanation
A sole proprietorship is operated by a natural person. Formation takes place by registering the trade with the competent district administration or the municipal authority. If annual turnover exceeds EUR 700,000 in two consecutive years, there is an obligation to register in the commercial register. A business address in Austria is required for the trade registration. The sole proprietorship is suitable for freelancers, consultants and smaller commercial businesses with a manageable liability risk.
Why does this matter?
Founders of a sole proprietorship must provide a business address when registering the trade. Anyone who works from home but does not wish to publish their private address in the trade register and on invoices can use a professional business address as their official location.
Legal basis
GewO (Trade Regulation Act), Section 8 UGB (Business Code)
Relation to postservice.at
With a business address from postservice.at, you can register your sole proprietorship at a representative Vienna address. The address is accepted as the business location for the trade registration.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a business address as a sole proprietor?
Yes, you must provide a business address when registering your trade. It appears in the trade register and on your invoices. A rented business address protects your private address.
Can I register my sole proprietorship at a virtual office address?
Yes, the address of postservice.at is accepted by the trade authority as the location for a sole proprietorship. You receive your business post there and are reachable by the authorities.
Related terms
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