Trade Registration
Trade registration is the official registration of a commercial activity in Austria. It is carried out with the competent district administration or the municipal authority and is a prerequisite for the legal exercise of a trade. A business address must be provided as the location during registration.
Explanation
Every commercial activity in Austria must be registered with the trade authority. Registration can be carried out online via the Business Service Portal (USP) or in person with the competent authority. The following are required for registration: proof of identity, a criminal record certificate (for regulated trades), a certificate of competence where applicable, and a business address as the location. The trade licence is entered in the GISA (Austrian Trade Information System). The address provided is registered as the business location.
Why does this matter?
During trade registration, a location with a registered address must be provided. For founders who do not wish to rent their own office, a professional business address offers the option of registering the trade at a representative address and protecting their private address.
Legal basis
Section 339 et seq. GewO (Trade Regulation Act 1994)
Relation to postservice.at
The business address of postservice.at in 1010 Vienna is accepted as the location for trade registration. You can register your trade directly at the address Seitenstettengasse 5/37, regardless of whether you exercise a free or a regulated trade.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register my trade at a virtual office address?
Yes, the address of postservice.at is accepted by the trade authority as the business location. Trade registration can be carried out online via the USP or in person at the competent municipal authority.
Which documents do I need for trade registration?
For a free trade you need a valid ID and the business address. For regulated trades, certificates of competence and, where applicable, a criminal record certificate are also required.
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