Set up an EU company in Austria: branch in Vienna
Use EU freedom of establishment and set up your Austrian branch with a professional business address in Vienna. No residence required, double taxation treaty compliant.
Exercise EU freedom of establishment
Article 49 TFEU guarantees EU companies the right to establish a branch in any member state. Austria offers attractive conditions for this.
Free market access
As an EU company you have the right to establish a branch in Austria without additional permits.
Equal treatment
EU citizens and their companies are treated the same as domestic companies. No discrimination.
Flexible legal forms
Whether branch, GmbH, or sole proprietorship, you choose the right legal form for your expansion.
Legal basis: Art. 49 TFEU
Freedom of establishment covers the taking up and pursuit of self-employed activities as well as the setting up and management of companies under the conditions laid down by the host state. This applies to all EU and EEA citizens.
No residence requirement for EU citizens
As an EU citizen you do not need to live in Austria to run a company here. A virtual office gives you the business address your branch requires.
- No Austrian residence required
- Business address meets commercial register requirements
- Managing director may live abroad in the EU
- Mail is digitized and forwarded
- Official deliveries are received on your behalf
Sample EU GmbH
(Branch)
Seitenstettengasse 5/37
1010 Vienna, Austria
FN 123456a
HG Wien
Tax aspects (double taxation treaties)
Please discuss tax questions with your tax advisor. Austria has concluded double taxation treaties with more than 90 countries.
DTT network
Austria has concluded double taxation treaties with more than 90 countries, including all EU member states.
Individual advice
We recommend discussing tax questions with your tax advisor.
Avoiding double taxation
The credit or exemption method ensures that profits are not taxed twice.
Tax advisor recommended
We recommend consulting a tax advisor specializing in international tax law.
Important note
Please discuss tax questions with your tax advisor. The implications depend on your individual situation.
Administrative steps for EU citizens
Setting up a branch in Austria requires a few administrative steps. We support you throughout the process.
Secure a business address
Book your virtual office and receive a registered business address in 1010 Vienna.
Articles of association / declaration
Draft the articles of association (for a GmbH) or register the branch with the commercial register court.
Commercial register entry
Registration in the commercial register at the competent commercial court. Simplified rules apply for branches.
Trade registration
Register your trade with the competent district authority or municipal office.
Tax office and social insurance
Register for tax purposes with the tax office and, if applicable, enroll with social insurance.
We support you
We provide you with the business address, the contract and all necessary documents for your branch in Austria.
Postservice Pricing
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Frequently asked questions about EU expansion to Austria
Can I set up an EU company in Austria without living there?
Yes, as an EU citizen you can use the freedom of establishment to set up a company in Austria without being resident there. A virtual office provides the required business address.
Which legal form is suitable for an EU company in Austria?
The most common options are a branch (no separate legal personality) or an Austrian GmbH (independent company). The choice depends on your liability objectives. Please clarify tax questions with your tax advisor.
Do I have to pay taxes in Austria if I have a branch there?
We recommend discussing tax questions with your tax advisor. Austria has concluded double taxation treaties with more than 90 countries.
What documents do I need for the commercial register entry?
You typically need: a certified translation of the commercial register extract, articles of association, a resolution on the establishment of the branch, a specimen signature declaration and proof of the business address.
How quickly can I open my branch in Austria?
After signing the contract, the business address is available immediately. The commercial register entry takes approximately 2-4 weeks depending on the court and completeness of the documents. Overall you can be operational within 4-6 weeks.