One of the most secure types of investments in Austria is to open a store. Investors have several choices when it comes to setting up shops in Austrian cities, among them opening companies which sell fast-moving consumer goods and electronics are quite successful. They have become even more successful since the number of business owners moving their companies online has grown. This is also due to a very well-regulated environment.
If you want to open an online shop in Austria, you will be required to company with several laws, among which the E-commerce Law and the Internet Law. Our Austrian company formation consultants can assist with the registration procedure of business.
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The main laws governing Austrian online stores
Foreign enterprisers who want to establish an online shop in Austria are recommended to first get acquainted with the legislation imposed by the authorities. Considering their number is not that little, we present you the most important regulations related to starting an Austrian online business:
- – the E-commerce Act;
- – the Electronic Signature Law;
- – the Contract Law;
- – the Intellectual Property Law.
The Commercial Code also provides for the creation on shops, including online shops in Austria, as the company registration procedure is mandatory no matter the type of business one wants to set up.
Registering an online shop in Austria
If the company formation process has been completed, the business owner must then consider the aspects taking the business online. This implies registering a domain name, creating a website and setting up the platform which will host the products which will be sold in the online store. Registering the domain name with the Trademark Office will offer enhanced protection of the Austrian online shop.
Setting up a merchant bank account which will enable the online shop to process the transactions.
Online stores need to comply with the Austrian Commercial Code requirements for preparing and submitting annual financial statements, as well as with the requirements for making the needed tax filing and payment. Working with our Austrian accountants is advisable if you open an online store. With our help, you will have an accurate understanding of the accounting principles applicable to your business.
According to the E-commerce Law, Austrian online stores must grant access to the contract terms to customers, even if this is an electronic contract. Also, the Data Protection Law which guarantees the privacy of the personal data must be complied with by online shops.
If you want to create an online shop and need assistance in registering the company, please contact our company registration agents in Austria.