GmbH Registration in Austria

What is a GmbH in Austria?

GmbH in Austria comes from GesellschaftmitbeschränkterHaftung which is the name for limited liability company in Austria. This type of business is the most popular among foreign investors who come to Austria. Besides, limited liability companies in Austria are mainly designed for small and medium sized businesses. It is not permitted by law that a GmbH activates in the field of insurance or political association.

Our company formation agents in Austria can assist with the registration of a GmbH in this country.

What is the minimum share capital for a GmbH in Austria?

A minimum share capital of EUR 35,000 has to be provided for setting up a GmbH in Austria. The capital is divided into shares and each share has a minimum value of EUR 70. The investors should know that 50% of the initial capital has to be deposited prior to company registration in Austria.

How many shareholders are necessary for a GmbH in Austria?

At least one shareholder is required for setting up an Austrian GmbH. When there are several shareholders, they can organize meetings at the registered office according to the articles of association or they can agree to make decisions without a general meeting, but by written consent.

What is the management structure for an Austrian GmbH?

A managing board has to be appointed by the shareholders of a limited liability company in Austria. It is mandatory to have at least one managing director, who can be elected from the shareholders or not. No requirements in terms of residency or citizenship are made. Shareholders of the Austrian GmbH are also the ones who can decide to change a managing director at any time.

What are the documents needed to register a GmbH in Austria?

The following documents are required when opening a limited liability company in Austria:

• - an application form issued by the Austrian Trade Registry which must be signed by the company’s directors or managers;
• - the declaration of the shareholders through which the incorporation of the company was established;
• - the resolution through which the managers of the company were appointed;
• - a bank statement showing the deposit of the share capital of the company;
• - information about the new company, such as its trade name and the registered address.

Our local consultants can assist with the preparation of these documents.

What are the steps related to registering a GmbH in Austria?

The following steps must be completed when setting up a GmbH in Austria:

1. preparing the articles of association and all other documents requested by the Trade Register;
2. opening the corporate bank account where the share capital will be deposited;
3. filing these documents together with the details of the shareholders and directors with the Companies Registrar;
4. registering for taxation purposes and social security and obtaining a VAT number;
5. applying for the necessary business licenses or special permits, where applicable.

How can an Austrian GmbH be verified?

The law does not mention a supervisory board as a must in a limited liability company in Austria. However, this body is mandatory, if some conditions are met, such as more than 50 shareholders or over 300 employees in the Austrian GmbH.

Are there any other requirements for a GmbH in Austria?

Company registration in Austria is not possible without the existence of a registered office and address in Austria. Also, the costs for company formation in Austria depend on the initial capital invested in the limited liability company or GmbH in Austria.

You may contact our specialists in company formation in Austria for more details about incorporation of a limited liability company in Austria or other type of company available in this country and also for company registration in Serbia.