English
Starting a Business in Austria as a Foreigner
GewO §14
Verified: April 2026
Austria welcomes foreign entrepreneurs. The trade registration process is largely the same for Austrian and foreign citizens, with a few additional requirements depending on your nationality and residence status.
Key Facts for Foreign Citizens
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Same rights as Austrians — no restrictions
- Third-country nationals: Need valid residence permit with work authorization
- Registration cost: Free (€0) for everyone
- Criminal record: Required if less than 5 years in Austria
- Language: No German language requirement for trade registration
- Qualification recognition: EU qualifications recognized, others case-by-case
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Full Equal Treatment
Under EU law, EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have the same rights as Austrian citizens when it comes to trade registration. This means:
- ✓ No residence permit needed (EU freedom of establishment)
- ✓ Qualifications from your home country are recognized
- ✓ Same registration process and requirements
- ✓ No additional fees or restrictions
Third-Country Nationals
Additional Requirements
Citizens from outside the EU/EEA need:
- Valid residence permit with self-employment authorization (e.g., Rot-Weiss-Rot-Karte Plus, Daueraufenthalt EU, Niederlassungsbewilligung)
- Criminal record check from your home country (if less than 5 years in Austria) — must be apostilled or authenticated
- Qualification recognition for regulated trades — your qualifications must be assessed for equivalence
Residence Permits That Allow Self-Employment
| Permit Type | Self-Employment? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rot-Weiss-Rot-Karte Plus | Yes | Unrestricted labor market access |
| Daueraufenthalt – EU | Yes | Long-term residence, full access |
| Niederlassungsbewilligung | Yes | Settlement permit |
| Aufenthaltsberechtigung Plus | Yes | Subsidiary protection with work |
| Student visa | Limited | Max 20h/week, restrictions apply |
| Tourist visa | No | Cannot register a trade |
Qualification Recognition
For regulated trades, your foreign qualifications must be recognized:
- EU qualifications: Automatically recognized under EU Directive 2005/36/EC. May require compensation measures (aptitude test or adaptation period) in some cases.
- Non-EU qualifications: Assessed individually by the district authority. You may need to pass the Austrian qualification exam or demonstrate equivalent competence.
- Alternative: Apply for individual assessment (§19 GewO) based on your work experience — this path does not require formal qualification recognition.
Criminal Record Requirements
Important for newcomers
If you have been in Austria for less than 5 years, you must provide a criminal
record check from your home country. This document must be:
- Not older than 3 months
- Translated into German by a certified translator
- Apostilled or authenticated (depending on your country)
Practical Tips
- Start with a free trade if possible — no qualification needed, register instantly
- Visit the WKO startup service in your state — free consultation, often in English
- Consider the individual assessment (§19) if your qualifications don't match Austrian requirements exactly
- Hire a qualified manager (§39) if you need a regulated trade but don't have the qualification yet
- No German required for registration, but practical German helps in daily business
Related Guides
Translation Status: UNOFFICIAL
This English version is for orientation only. Immigration law changes frequently.
Always verify current requirements with the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI)
or migration.gv.at.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Last verified: April 2026.
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