Gastronomy Trade License (Gastgewerbe)
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade (reglementiertes Gewerbe)
- Qualification: Qualification exam (Befähigungsprüfung) — 2 modules
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Exam fees: Covered by the government since July 2023
- Start immediately: Yes, upon complete registration
- Legal basis: GewO §94 Z.22
What You Need
- Qualification proof (Befähigungsnachweis) — via exam, hospitality school diploma, or individual assessment
- ID document (passport or EU ID card)
- Criminal record check (if <5 years in Austria)
- Operating permit (Betriebsanlagengenehmigung) — usually required for restaurants
Qualification Alternatives
| Path | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | Qualification exam (2 modules). Fees covered by government since 2023. |
| Education | Hospitality school diploma (Gastgewerbefachschule, Hotelfachschule) |
| Individual assessment | Prove your skills through work experience (§19 GewO) |
| Qualified manager | Appoint someone with the qualification as your trade manager (gewerberechtlicher GF) |
Important German Terms
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Gastgewerbe | Gastronomy/Hospitality trade |
| Befähigungsprüfung | Qualification exam |
| Betriebsanlagengenehmigung | Operating facility permit |
| HACCP-Konzept | Food safety management plan |
Vollständige deutsche Version →
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a restaurant in Austria?
Trade registration is completely free (0 euros). Exam fees are covered by the government since July 2023.
Can I start my restaurant immediately after registration?
Yes, you can begin operating immediately upon complete registration. No waiting period for standard gastronomy.
Do I need a qualification to open a restaurant in Austria?
Yes, gastronomy is a regulated trade requiring a qualification exam (Befaehigungspruefung) with 2 modules.
Qualification: how to prove it
Gastgewerbe is a regulated trade under §94 Z.22 of the Austrian Trade Act (GewO 1994). The standard route is the qualification exam (befähigungsprüfung).
- Examined by: Wirtschaftskammer (WIFI)
- Exam modules: 2
- Exam fee: €318
If you cannot sit the exam, these routes are open to you:
- Individuelle Befähigung durch Nachweis einschlägiger Kenntnisse und Fähigkeiten
- Bestellung eines gewerberechtlichen Geschäftsführers mit Befähigungsnachweis
Registering the trade
- Cost: Free — registration itself carries no fee
- Where: District administrative authority — Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat
- Decision within: max. 3 months
- Typically takes: 1-5 Werktage (bei vollstaendigen Unterlagen)
- Start trading: immediately on registration — you do not have to wait for the decision
You can register in these ways:
- Online via GISA (the trade register)
- Online via USP (the business service portal)
- In person at the authority
- By post
Who may register
- Minimum age: 18
- Citizenship or residence: Austria, EU, EEA or Switzerland — third-country nationals with a residence permit are also eligible
- Clean record: no disqualifying convictions (checked by the authority)
Documents to bring
- Valid photo ID (passport or national ID card)
- Befähigungsnachweis (Prüfungszeugnis, Schuldiplom, oder individ. Nachweis)
- Strafregisterbescheinigung (bei <5 Jahren Aufenthalt in AT)
- Betriebsanlagen-Unterlagen (falls Standort genehmigungspflichtig)
Terms shown in German are the ones printed on the Austrian forms — you will meet them exactly like this at the authority.
Where to go, by province
| Province | Competent authority |
|---|---|
| Vienna | MA 63 — Gewerbewesen |
| Lower Austria | Bezirkshauptmannschaft (je Bezirk) |
| Upper Austria | Bezirkshauptmannschaft |
| Salzburg | BH Salzburg-Umgebung / Magistrat Salzburg |
Legal basis: GewO 1994 §94 Z.22 . Last reviewed April 2026. This is not legal advice.