| LLC | PLC | Rep. Office | Branch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Name | GmbH | AG | Representanz | Niederlassung |
| Company Setup Time | 15 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Government Grants Available | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Limited Liability | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
Austria Limited Liability Company (GmbH)
- This business entity is Austria’s most popular choice requiring at least one director and shareholder to be appointed and they can be of any nationality and residency. A limited liability company must have a legal registered address located in Austria. As required by Austrian corporate norms, the minimum share capital required to set up this entity is € 10,000 for startups. Half of this amount needs to be paid, before the company incorporation. After eleven years, the share capital has to be € 35,000.
- If the annual turnover is € 30,000 or more, the company will have to register for value-added tax deduction.
Austria Public Limited company (AG)
- The Austrian Public Limited Company is the best option for entrepreneurs if they wish to list the company on the Vienna Stock Exchange market. Or want to raise large amounts of capital for their business operations. A minimum share capital of € 70,000 is required. During the incorporation process at least 25 percent of this amount must be paid.
- A minimum of one shareholder and one director is mandatory, both can have any nationality. Also, a statutory auditor must be appointed in a public limited company. This type of company needs to submit annual financial statements.
Austria Branch Office (Niederlassung)
- Branches are 100% foreign owned. Companies outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must appoint a representative. The representative must be a resident of Austria.
Austria Representative Office (Representanz)
- A representative office can not conduct any direct revenue-generating business operations in the country. It can also not sign any contracts as well. However, market research and promotion of the foreign entity is permitted. It is mandatory to recruit a representative in Austria who is a resident. This is a requirement if the holding company is located outside the EEA.