How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Austria – A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Founders in Vienna
Starting your own business in Vienna is an exciting but highly regulated process. If you're looking to become self-employed and start a sole proprietorship in Austria, you're not alone. Thousands of founders choose this form every year because it's affordable, flexible, and easy to register. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about trade registration in Vienna – including legal steps, documents, tax and social security registration, and common mistakes.
Why Choose a Sole Proprietorship? Key Advantages
The sole proprietorship is the most popular legal form in Austria. It is quick, inexpensive, and requires no share capital or commercial register entry. Your business legally begins once you complete the trade registration (Gewerbeanmeldung).
As long as annual revenue stays below €700,000, you can use simplified income-expenditure accounting – without double-entry bookkeeping.
However, you are personally liable with your private assets. Even though you're a "sole proprietor", you may hire employees or subcontract services.
Summary: A sole proprietorship is the best entry point into self-employment, especially with a low budget and minimal bureaucracy.
Step 1: Prepare Thoroughly and Seek Guidance
Before starting, you need a business plan with market analysis, funding, and positioning. Tools like the Business Model Canvas or templates from Wirtschaftsagentur Wien help with planning.
Use the free startup consultation from WKO. They offer legal and tax information, social insurance guidance, and form selection support.
You can register directly with the WKO via the "One-Stop-Shop".
If you're a true first-time founder, submit the NeuFöG form to save government fees (e.g. registration charges).
Step 2: Choose a Business Name and Register in Firmenbuch
If you're not in the commercial register, your full name must appear on all business communications. Fantasy or brand names are allowed only with Firmenbuch registration. Once registered, you can use brand-style names like "Design4You e.U.".
Registration is optional unless revenue exceeds €700,000 for two consecutive years.
Check your name’s availability (via Firmen A–Z, domain search) and secure it early.
Step 3: Business Registration in Vienna
Register your trade online via GISA.gv.at or at the local district authority.
Free or Regulated Trade?
Free trade: No qualification required (e.g. IT, consulting).
Regulated trade: Requires certification (e.g. hospitality, skilled trades).
Documents needed:
Photo ID
Proof of residence
Qualification proof (if required)
NeuFöG declaration
Online registration is fast & convenient. Your license becomes valid as soon as everything is approved.
Step 4: Notify Tax Office and Get Tax Number
You must notify the tax office within one month of registration.
Use FinanzOnline to complete the tax registration form, indicating:
estimated revenue
type of business
VAT liability
Small Business VAT Rule
If revenue remains under €55,000 (gross), you qualify for the small business exemption:
no VAT on invoices
no monthly VAT returns
no monthly VAT returns
If you exceed this, VAT applies retroactively.
Tip: You can deduct startup-related expenses made before registration.
Step 5: Register with Social Insurance (SVS)
You are automatically enrolled with the Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS) for health, pension, and accident coverage.
Beachten Sie:
Minimum contributions apply
Discounts available for first-time founders (Gründerbonus)
Side Business?
If your self-employment is secondary (with another main income) and earns under €6,000/year, you can apply for exemption from SVS contributions.
Step 6: Additional Steps After Launch
Open a business bank account (recommended)
WKO membership starts automatically
Hire employees: Notify ÖGK before they begin work
Check for facility requirements (permits for customer traffic, noise)
Cash register: required beyond certain cash turnover
Business insurance: Consider liability, legal, equipment
Look for grants & networks: e.g. Wirtschaftsagentur Wien, aws, FFG, founder meetups
Conclusion: Start Your Business with Confidence and Support
Starting a sole proprietorship is simple with the right planning. Use advisory services, take advantage of funding opportunities, and ensure legal compliance for long-term success.
Get Expert Help from Primus
Primus Business Consulting supports you professionally with:
Trade registration
Tax registration & Finanzamt setup
Social insurance & employee onboarding
Ongoing accounting & consulting
Book your free initial consultation now – start your self-employment journey with a trusted partner.
