Can I register a trade or business in Austria?
Yes — if you meet the general requirements. You need EU/EEA citizenship (or a suitable residence title), are at least 18, and have no disqualifying grounds (e.g. certain convictions, open insolvency). A free trade (over 400 listed) is generally effective immediately on filing and needs no proof of qualification. A regulated trade requires a proof of qualification (e.g. a master craftsman's exam). The registration itself is free. The trade is entered in the GISA register and you get a GISA extract. You can file in person or online via the business service portal. In short: yes — a free trade at once and free, a regulated one with proof.
📋 The rules
- Requirements: EU/EEA, at least 18, no disqualifying grounds
- Free trade: effective at once, no proof
- Regulated trade: proof of qualification
- Registration is free
- Entry in the GISA (public register)
🔓 Exceptions
- Liberal professions (doctor, lawyer) fall outside the Trade Act
- Non-EU nationals need a suitable residence title
- Lacking the qualification: a managing director can hold it
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Registration is free, but ongoing costs follow: the chamber levy (Grundumlage) (usually around €50–€150 a year, by branch) and social insurance (SVS). Operating a trade without the required authorisation is an administrative offence with substantial fines. Beware a myth: "a trade licence costs hundreds of euros" is false — the registration itself is free; the costs are the annual chamber levy and social insurance, not the registration. Tip: check in advance whether your trade is free or regulated, and register with the SVS right away.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Who may register a trade?
You may register if you are an EU or EEA citizen or hold a suitable residence title, are at least 18, and have no disqualifying grounds such as certain convictions or an open insolvency. These general requirements apply to both free and regulated trades.
What's the difference between a free and a regulated trade?
A free trade needs no proof of qualification and is generally effective at once on filing; there are over 400 of them. A regulated trade requires a proof of qualification, such as a master craftsman's exam or relevant experience and exams.
What does registering a trade cost?
The registration itself is free; there are no stamp fees or federal administrative levies. Costs arise only on an ongoing basis through the chamber levy of usually around €50 to €150 a year and through social insurance with the SVS.
Where do I register the trade?
You can register the trade in person at the district authority or online via the business service portal. The trade is entered in the central GISA register, and you receive a GISA extract as confirmation.
What happens without a trade authorisation?
Operating a trade without the required authorisation is unauthorised trading. That is an administrative offence under the Trade Act and can be punished with substantial fines.
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