The authoritative source for Austrian market regulations is the Austrian government. This guidance links to official Austrian sources wherever possible.
Austrian trade and services regulations
If you’re a UK business providing services in Austria, you need to follow Austrian regulations about:
- getting authorisations or licences to provide a service
- complying with specific local business regulations
- EEA nationality requirements which could prevent you from providing services in some sectors
The Business Services Portal can help you to:
- find out what you need to know about providing services in Austria
- understand local regulations
- complete the relevant administrative procedures online
Consider appointing an English-speaking lawyer in Austria to help you comply with specific regulations.
Austria may have regulated sectors where European Economic Area (EEA) nationality requirements could prevent you from providing services. The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
To find out if these apply to you, contact the appropriate competent authority.
If you want to provide professional services in Austria you must have one of the following:
- an Austrian photo ID card
- Austrian nationality
- a valid residency permit
For regulated trades you must also get a trade licence.
Find out more about trade licences on the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs website.
VAT on sales of digital services
To use the UK’s VAT Mini One Stop Shop (MOSS) to declare sales of digital services to EU consumers, businesses need to register for MOSS in an EU member state.
Find out more about paying VAT on sales of digital services.
Ownership of companies registered in Austria
If you have a UK business, you might face restrictions on your ability to own, manage or direct a registered company in Austria or any other EEA country.
Read more about this in our guidance relating to the EEA and Switzerland.
Ownership of legal firms in Austria
If you’re a UK legal professional who has investments in law firms in Austria, contact the Austrian Federal Bar Association website for information on the implications for your investment.
Travel and entry requirements
See the latest information on all travel to Europe.
Check our travel to Austria for work guide for detailed information on:
- types of visa and work permits available
- exemptions that may apply to you or the activity
The Austrian Embassy in London and the Austrian government migration website have more information about:
- visas including intra-corporate transfers
- work and residence permits
- supporting documentation
- other conditions
Social security payments for employees
Find out if you need to pay National Insurance in the UK or social security contributions in Austria.
Recognition of professional qualifications
To check what you need to do in Austria read our guidance on professional qualifications in the EEA and Switzerland.
If you are offering professional services in Austria, look at:
UK statutory auditors working in Austria
For UK statutory auditors, the Austrian Auditing Oversight Authority should be able to provide further information.
UK lawyers working in Austria
If you’re a UK-qualified lawyer working in Austria, using either an Austrian or UK professional title, you should contact the local Bar association in the region where you are working or the Austrian Federal Bar Association for specific advice.
Data transfer and GDPR
As part of the wider UK–EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the free flow of personal data from the EEA to the UK will continue after 1 January 2021 for no longer than 6 months, until adequacy decisions come into effect.
As a sensible precaution during this 6 month period, it is recommended that you work with EEA organisations who transfer personal data to you to put in place alternative transfer mechanisms to safeguard against any interruption to the free flow of EU to UK personal data.
Read guidance on using personal data in your business or other organisation.
