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Europe EU

DACH market focused founders, Austria

Austria sits between Germany, Switzerland, and the CEE, with a 23% CIT (cut from 25% in the 2024 reform), EU single market access, and a credible Mittelstand brand. Vienna, Linz, and Graz host an active VC and corporate venture scene. A GmbH is the default vehicle for founders selling into Germany and Switzerland without the German GmbH cost stack.

CIT 23%EU passportDACH bridge
Start setup {placement} 4 min · no card required
Corp tax
23%
Fastest setup
3 weeks
Tax treaties
90
Region
Europe

What you'll need

  • No resident director required
  • Local registered office required
  • Economic-substance test applies
  • Minimum capital: EUR 10,000
  • Administrative language: German
  • Legal system: Civil law

Tax and treaty profile

  • Corporate tax 23%
  • Tax treaties 90
  • VAT rate 20%
  • Withholding on dividends 27.5%
Key treaty partners
GermanySwitzerlandItalyUSAUKFrance

Banking and payments

  • Banking takes 2 to 4 weeks with KYC
  • Stripe supported
  • Wise supported
  • Crypto banking available
  • EMI license framework available

Considerations

If you want EUR 1 minimum capital

Austria's GmbH still requires EUR 35,000 nominal capital (EUR 17,500 paid in cash on incorporation), one of the higher thresholds in the EU. For low capital EU bases:

GmbH EUR 35,000 capitalEUR 17,500 cash paid inNotarial deed required