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Business Immigration & Corporate Structure
Business immigration and company formation in Austria
We coordinate company formation in Austria, your residence procedure and ongoing administration from Vienna. A business address is available under a separate agreement. Start with a written feasibility assessment at EUR 600 plus VAT where legally applicable.
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The operational process
Four steps to Austria
A well-established process with clear responsibilities — notary, bank and dealings with the authorities included. It is always preceded by the feasibility assessment (Phase 1).
GmbH formation
Articles of association, notary, commercial register entry — including trade licence if required; support with preparing the bank account opening. Details: GmbH formation for foreign entrepreneurs.
Typically approx. 2–4 weeksBusiness address Vienna
Business address in 1010 Vienna including address and mail service — under a separate contractual agreement.
by agreementResidence permit
Documents, coordination of the filing and support throughout the official procedure — without any promise of a particular outcome.
Typically approx. 2–3 monthsOngoing administration
Bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and annual accounts via steuerexperten.at.
ongoingTimeframes are based on experience and assume complete documentation; they are not a binding commitment. The actual duration depends in particular on authorities, banks, courts, the notary and the complexity of the individual case.
Guide
Which route suits your situation?
The most important routes at a glance — your individual case is examined in the paid feasibility assessment (Phase 1).
| Your situation | Suitable route | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| I am founding my own company with capital | Red-White-Red Card — self-employed key worker | Proof of macroeconomic benefit (capital transfer, jobs, know-how). An investment of EUR 100.000 is frequently cited as an example (as of 2026) — it is an example, not an automatic entitlement. |
| I am founding a start-up | Red-White-Red Card — start-up founder | EUR 30.000 capital, of which 50 % equity (as of 2026) |
| I will be employed in Austria | Red-White-Red Card — other key worker | Minimum salary EUR 3.465 gross per month (as of 2026) |
| I am only a shareholder, without residence in Austria | Shareholder status without own gainful activity | A purely passive shareholder position does not by itself usually constitute gainful activity in Austria. Residence, activity and management function must be examined separately. |
Values as of 2026; application fee EUR 218 from 01.01.2026. Sources: ABA / workinaustria.com, usp.gv.at, wien.gv.at. No guarantee of accuracy or completeness.
What sets us apart
Interim management — subject to individual assessment
Where this is possible after examination of the business model, the ownership structure, the source of funds and the legal and bank-side compliance requirements, interim management can be agreed for a transitional phase. Scope, powers of representation, control mechanisms and responsibilities are set out in a separate agreement.
We take on interim management only after a successful identity, compliance, business-model and source-of-funds check. There is no legal entitlement to it.
Once the corporate, residence and trade-law requirements are met, management can be transferred to the designated managing director by way of the necessary corporate steps. Notary, bank partners and the tax advisory firm of our own group work hand in hand with us — our partners.
A separate legal trust agreement is concluded only where expressly agreed in the individual case.
Phase 1
Feasibility assessment — the first step
Every business immigration engagement is preceded by a paid feasibility assessment. It is not a free initial consultation but a stand-alone, paid service with a written result. It creates clarity before you invest time and money in a project. Full details, process and FAQ: Feasibility assessment for business immigration.
What is examined
- education and qualifications
- professional experience
- planned activity in Austria
- business model
- structure and shareholdings
- capital and source of funds
- possible residence-law routes
- identifiable legal and economic obstacles
- missing documents
The assessment is based exclusively on the information and documents you provide.
What you receive
A brief written assessment with four statements:
- whether your project represents a realistic possibility as things stand — yes or no
- which documents and evidence are missing
- which route we recommend
- where applicable, the express recommendation not to pursue the project
A recommendation not to proceed is also a valid result — and often the most valuable one commercially.
Phase 1 · Fee
Feasibility assessment
| Result | brief written assessment |
| Payment | before the assessment begins |
| Credited against package | in full — EUR 600.00 |
The total price including VAT applicable to your case is stated in the individual quote before the contract is concluded.
Start of the assessment
- acceptance of the individual quote
- completed identity and compliance check
- full payment of the fee
- availability of the information required for the assessment
Request feasibility assessment
Sending an enquiry does not create a contract. You will first receive an individual quote with the binding total price.
Phase 2
Assess first, then implement
Every business immigration engagement begins with our Feasibility assessment at EUR 600.00 plus VAT. If you then opt for Essential, Complete or Premium, this fee is credited in full against the respective package.
Three packages that build on each other: Complete includes everything in Essential, Premium everything in Complete — each extended by additional services.
Package 1
Essential
Your application professionally prepared.
EUR 3.000
plus VAT, where legally applicable. The EUR 600.00 of the feasibility assessment is credited in full.
- individual list of documents and evidence
- structured compilation and formal review of your documents
- preparation and completion of the application forms
- preparation of the filing process including appointment scheduling
- final filing checklist
Your application is professionally prepared and ready to file.
Structured application preparation
Request EssentialFull scope of services: Service details & important notes
Package 2
Complete
Application prepared. Guided through the process.
EUR 6.000
plus VAT, where legally applicable. The EUR 600.00 of the feasibility assessment is credited in full.
Everything in Essential +
- a dedicated personal contact throughout the agreed procedure
- attendance at agreed appointments — where necessary, permitted and agreed
- coordination of the next procedural steps and ongoing status information
- support with queries and additional requirements
- coordination of supplementary documents arising from the specific case
We don't just prepare your application — we guide you through the whole process.
Hands-on support throughout the process
Request CompleteFull scope of services: Service details & important notes
Package 3
Premium
Company and residence from one partner.
from EUR 25,000
plus VAT, where legally applicable — starting price, not a fixed price. The EUR 600.00 of the feasibility assessment is credited in full.
Premium is not extended application support but a modular company and project solution: the set-up and temporary operational structure of your company in Austria — in addition to the residence procedure. The specific scope is put together individually from modules after the feasibility assessment.
Everything in Complete +
Company
- coordination of the GmbH formation — articles of association, notary, commercial register
- corporate structure and business plan to the agreed extent
- business address in 1010 Vienna including the agreed address and mail service
Management
- interim management — after a positive identity, compliance, business-model and source-of-funds check and separate contractual arrangement
- bank coordination, compliance support and assistance in preparing a business account opening
- milestone and document management
Residence
- all services from Complete — personal support throughout the process
- coordination between client, company, notary, bank, tax advisor, legal advisor and authorities
- preparation of the later operational takeover by the client
Relocation & Soft Landing
- apartment search, school and kindergarten search — to the agreed extent
- orientation and coordination regarding registration and official procedures, ID Austria, driving-licence matters
- practical organisation of your start in Vienna
Vienna Discovery
- on request, Vienna Discovery can be integrated into a Premium engagement as an additionally agreed module — scope and crediting are set out in the individual quote
The specific scope is put together individually after the feasibility assessment. Existing structures — such as an existing GmbH, business address or documents — can be taken into account; additional services, longer interim management, relocation or special project requirements increase the scope accordingly. You receive an individual written quote before any engagement.
Discuss a Premium projectFull scope of services: Service details & important notes
Transparency
Service details & important notes
Full scope of services, requirements, limitations and third-party costs — compact, click to expand. In every case the individual written quote is decisive.
Essential — scope of services in detail
- adoption and evaluation of the results of the feasibility assessment
- individual list of documents and evidence
- structured compilation of the required documents
- review of the documents for formal completeness and consistency
- preparation and completion of the required application forms
- preparation of a structured cover letter
- alignment of the documents for filing
- preparation of the filing process
- support in organising the required filing appointment
- final filing checklist
Essential is the professional preparation of a residence procedure assessed as realistic after the feasibility assessment — not a company set-up package. The Essential scope generally ends once the application is ready to file; ongoing support during the procedure is part of Complete.
Complete — additional services in detail
Complete includes all services from Essential and additionally, in particular:
- more intensive personal support during the agreed procedure
- an ongoing point of contact for you
- attendance at agreed appointments, where necessary, permissible and agreed
- coordination of the next procedural steps
- support with queries and additional requirements
- ongoing status information
- coordination with the bodies involved within the scope of MAXsolutions' permitted activity
- preparation or organisational coordination of additionally required documents
- more intensive support until completion of the agreed scope of services
Where legal advice or legal representation is required, it is provided exclusively by licensed lawyers; MAXsolutions can coordinate their work.
Premium — additional services in detail
Premium includes all services from Complete and may additionally include, in particular:
- coordination of the formation of an Austrian GmbH
- coordination of articles of association, notary and commercial register
- business address in 1010 Vienna including the agreed address and mail service as part of the Premium agreement
- support and coordination in preparing a business account opening
- business plan and economic documentation to the agreed extent
- alignment of corporate structure and residence project
- interim management by MAXsolutions after a positive identity, compliance, business-model and source-of-funds check and separate contractual arrangement
- coordination between client, company, notary, bank, tax advisor, legal advisor and authorities
- document and milestone management
- preparation of the later operational takeover by the client
- coordination of the corporate steps required for the later transfer of management
- coordination of bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and annual accounts
- Relocation & Soft Landing — apartment search, school and kindergarten search, ID Austria, registration and official procedures, driving-licence matters, practical organisation of your start in Vienna — to the agreed extent
- Vienna Discovery as an additionally agreed module — scope and crediting are set out in the individual quote
The separately bookable service Business Address & Mail Service remains available independently of this.
Requirements on the client side
- complete proof of identity of the people involved
- information on ownership structure, beneficial owners and source of funds
- evidence of education, professional experience and economic background
- description of the planned business model and cooperation on business-plan assumptions
- timely provision of translations, certifications and apostilles
- personal application and attendance of appointments where legally required
- for Premium additionally: disclosure of the entire shareholding and control structure, extended evidence on beneficial owners and source of funds
Third-party costs — not included in the package price
Third-party costs are not included in the package price unless expressly designated as included in the individual quote. Typical third-party costs may include in particular:
- notary fees
- commercial register and court fees
- official fees
- translations, certifications and apostilles
- share capital
- bank charges
- costs of external lawyers, tax advisors and auditors
- travel and delivery costs
Timeframes — based on experience, not a commitment
All timeframes on this page are based on experience, assume complete documentation and are not a binding commitment. The actual duration depends in particular on authorities, banks, courts, the notary and the complexity of the individual case.
Interim management — requirements and limits
In the Premium package, interim management by MAXsolutions can be agreed after a successful identity, compliance, business-model and source-of-funds check. The exact scope, powers of representation, control mechanisms, duration, responsibilities and remuneration are agreed separately. There is no legal entitlement to it. The opening of a bank account is not guaranteed — it is subject exclusively to the acceptance and compliance review of the respective bank.
Legal and tax demarcation
MAX Solutions provides business consulting services. Legal advice and legal representation — especially in official procedures — as well as tax advice are provided exclusively by professionals licensed to do so; we establish the contact and coordinate. No guarantee of success is given.
Demarcation of the three packages
Essential generally ends when your application is ready to file. Complete primarily concerns intensive support during the residence procedure. Premium additionally concerns the set-up and temporary operational structure of the company in Austria. The final scope of services is in every case set out in an individual written quote.
Realistic timeline
What you can expect
until commercial register entry
Preparation and coordination of the filing once all complete documents are available and the share capital has been paid in.
until the decision on the residence permit
Preparation and coordination of the filing once all complete documents are available; processing by the authorities typically takes 2–3 months.
Questions and answers
Feasibility assessment, packages and prices
Is the feasibility assessment a free initial consultation?
No. The feasibility assessment is a stand-alone, paid service. The fee is EUR 600.00 plus VAT where legally applicable. The total price including VAT applicable to your case is stated in the individual quote before the contract is concluded.
When does the feasibility assessment begin?
After acceptance of the individual quote, completion of the identity and compliance check, full payment of the fee and availability of the information required for the assessment.
Is the fee for the feasibility assessment credited?
Yes. If you opt for Essential, Complete or Premium after the feasibility assessment, the EUR 600.00 is credited in full against the fee of the chosen package. The credit applies exclusively to the MAX Solutions fee and not to third-party costs. There is no entitlement to a follow-up engagement.
Do I receive an assurance that my project will succeed?
No. The feasibility assessment contains no guarantee of success. Residence permits, commercial register entries, trade licences and bank accounts are decided exclusively by the competent authorities, courts and banks.
Can I withdraw from the contract as a consumer?
Yes. For contracts concluded at a distance or off-premises, consumers have a fourteen-day right of withdrawal under the Austrian Distance and Off-Premises Contracts Act (FAGG). You are informed of this before the contract is concluded and receive the model withdrawal form. The right of withdrawal does not lapse automatically.
What do Essential, Complete and Premium cost?
Essential costs EUR 3,000.00, Complete EUR 6,000.00 and Premium from EUR 25,000.00 — each plus VAT where legally applicable. The EUR 600.00 of the feasibility assessment is credited in full against the fee if you book one of the three packages. Third-party costs are not included.
How do Essential, Complete and Premium differ?
The three packages build on each other. Essential is the professional preparation of your application until it is ready to file. Complete includes everything in Essential plus personal guidance through the procedure. Premium includes everything in Complete plus the set-up and temporary operational structure of your company in Austria.
Why is Premium a starting price?
Premium is an individually tailored, modular overall service. Existing structures — such as an existing Austrian GmbH, a business address or existing documents — can be taken into account. Conversely, additional services such as complex shareholding structures, longer interim management, extensive compliance checks, Relocation and Soft Landing or a Vienna Discovery module increase the scope accordingly. A Premium engagement can therefore also cost significantly more than EUR 25,000.00. The specific scope and price are agreed in writing before any engagement.
Is the feasibility assessment legal advice?
No. MAX Solutions provides business consulting services. The feasibility assessment is an economic and organisational evaluation. Legal advice is provided exclusively by professionals licensed to do so.
Do I have to submit documents via the contact form?
No. The contact form deliberately does not accept documents. After your enquiry we agree a secure channel with you for transmitting documents.
First step
Ready for Austria as a location?
The first step is the feasibility assessment — in writing, with a binding fee, and credited in full when Essential, Complete or Premium is booked.
Request feasibility assessment