Residency in Austria through Company Formation

Build your future in Austria by establishing your own company and securing legal residency for you and your family. Through the formation of a GmbH, you gain the right to live, work, and manage your business in one of Europe’s most stable economies. With ALand’s expert guidance on company setup, compliance, taxes, and immigration procedures, you’ll have a clear pathway from your first residence permit to long-term settlement and Austrian citizenship.

ALand Residency & Business Consulting Services – Austria

ALand acts as a one-stop consulting platform for investors, entrepreneurs, and families who want to establish themselves in Austria through company formation and secure long-term residency.

1. 🧭 Strategic Advisory & Planning

  • Initial consultation to assess client goals, budget, and family situation.
  • Full residency strategy: step-by-step timeline from company registration to citizenship.
  • Tailored guidance on business sectors most attractive for Austrian authorities (IT, trade, real estate, innovation, renewable energy).
  • Pre-screening for eligibility before investment.

2. 🏢 Company Formation Services

  • Drafting Articles of Association with Austrian notaries.
  • Coordinating capital deposit (€17,500 minimum).
  • Company registration with Commercial Court (Firmenbuch).
  • Trade license acquisition (Gewerbeberechtigung).
  • VAT and tax office registration.
  • Setting up business bank accounts.

3. 🛂 Immigration & Residency Application

  • Preparation of all documents for embassy or local Austrian authority.
  • Drafting business plan highlighting job creation, innovation, and economic benefit.
  • Organizing certified translations, apostilles, and document legalization.
  • Submitting and tracking the application process until approval.
  • Assisting with biometric appointment and residence card collection.

4. 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Integration Services

  • Dependent permit applications for spouse and children.
  • Health insurance coverage for the whole family.
  • Support with school and university enrollment.
  • Housing support: rental or property purchase assistance.
  • Family tax allowances setup.

5. 🏥 Insurance & Compliance

  • Arranging private health insurance at the start.
  • Transition into Austria’s public insurance (ÖGK/SVS) after company payroll.
  • Ensuring insurance covers family members.
  • Advising on pension contributions and social security benefits.

6. 💶 Accounting & Tax Support

  • Connecting clients with licensed Austrian accountants.
  • Monthly/annual bookkeeping and payroll management.
  • Corporate tax filings (23% corporate tax, minimum €1,750).
  • Personal income tax optimization.
  • Dividend tax planning (27.5%).
  • VAT compliance.

7. 🔄 Renewal & Prolongation Services

  • Preparing renewal applications (proof of income, taxes, insurance, accommodation).
  • Submitting prolongation documents 3 months before expiry.
  • Ensuring no interruptions in residency status.
  • Guidance towards permanent residence after 5 years.
  • ALand works with licensed Austrian immigration and corporate law firms.
  • Transparent cooperation contracts:
    • ALand = client-facing consultant and coordinator.
    • Partner law offices = handle filings, appeals, and official submissions.
  • Guarantees clients receive both practical guidance and legal protection.

9. 🏡 Lifestyle & Business Relocation Support

  • Assistance with opening private Austrian bank accounts.
  • Guidance on renting or buying residential property.
  • Networking introductions in Austrian business circles.
  • Support in finding office spaces and hiring local employees.
  • Access to ALand’s EU-wide network for investment, immigration, and real estate.

10. 🛡️ Long-Term Residency & Citizenship Path

  • Guidance towards 5-year permanent residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU).
  • Citizenship planning (10 years or 6 years with strong integration).
  • Support with German language preparation.
  • Advising on dual-citizenship restrictions and naturalization procedures.

🎯 ALand Client Packages

📌 Basic Package

  • Company formation.
  • Residency application for one person.
  • Health insurance setup.
  • Business plan and tax registration.

🌟 Premium Package

  • Company formation + full family applications.
  • Legal and tax advisory package.
  • Accounting and payroll setup.
  • Housing and relocation support.
  • Renewal assistance for 5 years.

👑 VIP Family & Business Package

  • All Premium services.
  • Dedicated legal representation in Austria.
  • Real estate advisory for living and investment.
  • Ongoing tax optimization and wealth planning.
  • Citizenship preparation and fast-track integration support.

Residency in Austria through Company Formation

Full Roadmap – Application Routes, Taxes, Insurance, Renewal, and Benefits

1. 🏗️ Foundation of the Path

Austria does not grant residency for passive ownership. To qualify, you must:
- ✅ Form a GmbH (company) in Austria.
- ✅ Act as managing director whose physical presence in Austria is essential.
- ✅ Prove that your company contributes to the Austrian economy (investment, jobs, innovation).

👉 If structured properly, this path gives you and your family a legal base in one of the most stable and wealthy countries in the EU.

  • Company Type: GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung).
  • Share Capital: €35,000 minimum (at least €17,500 must be paid in).

Formation Process:
1. Draft Articles of Association with Austrian notary.
2. Open company bank account, deposit share capital.
3. Register with Commercial Court (Firmenbuch).
4. Obtain trade license (Gewerbeberechtigung).
5. Register for tax and social security.

⏳ Timeframe: 2–4 weeks

3. 🛂 Residency Application Routes

A. Outside Austria
- Apply at the Austrian Embassy in your home country.
- Submit: company registration, proof of investment, business plan, lease contract, insurance, police certificate.
- Once approved → Visa D → travel to Austria → collect residence card locally.

B. Inside Austria
- Only possible if you already hold a valid residence permit/visa.
- Apply directly at the local immigration authority (MA35 in Vienna or district authority in other provinces).

⏳ Processing time: 2–6 months depending on route

4. 🪪 Residence Card & Renewal (Prolongation)

  • Initial validity: 1–2 years.
  • Renewal requirements:
    • Active company (real invoices, contracts, not a shell).
    • Taxes and social security fully paid.
    • Valid insurance coverage.
    • Proof of sufficient income:
      • ~€2,000–€2,500/month (one person)
      • ~€3,000–€3,500/month (family of three)
  • Renewal duration: 1–3 years.
  • Permanent residence: after 5 years.
  • Citizenship: after 10 years (or 6 years with strong integration & economic contribution).

5. 🏥 Insurance – A Strict Requirement

Residency depends on insurance coverage:

Private Insurance (before entering public system):
- €150–€250/month per adult.
- €400–€600/month per family.

Public Insurance (after company salary):
- Once you take salary → you pay into ÖGK/SVS.
- Contributions: ~7.65% of salary (health) + pension + unemployment + accident → 30–35% of gross salary.
- Covers entire family once enrolled.

6. 💶 Taxes & Ongoing Costs

Corporate Taxes:
- 23% corporate income tax.
- €1,750 minimum tax annually.
- 20% VAT.

Personal Taxes:
- Progressive: 20% → 55% depending on salary.
- 30–35% social contributions.

Dividend Tax:
- 27.5% on distributed profits.

Ongoing Costs:
- Accounting & audit: €2,000–€5,000/year.
- Insurance: ~€200/month (single) or €500/month (family).
- Legal & application fees: €5,000–€10,000.

7. 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Members

  • Spouse and children under 18 included.
  • Over 18 must be students or dependents.
  • All receive legal residence cards linked to your permit.
  • Access to free or low-cost education in Austria’s public schools and universities.

8. 🌍 Benefits of Austrian Residency through Company Formation

  1. Right to Live in Austria – Safe, clean, and stable society.
  2. Business Freedom – Run your GmbH, sign contracts, employ staff, participate in EU economy.
  3. EU Mobility – Visa-free travel across 27 Schengen countries.
  4. Family Benefits – Spouse + kids get residency, free schooling, strong healthcare.
  5. Healthcare – Access to Austria’s world-class medical system.
  6. Education – Free or low-cost schooling + universities (Vienna, Innsbruck globally recognized).
  7. Permanent Residence Path – PR after 5 years → Citizenship after 10 years (sometimes 6).
  8. Tax Advantages – 23% corporate tax, flexible salary/dividend structuring.
  9. High Living Standards – Top global rankings in quality of life, clean environment, stability.
  10. Safety & Stability – Low crime, strong rule of law, neutral politics (not NATO).
  11. Cultural Benefits – Vienna ranked “Most Livable City” many times.
  12. Generational Benefit – Children raised with EU residency gain lifelong EU opportunities.

9. 🛡️ How ALand Consulting Can Help

ALand Services
- Strategy design & pathway selection.
- Company formation with Austrian notaries.
- Business plan drafting (jobs, tax revenue, innovation).
- Application preparation for embassy or local authority.
- Insurance setup (private → public system).
- Tax & accounting compliance (licensed Austrian accountants).
- Prolongation support (timely renewals, compliance checks).
- Family services: schooling, housing, integration support.

Law Office Cooperation
- ALand partners with Austrian law firms.
- Lawyers handle filings & appeals.
- ALand = client-facing coordinator → ensures transparency, speed, and service.

10. 🗺️ Roadmap to Citizenship

  1. Years 1–2: Company formation + first permit issued.
  2. Years 3–5: Renewals, compliance, proof of taxes/insurance/income.
  3. Year 5: Apply for Permanent Residence.
  4. Year 10 (sometimes 6): Apply for Austrian Citizenship & Passport.

👉 Not just a permit — an entry ticket to one of the strongest life platforms in the world.

❓ FAQ – Residency in Austria through Company Formation

A. General Questions

  1. Can I get residency by just buying a company?
    ❌ No. Passive ownership is not enough. You must be managing director or a key worker.

  2. Does Austria offer “residency by investment” like Malta/Portugal?
    ❌ No. Residency is through company formation and active contribution.

  3. How long does the initial permit last?
    📅 12–24 months (renewable for up to 3 years).

  4. When can I apply for permanent residence?
    ✅ After 5 years.

  5. When can I apply for citizenship?
    📅 After 10 years (or 6 years with strong integration/economic benefit).

B. Company Formation

  1. Best company type?
    👉 GmbH (limited liability company).

  2. Minimum capital required?
    💰 €35,000 (at least €17,500 paid in before registration).

  3. How long does formation take?
    ⏳ 2–4 weeks.

  4. Can I use share capital later?
    ✅ Yes, for business expenses after registration.

  5. Do I need an Austrian partner?
    ❌ No. Foreigners can be sole shareholder & managing director.

C. Application Process

  1. Where to apply?
  • 🌍 Outside Austria → Embassy.
  • 🏛️ Inside Austria → Immigration authority (if legally in Austria).

  1. Processing time?
    ⏳ 2–6 months.

  2. Must I be in Austria to apply?
    ❌ No, only travel once Visa D is approved.

  3. Can my family apply with me?
    ✅ Yes, as dependents.

  4. Documents required?
    📄 Passport, company docs, business plan, accommodation proof, capital proof, insurance, criminal record, family docs.

D. Renewal & Prolongation

  1. Renewal requirements?
  • Active company.
  • Paid taxes.
  • Valid insurance.
  • Sufficient income.

  1. When to apply for renewal?
    📅 At least 3 months before expiry.

  2. Low income in first year = rejection?
    ❌ Not necessarily. Activity + financial stability is enough.

  3. Can renewal be denied?
    ✅ Yes, if no activity, unpaid taxes, or no insurance.

  4. How many renewals before PR?
    👉 Typically 5 years → PR (Daueraufenthalt-EU).

E. Insurance & Living Requirements

  1. Is insurance mandatory?
    ✅ Yes, without it → rejection.

  2. Cost of private insurance?
    💰 €150–€250/month (adult), €400–€600 (family).

  3. When can I switch to public insurance?
    👉 Once you take a salary & register with Austrian social security.

  4. Minimum income requirement?

  • ~€1,200–€1,300 per adult.
  • ~€180–€250 per child.
    ➡️ Safe estimate: €2,000+ for one person, €3,500 for family of three.
  1. Do I need an Austrian address?
    ✅ Yes, proof of accommodation required.

F. Taxes & Costs

  1. Company taxes?
  • 23% corporate tax on profits.
  • €1,750 minimum per year.
  • 20% VAT.
  1. Personal taxes?
  • Progressive 0%–55% income tax.
  • ~30–35% social contributions.

  1. Dividend tax?
    💰 27.5% withholding on distributions.

  2. Yearly company costs?

  • €1,750 minimum tax.
  • €2,000–€5,000 accounting.
  • €2,000–€6,000 insurance (family size dependent).
  1. Family tax benefits?
    ✅ Yes, allowances & deductions reduce burden once integrated.