Founding a start-up in Vienna is an exciting undertaking, but it takes careful planning and a knowledge of local conditions. This article takes you through the essential steps: setting up the company and what it costs, saving money through the New Business Promotion Act, and choosing a suitable business address. We also list the funding available specifically in Vienna.
Setting up the company: steps and costs
Choosing the right legal form matters for the success of your start-up. In Austria the limited liability company (GmbH) is a popular choice. Setting one up involves several steps, each with its own costs:
Share capital: the minimum share capital is EUR 10,000, of which at least EUR 5,000 has to be paid in cash.
Legal fees: the articles of association have to be drawn up as a notarial deed. Costs vary with the scope. A GmbH with several shareholders costs at least EUR 2,000.
Registration in the commercial register: registration is obligatory and costs around EUR 450. Your lawyer or notary handles filing the application with the commercial register court; one or two RSa/RSb letters may follow. You can save the registration fee through the NeuFöG if you meet the conditions. Important: the NeuFöG confirmation has to be issued by the Austrian Economic Chamber and submitted together with the register application by a lawyer or notary. Do check with the chamber in advance whether your company qualifies.
Opening a business account: before the company can be entered in the commercial register, the share capital has to be paid into an account held in the company's name. Once paid in, the bank issues a confirmation under section 10 which your lawyer or notary attaches to the register application. Since the application has to be filed immediately after the articles are signed and notarised, it makes sense to open the business account at the same time as founding the company.
Trade registration: usually free, except for certain regulated trades. More information at: the Austrian Economic Chamber
Additional costs: further costs can arise for legal advice, certifications and other administrative work.
Saving money through the New Business Promotion Act (NeuFöG)
The New Business Promotion Act (NeuFöG) lets new founders reduce or avoid certain fees and charges. To benefit, the following conditions have to be met:
Founding a new business: a new operational structure has to be created that did not exist before.
No comparable activity in the past five years: the founders must not have carried on a comparable controlling activity in the past five years.
Among the exempt procedures are registration in the commercial register and trade registration. To claim the exemption you need a consultation confirmation from the Economic Chamber.
Choosing a business address: the options in Vienna
A presentable business address in Vienna can raise your start-up's standing considerably. On Seatsmatch you will find a wide range of options, including coworking spaces and virtual offices.
We have put together a list of selected business addresses in Vienna. The selection is based on customer feedback. If nothing here fits, you will find a wider choice here.
Which address is right depends on your budget, the facilities you want and where you would like to be.
Funding available in Vienna
In Vienna, start-ups have a wide range of funding available from various institutions. Here is an overview of the most important programmes:
Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws)
The Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) is the federal promotional bank and supports companies with grants, low-interest loans and guarantees. For start-ups it offers programmes designed specifically for them:
PreSeed: supports innovative, technology-driven ideas at an early stage with a grant of up to EUR 200,000.
Seedfinancing – Deep Tech: supports the development and market launch of high-tech products with up to EUR 800,000.
aws First Incubator: accompanies young, innovative people on the way to their first company with coaching and financial support.
aws Industry-Startup.Net: connects start-ups with industry partners to support joint innovation projects.
The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)
The FFG is the national funding institution for applied research and development in Austria. It offers a range of programmes aimed specifically at start-ups:
Projekt.Start: supports the preparatory work for a convincing funding application with up to EUR 10,000. More at: FFG Projekt.Start
Kleinprojekt: supports smaller research and development projects by SMEs and start-ups with up to 60 per cent of project costs, capped at EUR 150,000. More at: FFG Kleinprojekt
Basisprogramm: technology-neutral funding for companies of any size, including start-ups, with up to EUR 3 million. More at: FFG Basisprogramm
Impact Innovation: supports the development of innovative ideas and solutions with up to EUR 75,000. More at: Impact Innovation
Vienna Business Agency
The Vienna Business Agency supports local and international companies at every stage of their development. For start-ups in Vienna the following programmes are available:
Founding grant: supports turning a founding idea into reality at an early stage, with EUR 1,300 a month per person and up to EUR 25,000 per project. More information: founding grant.
"Innovation" funding: supports small and medium-sized companies in carrying out innovative projects with up to 45 per cent of project costs, capped at EUR 200,000. Information on innovation funding.
"Wien Digital" funding: supports digitisation projects and the improvement of operational processes. All the information on Digital findet Stadt.
Co-Creation Lab Vienna: offers a network of experts for carrying out innovation projects. The agency offers a free appointment with its experts. More on co-creation.
Besides financial support, these institutions offer advice, workshops and networking opportunities to help start-ups as best they can. It is worth checking their websites regularly to stay informed about current calls and programmes.
Networks and events for start-ups in Vienna
Building a strong network matters for start-ups: it is how you find investors, win partners and learn from experienced entrepreneurs. Vienna offers a wide range of high-calibre events, networking meet-ups and start-up communities. Here are some of the most important:
ViennaUP – the international start-up week
ViennaUP is one of the largest start-up festivals in Europe and takes place in Vienna every year. Organised by the Vienna Business Agency, it brings together founders, investors, innovators and companies from all over the world. The event includes:
Pitch competitions for start-ups presenting to an international jury.
Workshops and panels on current topics such as deep tech, green tech, fintech and AI.
Networking events with high-calibre investors, corporate representatives and start-up ecosystems.
Matchmaking platforms that connect founders with potential business partners.
The event is particularly valuable for start-ups looking to build international contacts or planning to expand. More on the official website: ViennaUP
AustrianStartups meet-ups – monthly networking for founders
The AustrianStartups meet-ups are one of the best-known networking series in the Austrian start-up scene. They take place once a month in Vienna and offer an informal platform for:
Exchange with like-minded people – whether you have just founded or have years behind you, everyone is welcome.
Inspiring speakers – successful founders share their experience and what they learned.
Direct access to investors and mentors – business angels and VCs often attend, actively looking for new start-ups.
The meet-ups are free and open to anyone interested in the start-up world. More at: AustrianStartups
Pioneers Festival – an innovation and start-up event
The Pioneers Festival is one of the leading technology and innovation events in Europe. It brings start-ups, investors, companies and media from around the world to Vienna. The event offers:
Inspiring keynotes from international experts presenting the latest technology trends.
Start-up pitches and competitions where young companies can present their business ideas.
One-to-one matchmaking sessions with investors and companies to make new partnerships possible.
Themed tracks on subjects such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, sustainability and mobility.
Pioneers has proven a springboard for many successful start-ups and is a fixture for anyone looking to gain a foothold in tech and innovation. More at: Pioneers
Alongside these events, Vienna hosts numerous meet-ups, hackathons and smaller conferences on a regular basis. It is worth keeping an eye on the websites of the Vienna Business Agency, AustrianStartups and the FFG so you do not miss anything.
Data as of February 2025
