Austria - Market Entry and Legal Services

Lawyer & Law Firm in Austria

Austria is a high-income landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of 8.9 million people. The country is known for its cultural diversity, with German being the main language but other languages spoken in different regions. Austrians value cooperation, formality, warmth, and have a deep respect for the environment, arts, and engaging conversations.

Commercial Relations between India-Austria

Austria, a member of the European Union since 1995, plays a significant role for India in its relations with Europe, particularly with countries in central and eastern Europe. The Indo-Austrian Joint Economic Commission (JEC), established in 1983, fosters ongoing collaboration between the two countries' governmental ministries, chambers of commerce, and industries. Over 200 collaborations, including 100 technical collaborations and 60 joint ventures, have taken place between Indian and Austrian firms, with a focus on sectors such as steel, manufacturing technology, railway and transport equipment, and metallurgy.

Business Advantages for Indian Companies in Austria

Austria is the 8th largest economy in the EU, known for its high GDP per capita and quality of life. The country has a stable and secure democracy, with an export-oriented economy and a strong focus on innovation and engineering excellence. The Vienna Region is particularly conducive to entrepreneurship, with a thriving start-up ecosystem. Indian companies can explore opportunities in manufacturing, financial services, real estate, retail trade, agriculture, and transportation and storage services in Austria.

Incentives and Support Programs by Austria for Indian Companies

Austria offers various incentives and support programs to attract and assist Indian companies. Some of these initiatives include:

• R&D Funding: Indian companies can access funding programs like FFG and FFG to support collaborative R&D projects with Austrian counterparts.
• Investment Premium: Austria provides financial incentives, such as cash grants and tax credits, to encourage substantial investments by Indian companies in fixed or intangible assets.
• Business Promotion: The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) assists Indian companies with registration, location selection, and finding business partners in Austria.
• Start-up Visa: Austria's start-up Visa program facilitates easier entry and residence permits for non-EU entrepreneurs, including Indians, starting innovative businesses in Austria.
• Technology Transfer: Austria promotes technology transfer through programs like ACR, fostering collaborations between Indian companies and Austrian research institutions.
• Export Financing: The OeKB offers export financing options, including guarantees and loans, to support Indian companies in their export activities through Austria.

Starting a Business in Austria

To start a business in Austria, the first step is to obtain a residence permit or visa, followed by forming a company. The business owner must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record. The following steps describe the complete process of setting up a business in Austria:

• Memorandum and Cash Contribution
• Entry into the Commercial Register
• Business Registration
• Registration with the Tax Office and Registering your Employees

Visa and Immigration

Austria provides a citizenship by investment program that allows foreign applicants to obtain citizenship by actively investing in the Austrian economy. This investment can be made through a joint venture or direct investment in a business that creates jobs or generates export sales. The program requires a significant level of direct investment. In addition to standard documentation, applicants must have a clean personal record, provide a comprehensive CV, business background information, and references.

In conclusion, Austria presents a favourable investment environment with its stable and secure democracy, high GDP per capita, and export-oriented economy. The country offers an investment-friendly tax system and provides various incentives and support programs for businesses, including research and development funding. Austria's focus on innovation is evident through its research and development clusters in different industries.

To read more about the Austria market and various business opportunities – CLICK HERE

How do We Help? 

At India Law Offices (ILO), we strive to deliver exceptional legal services to our clients not just within India, but on a global scale. Over the past two decades, we have diligently expanded our presence by establishing strong partnerships, both formal and informal, with esteemed professionals from leading law firms in key commercial hubs worldwide. These alliances have empowered us to offer efficient and seamless representation of the utmost quality in any jurisdiction. Through our extensive network, we are able to cater to the diverse needs of our clients and ensure that they receive top-notch legal assistance across borders.

With a host of global affiliations with some of the largest law firms and legal networks, India Law Offices makes business possible worldwide for its clients. We provide comprehensive support to Austrian companies seeking to enter the Indian market. Our services encompass various aspects such as establishing subsidiaries or branches, navigating commercial contracts, and addressing any legal requirements. Additionally, we extend our expertise to Indian companies aiming to expand their operations in Austria, offering corporate assistance and legal support tailored to their specific needs. In collaboration with our Austrian counterparts, we are well-equipped to provide guidance on cross-border transactions between India and Austria, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, and other related activities. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of Indo-Austrian business collaborations and achieve their desired outcomes. Our expertise extends to a wide range of areas, ensuring comprehensive assistance in various aspects such as:

• Corporate and M&A – Incorporation of Company, Branch Office, Merger & Acquisitions, Joint venture, Technical Collaboration, Taxation, Financial Reporting
• Commercial Contracts – Drafting & vetting of contracts like franchising, distribution, sales and marketing, licensing etc.
• Business and Civil Litigation – Representation before courts and judiciary bodies, Arbitration, Mediation
• Immigration – Obtaining Visa, Citizenship, Visa extension, Work Permit etc.
• Labour & Employment – Advice on Employment Laws, Tax implication on French nationals working in India, Drafting Employment Contracts & HR Policy
• Real Estate – Buying & Selling of Property, Development of real estate projects.
• Intellectual Property Rights – Trademark, Copyright & Patents registration
• Family Law and Inheritance – Cross border Divorce, Marriage Registration, Child Custody, Adoption, Drafting Will, Setting up Trust or Estate

Our Partner in Austria 

India Law Offices and Leitner & Hirth Rechtsanwälte, with headquarters in Graz- have formed a collaborative partnership to facilitate legal work between India and Austria. This cooperative alliance primarily focuses on providing juridical advice and services centred around the principles of solution expertise, reliability, trust, and integrity. The team is committed to finding the optimal solutions for al juridical affairs, ensuring that all needs are met effectively and efficiently. Some areas of specialisation include Labour Law, Data Protection, Corporate Restricting, Real Estate Law and Project Development, Counselling and Representing Austrian enterprises in International Trade; and  Insolvency and Reorganisation process.

If you are an Austrian company or individual seeking assistance in India or an Indian entrepreneur planning to enter the Austrian  market, we encourage you to complete the form below and connect with our team of legal experts. We are dedicated to providing the guidance and support you require.