Österreichisch-Serbisches Wirtschaftsforum

For Serbian companies

Market entry in Austria

For many companies from the region, Austria is the first step into the EU single market, with high requirements for standards, certification and reliability of supply.

Who it is for

Companies for which Austria is the gateway to the internal market

Entering the Austrian market usually means entering the European internal market. That brings requirements which go beyond price: standards, proof of conformity, documentation duties and an ability to deliver that stays reliable even when demand fluctuates.

These requirements are a hurdle at first. But once you meet them, you can use your certificates in every member state.

In addition, the Austrian market is small and closely networked. Many business relationships come about through personal recommendations, and this is where the ÖSWF's work comes in.

Guide

What matters

The framing below comes from the practice of a bilateral business network. We add specific figures, deadlines, tax rates and procedural detail as soon as they have been verified, and keep them up to date.

01

Legal form and incorporation

Branch, subsidiary or sales partnership: the choice of structure determines liability, tax burden and effort.

Available soon

  • Company forms at a glance
  • Minimum capital and time required to incorporate
  • Firmenbuch (the Austrian companies register) and trade registration
  • Branch office versus subsidiary
02

Trade law and authorisation

Austria has regulated trades that require proof of qualification. Which activities fall into this category is not always obvious.

Available soon

  • Regulated and unregulated trades
  • Proof of qualification and its recognition
  • Applying for a trade licence
  • Competent authorities
03

Standards and conformity

Products must meet European requirements and be able to prove it. This is a common stumbling block on first entering the market.

Available soon

  • CE marking and declaration of conformity
  • Product-specific standards
  • Testing and certification bodies
  • Documentation and record-keeping obligations
04

Taxes and levies

Tax registration, VAT within the internal market and non-wage labour costs largely determine the calculation.

Available soon

  • Corporate income tax and VAT
  • UID-Nummer (Austrian VAT identification number) and intra-Community supply
  • Double taxation agreement Serbia–Austria
  • Non-wage labour costs and social insurance
05

Staff and posting of workers

Employing staff from third countries and posting workers to Austria are governed by their own rules.

Available soon

  • Residence and work permits
  • Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte (Austrian combined residence and work permit)
  • Posting notification and payroll records
  • Collective agreements
06

Market access and distribution

The choice of sales partner often decides success or failure in a new market.

Available soon

  • Distribution structures by sector
  • Commercial agency law
  • Tenders and public procurement
  • Trade fairs and industry events

Der Leitfaden für Austria wird gerade erstellt

We will add specific figures on tax rates, incorporation timelines, minimum capital, funding programmes and administrative procedures as soon as they have been verified. Until then, the association office is glad to help you in person.

Support

We can help

For specific projects, we put you in touch with companies that have already taken the same step.

Become part of the network

Whether you are entering a market, looking for partners or building new contacts in both economies: get in touch.