English
What Does It Cost to Register a Trade?
GewO §339
Verified: April 2026
The short answer: €0
Trade registration in Austria is completely free. No fees, no stamps, no charges.
Even qualification exam fees have been covered by the government since July 2023.
Complete Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Free Trade | Regulated Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Trade registration | €0 | €0 |
| Qualification exam | Not needed | €0 (gov. covers since 2023) |
| Exam preparation course | Not needed | €500–2,500 (WIFI) |
| Social insurance (SVS) | ~€180/quarter min. | ~€180/quarter min. |
| Chamber of Commerce (WKO) | ~€100–500/year | ~€100–500/year |
| Business premises approval | Usually not needed | Varies (if applicable) |
What Is Really Free
- Registration itself: No government fees whatsoever (§339 GewO)
- Qualification exams: Master exam and qualification exam fees have been covered by the federal government since July 2023
- GISA registration: Online registration via the GISA portal is free
What Costs Money (But Is Not Part of Registration)
- Exam preparation courses (WIFI): €500–2,500 depending on trade and duration. Not mandatory but highly recommended.
- Social insurance (SVS): Mandatory for all self-employed. Minimum ~€720/year, income-dependent.
- WKO membership: Mandatory chamber of commerce membership. €100–500/year depending on trade group.
- Business premises approval: Required for workshops, restaurants, etc. Costs vary by municipality.
- Insurance: Liability insurance is optional but strongly recommended. €200–1,000/year.
Realistic Startup Budget
| Scenario | Registration | Exam | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free trade (e.g. IT) | €0 | None | None |
| Regulated (with apprenticeship) | €0 | €0 | Optional |
| Regulated (no prior training) | €0 | €0 | €500–2,500 |
| Individual assessment (§19) | €0 | No exam | None |
Related Guides
Translation Status: UNOFFICIAL
This English version is for orientation. SVS and WKO amounts are approximate and may change.
The legally binding version is the German text of the GewO 1994.
General guidance only, not legal or tax advice. Last verified: April 2026.
Deutsche Version →