English
How to Register a Trade in Austria
GewO §339
Verified: April 2026
The Good News
Step 1: Determine Your Trade Type
The most important question: Is your business activity a free trade or a regulated trade?
Free Trade
- ✓ No qualification needed
- ✓ Register and start immediately
- ✓ e.g. IT, consulting, trading
Regulated Trade
- ⚡ Qualification proof required
- ⚡ 75 specific professions
- ⚡ e.g. restaurants, electricians
Use our Gewerbe Finder to search for your specific activity.
Step 2: Get Your Qualification (Regulated Trades Only)
If your trade is regulated, you need to prove professional competency. There are 4 paths:
- Master Exam (Meisterpruefung) — Full qualification exam (free since 2023)
- Qualification Exam (Befaehigungspruefung) — Trade-specific exam
- Individual Assessment (§19 GewO) — Based on work experience (no exam)
- Qualified Manager (§39 GewO) — Hire someone with the qualification
See our detailed guides for each trade →
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
| Document | Free Trade | Regulated Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID (passport or ID card) | Required | Required |
| Qualification proof | Not needed | Required |
| Criminal record check | Only if <5 years in Austria | Only if <5 years in Austria |
| Residence registration | Required | Required |
Step 4: Register
You have three options:
- Online via GISA: gisa.gv.at — fastest option, available 24/7
- Online via USP: usp.gv.at — government service portal
- In person: At the district authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehoerde) of your business location
GISA-Express (since 2026)
Free trades can now be registered via GISA-Express with automated processing.
The system checks eligibility instantly and confirms registration in minutes.
Step 5: Start Your Business
For most trades, you can start working immediately upon complete registration. The only exception: Zuverlaessigkeitsgewerbe (reliability trades) like security services and funeral services require pre-approval.
Related Guides
Translation Status: UNOFFICIAL
This English version is for orientation only. The legally binding version is exclusively
the German text of the GewO 1994.
General guidance only, not legal advice. Last verified: April 2026.
Deutsche Version →