75 Trades · 750 FAQs · 8 Languages
Which Trade License Do You Need?
Starting a business in Austria? Verified information directly from Austrian law. Free. Independent. Current.
Key Facts About Trade Licenses in Austria
- Registration Cost: Free (no fees whatsoever)
- Two Types: Free trades (no qualification needed) and regulated trades (qualification required)
- Regulated Trades: 75 specific professions require proof of qualification (Befähigungsnachweis)
- Exam Fees: Covered by the government since July 2023
- Start Immediately: Yes, upon complete registration (exceptions apply)
- Legal Basis: Gewerbeordnung 1994 (GewO)
Free Trade vs. Regulated Trade
Free Trade (Freies Gewerbe)
- ✓ No qualification proof needed
- ✓ Register and start immediately
- ✓ Free registration
- e.g. IT services, trading, consulting
Regulated Trade (Reglementiertes Gewerbe)
- ⚡ Qualification proof required
- ⚡ Exam or recognized education
- ✓ Free registration
- e.g. restaurants, electricians, cosmetics
How to Register a Trade in Austria
Read our complete step-by-step registration guide →
- Determine your trade type — Is it a free or regulated trade? Use our Finder Tool
- Get qualification proof (regulated trades only) — exam, education, or individual assessment
- Gather documents — ID, qualification proof, criminal record check (if <5 years in Austria)
- Register online — via GISA or USP
- Start your business — immediately upon complete registration
Most Popular Trades (in English)
GastronomyRestaurant, bar, cafe ElectricianElectrical installations CosmeticsBeauty salon HairdresserSalon, barber ConstructionBaumeister PlumberGas & sanitary Heating TechHeat pumps Auto MechanicKfz-Technik Real EstateAgent, manager ConsultingBusiness consulting BakerBread & pastries CarpenterFurniture
View all 75 trades in English →
Knowledge Base (English)
Registration GuideStep-by-step process Free vs. RegulatedThe key distinction CostsWhat you actually pay Foreigners GuideEU, third-country, permits GISA-ExpressInstant digital registration Qualification Proof4 paths explained Qualified ManagerStart without qualification "Kleingewerbe" MythDoes NOT exist! Changes 2026What's new Individual AssessmentNo exam needed! Entrepreneur ExamDo you need it? ⚡ Decision Helper3 questions, instant answer Glossary50+ DE→EN terms No Trade Needed?Exceptions & exemptions
Important German Terms
You will encounter these terms on official forms and documents:
| German Term | English | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Gewerbe | Trade | A regulated business activity |
| Gewerbeanmeldung | Trade registration | The act of registering your trade |
| Gewerbeberechtigung | Trade license | Your authorization to practice |
| Befähigungsnachweis | Qualification proof | Evidence of professional competency |
| Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde | District authority | The office that processes registrations |
| Gewerbeordnung (GewO) | Trade Act | The law governing trades in Austria |
| GISA | Trade Information System | Online registration portal |
Translation Status: UNOFFICIAL
This English version is an unofficial translation for orientation purposes.
The legally binding version is exclusively the
German text of the Gewerbeordnung 1994.
Official Austrian forms and procedures are in German.
Disclaimer: General guidance only, not legal advice.
Deutsche Version →