Funding and Support for Start-ups in Austria

Starting a business in Austria usually raises two immediate questions: how will you finance it, and are there any benefits that can reduce the cost of starting up? The oesterreich.gv.at portal covers financing, support for new businesses and permits for operating facilities. This guide shows where to begin with each issue.

Who can receive support when starting a business?

Two situations are covered: establishing a new business (Neugründung) and taking over an existing business (Betriebsübernahme). Support is therefore not limited to people starting from scratch; it may also apply when an existing business is taken over.

The eligibility requirements (Voraussetzungen) are set out separately. Read them carefully before taking action, because the benefit is available only when the relevant conditions are fulfilled.

What is the Neugründungsförderungsgesetz?

The law on support for newly established businesses (Neugründungsförderungsgesetz) is the Austrian regulation intended to reduce the costs associated with starting or taking over a business. The relevant information is divided into four areas:

• Allgemeines: general information about the law
• Voraussetzungen: the conditions for receiving the benefit
• Abgabenbefreiung: the charges from which an exemption may apply
• Inanspruchnahme: how to claim the benefit

The exact exemptions, required steps and forms are explained in the sections of the relevant topic page. Always check the current wording, as the rules may change.

How much money do you need to start?

The first financing step is to calculate how much capital your business needs. This is called the capital requirement (Kapitalbedarf). The second step is obtaining the capital (Kapitalbeschaffung), meaning deciding where the necessary funds will come from.

The financing page addresses these two questions separately and provides links to further information (Weiterführende Informationen). Online advisers and calculators are also available to help with planning.

Financing follows the section on considerations before starting a business (Überlegungen im Vorfeld). This reflects the sensible order: first develop the idea and plan, then arrange the financial basis.

When do you need a permit for an operating facility?

If your business includes premises, a workshop or another operating facility (Betriebsanlage), you must consider permits in addition to financial support. The process may involve time and costs, so it should be included in your financial planning.

The following areas are covered:

• general information about operating facilities
• regular approval procedure (ordentliches Genehmigungsverfahren)
• simplified approval procedure (vereinfachtes Genehmigungsverfahren)
• changes to the facility (Änderung)
• individual adjustment (individuelle Anpassung)
• regular inspection (regelmäßige Überprüfung)
• additional permits (weitere Bewilligungen)

See the operating-facilities page for details.

Where can you find the relevant information?

The self-employment (Selbstständigkeit) section of oesterreich.gv.at presents the topics in a connected order:

1. Considerations before starting a business
2. Financing
3. Support (Förderungen)
4. Support for new businesses and business takeovers
5. Commercial activity in the EU and EEA (Gewerbe im EU/EWR-Raum)

The portal also has a separate section on starting a business as a young person (Unternehmensgründung für Jugendliche). The financing and support pages were last updated on 15 January 2026, while the operating-facilities page was last updated on 14 January 2026.

The “USP” label on the pages indicates that the detailed content comes from the Unternehmensserviceportal.

Frequently asked questions

Is the benefit available only when establishing a new business?

No. The Neugründungsförderungsgesetz also covers taking over an existing business (Betriebsübernahme).

What does Abgabenbefreiung mean?

It means an exemption from charges and fees. It is a central element of the law; the exact scope and conditions are explained in the Abgabenbefreiung and Voraussetzungen sections of the relevant topic page.

Are calculators available for planning?

Yes. In its self-employment section, oesterreich.gv.at provides online advisers and calculators.

How current is the information?

The financing and start-up support pages were updated in January 2026. Check the current wording before making a decision.

Practical steps

1. Decide whether your situation is a Neugründung or a Betriebsübernahme.
2. Read the Voraussetzungen section of the Neugründungsförderungsgesetz information.
3. Check the possible Abgabenbefreiung and the Inanspruchnahme procedure.
4. Calculate your Kapitalbedarf and consider how you will arrange the Kapitalbeschaffung.
5. Use the online advisers and calculators available on oesterreich.gv.at.
6. If you will operate from premises, workshop space or another Betriebsanlage, check which permit procedure applies.
7. Verify all requirements and dates on the current oesterreich.gv.at pages before applying.

This article is based on online sources and is not professional advice. For specific assistance, consult an appropriate professional. Source: oesterreich.gv.at