Registering a Gewerbe and Freie Gewerbe in Austria
If you want to work independently and for profit in Austria, you may need a trade or business authorisation known as a Gewerbeberechtigung. This overview explains the main Gewerbe categories, qualification requirements and where to find the relevant official information. It is general information and not individual advice.
What is a Gewerbe, and when is authorisation required?
In the Austrian system, the term Gewerbe covers a large part of business and self-employed activities. If you work on your own account and for profit in an activity that requires authorisation in Austria, you must obtain the relevant Gewerbeberechtigung.
The process for obtaining this authorisation is called Gewerbeanmeldung, or Gewerbe registration. Gewerbeanmeldung is a separate topic from the general information on Gewerbeberechtigung.
Freie Gewerbe and Reglementierte Gewerbe
There are two main categories:
- Freie Gewerbe
- Reglementierte Gewerbe
Additional topics connected with these categories include:
- proof of qualification (Befähigungsnachweis),
- establishing individual qualification (Feststellung individuelle Befähigung),
- appointing a trade-law managing director (Bestellung gewerberechtlicher Geschäftsführer).
The applicable category and the required proof depend on the specific activity. The relevant detailed description explains which rules apply.
Who can register a Gewerbe? The age requirement
If a young person wants to carry out an independent, profit-making activity that requires a Gewerbeberechtigung in Austria, they must be an adult: 18 years old.
Nachsicht vom Gewerbeausschluss is a separate topic. In certain cases, a person may be excluded from carrying out a Gewerbe and may apply for an exemption from that exclusion.
Qualifications from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Special rules apply to professional qualifications obtained in another EU/EEA country or in Switzerland. The relevant topics include:
- professional qualifications (Berufsqualifikationen),
- the recognition procedure (Anerkennungsverfahren),
- the equivalence procedure (Gleichhaltungsverfahren),
- notification of the provision of services (Dienstleistungsanzeige),
- EEA certificates (EWR-Bescheinigungen).
Several procedures may therefore be available, depending on your qualification and situation. The detailed descriptions explain which procedure applies.
Other topics connected with Gewerbe activities
Beyond Gewerbeanmeldung, you may also need to consider:
- exceptions to protective regulations (Ausnahmen von Schutzbestimmungen),
- identification documents for certain professions (Ausweise für bestimmte Berufe),
- business names and terms and conditions (Geschäftsbezeichnung und Geschäftsbedingungen).
The topic also includes online guides and calculators (Online-Ratgeber und -Rechner).
Where to find the official information
The topics above are available on the Austrian government information website oesterreich.gv.at, under the Selbstständigkeit section. The information pages are marked USP.
- Gewerbe in Österreich — last updated: 2026. január 8.
- Gewerbe im EU/EWR-Raum — last updated: 2026. január 15.
- Ipari tevékenység fiataloknak — last updated: 2025. augusztus 19.
The next related topic is forming a company (Gründung einer Gesellschaft).
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to register a Gewerbe in Austria?
You must be an adult, meaning 18 years old, to carry out an independent, profit-making activity that requires a Gewerbeberechtigung.
What is the difference between a Freie Gewerbe and a Reglementierte Gewerbe?
They are the two main Gewerbe categories. For Reglementierte Gewerbe, separate information is available about proof of qualification (Befähigungsnachweis). The exact rules are set out in the description for the relevant activity.
Are qualifications from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland accepted in Austria?
Specific procedures apply to qualifications obtained in EU/EEA countries and Switzerland, including recognition and equivalence procedures. The detailed official descriptions explain which procedure applies to your situation.
Where can I read more?
Visit oesterreich.gv.at and look for the topics Gewerbe in Österreich and Gewerbe im EU/EWR-Raum.
Practical steps
- Describe the exact activity you want to carry out independently and for profit.
- Check whether it requires a Gewerbeberechtigung and whether it is a Freie Gewerbe or a Reglementierte Gewerbe.
- Check whether you need a Befähigungsnachweis, Feststellung individuelle Befähigung or another qualification procedure.
- If your qualification was obtained in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, review the Anerkennungsverfahren, Gleichhaltungsverfahren, Dienstleistungsanzeige and EWR-Bescheinigungen information.
- Review the relevant information under Selbstständigkeit on oesterreich.gv.at before submitting a Gewerbeanmeldung.
Source: oesterreich.gv.at
This article is based on information available online and is not legal, tax or other professional advice. If you need advice for your specific situation, consult an appropriate qualified professional.