Austria
AI Agent Legal Status: partial · Autonomy: moderate
Legal Framework
Austria is subject to the EU AI Act and GDPR. The Austrian Data Protection Authority oversees AI-related data processing. Austria follows the EU-wide framework without significant national AI-specific additions.
Key Laws & Regulations
- ◆EU AI Act
- ◆GDPR (DSG implementation)
- ◆Austrian Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbHG)
Business Formation
GmbH is the standard entity with EUR 35,000 minimum share capital (EUR 10,000 privilege for the first 10 years). Formation requires notarization and commercial register entry.
Tax Implications
Corporate tax rate is 23% (reduced from 25% in recent reforms). Austria offers a research premium (Forschungsprämie) of 14% on qualifying R&D expenditure.
Opportunities
Research premium provides direct R&D funding support. DACH market access from a lower-cost base than Switzerland or Munich. Growing Vienna startup scene.
Highlights
Strong research infrastructure with universities and applied research institutions. Central European location with access to DACH (Germany-Austria-Switzerland) market.
Risks & Challenges
EU AI Act compliance required. Relatively high minimum capital for company formation. Smaller tech ecosystem compared to Germany.