Austria intends to broaden the acceptance of English-language documents in business-related administrative procedures.
The reform, unanimously approved by Parliament’s Economic Committee last week, allows the committee to accept specific supplementary documents in English, without requiring translation into German in most cases.
The change is part of a wider reform of the Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung) that seeks to reduce red tape for businesses in Austria.
Which documents may be submitted in English?
According to the draft bill, businesses may submit supporting documents in English for certain business-related administrative procedures.
As a general rule, authorities must assess these documents without requiring a German translation. Examples include education and training certificates, employment references, descriptions of business activities, and declarations of conformity for machinery and equipment.
The government argues that requiring German translations is no longer appropriate, given the widespread use of English and the availability of translation tools.
The Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism said that the change would save businesses time and translation costs.
Authorities can still request a translation if they doubt the submitted document.
One detail of the proposal also stands out: authorities must interpret the documents according to the issuer's English variant. If this cannot be identified, British English will be used as the reference.
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Does this mean I can set up a business in English in Austria?
Not necessarily.
The new rule affects only supporting documents submitted in some business-related administrative procedures. So it won't affect the need for German in administrative procedures and official forms.
The proposal also doesn't apply to other procedures, such as residence permit applications or tax matters, which are governed by their own legislation.
Our guide to registering as self-employed in Austria explains which activities require business registration and which don't.
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When will the new rules take effect?
The proposal has progressed through Parliament but isn't yet in force.
After receiving unanimous support from the Economic Affairs Committee, the bill is scheduled to be voted on in the National Council, the lower house of the Austrian Parliament, on October 14th.
The full reform also aims to simplify approval requirements for commercial premises, make it easier to install solar panels and electric-vehicle charging points, and reduce paperwork when businesses change hands.
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), which represents the country’s business interests, welcomed the proposals but called for additional measures to speed up administrative processes.
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Glossary
Gewerbeordnung (GewO): Austria’s Trade Regulation Act, which sets out rules for various economic activities and business procedures.
Beilagen: Supplementary documents or annexes submitted as part of an administrative procedure.
Gewerbeanmeldung: Official registration of a commercial or business activity.
Gewerbebehörde: Administrative authority responsible for enforcing the regulations governing commercial activities.
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