Legal Terms Explained in Plain English

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Öffentlicher Notar (Austrian Notary)

Austrian Notare (civil-law notaries) are appointed public officeholders governed by the Notariatsordnung (NO). Mandatory for: company formations and capital changes (GmbH, AG — GmbHG § 4); real estate transfers in certain circumstances; marriage contracts (Ehepakte — ABGB § 1249); wills (Testamente). Notarial fees: set by the Notariatstarifgesetz based on transaction value (Bemessungsgrundlage). For a GmbH formation: approximately EUR 300–600. For a real estate akt (deed of purchase): EUR 400–1,500 depending on value. The Österreichische Notariatskammer (ÖNK) regulates the profession.

Arbeiterkammer (AK)

The Arbeiterkammer (AK) is a statutory body representing all employees and workers in Austria (approximately 3.8 million members in 2025). Membership is automatic and mandatory for all employees; monthly contribution: approximately 0.5% of gross salary, collected by employers. The AK provides free legal advice (Rechtsberatung) on employment, tenancy, consumer, and social insurance matters. AK legal representation: free for members in Arbeits- und Sozialgerichte (ASG) proceedings. Key AK publications: the annual Arbeiterkammer Steuerberechnungsprogramm (free online income tax calculator).

Verwaltungsgericht (Administrative Court)

Since the Verwaltungsgerichtsbarkeits-Novelle 2012 (in force January 2014), Austria replaced its former administrative review system with administrative courts at Landes and federal level. The Verwaltungsgerichte (9 Landesverwaltungsgerichte + Bundesverwaltungsgericht + Bundesfinanzgericht) hear first-instance administrative appeals. Further appeals on law go to the Verwaltungsgerichtshof (VwGH) and Verfassungsgerichtshof (VfGH). Immigration decisions (IND Bescheide) are appealed to the Bundesverwaltungsgericht; fiscal decisions to the Bundesfinanzgericht.

ÖNORM (Austrian Standards)

Austrian Standards Institute (Austrian Standards International, ASI) publishes ÖNORM standards — technical and quality specifications relevant to construction, IT, and manufacturing. Key ÖNORMs in legal practice: ÖNORM B 2110 (general conditions for construction contracts, AGB Bau — governs rights and obligations in Werkverträge for construction); ÖNORM A 2050 (procurement). ÖNORM B 2110 is widely incorporated by reference in Austrian construction contracts and defines defect warranty (Gewährleistung), acceptance (Übernahme), and dispute escalation procedures. Austrian courts regularly apply ÖNORM B 2110 interpretation in Werkvertrag disputes.

Firmenbuch (Commercial Register)

The Firmenbuch is Austria's central commercial register, maintained by Bezirksgerichte and accessible online at www.firmenbuch.at (fee per query). All commercial entities (GmbH, AG, KG, OG) must be registered. Registration is constitutive for GmbH and AG (GmbHG § 2; AktG § 40). Firmenbuchanmeldungen (registration applications) are filed by the notary or Rechtsanwalt electronically. Key data visible: company name, registered address, directors (Geschäftsführer/Vorstand), share capital, shareholders (for GmbH), Prokuristen (commercial authorised signatories), and filed financial statements (for companies above Schwellenwerte).

Verbraucherrecht (Consumer Law)

Austrian consumer protection is governed by the Konsumentenschutzgesetz (KSchG) 1979 (implementing EU consumer directives), the Fern- und Auswärtsgeschäfte-Gesetz (FAGG) for distance and off-premises contracts (14-day right of withdrawal, FAGG § 11), and the Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen (AGB) control regime (KSchG §§ 6–9). The Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde (BWB) enforces competition law; the Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI) brings class-type actions on behalf of consumers. Austrian courts have been activist in applying KSchG § 6 to strike down unfair standard contract terms.

Sozialversicherungsanstalt (SVS)

The Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Selbständigen (SVS) administers mandatory social insurance for the self-employed (Gewerbetreibende, Freie Berufe, Landwirte) under the GSVG (Gewerbliches Sozialversicherungsgesetz). Self-employed contribute approximately 26.8% of net income to SVS (health 7.65% + pension 18.5% + accident 0.85% + self-employed provision 1.53%). Minimum contribution base: EUR 6,825/quarter (2025 GSVG). New businesses benefit from a 3-year reduced contribution (Starthilfe). Contributions are deductible as Betriebsausgaben.