Firmenbuchgesetz

The Firmenbuchgesetz, often abbreviated as FBG, is a foundational piece of Austrian legislation governing the commercial register, known as the Firmenbuch. This law outlines the purpose, organization, and procedures related to the registration of businesses operating in Austria. Its primary objective is to ensure transparency and legal certainty in commercial transactions by providing a public record of key information about companies and other legal entities.

The Firmenbuchgesetz details which entities are required to be registered, including stock corporations (Aktiengesellschaften), limited liability companies (Gesellschaften mit beschränkter Haftung), and partnerships with unlimited liability where at least one partner is a legal person. It also covers sole proprietorships under certain conditions, as well as branches of foreign companies. The law specifies the mandatory content of registration entries, such as the company name, legal form, registered office, business purpose, share capital, and details of managing directors or partners.

Furthermore, the FBG regulates the process of application for registration, including the required documents and the role of notaries and courts in verifying information. It also establishes rules for amendments, deletions, and the publication of registered data. The law emphasizes the principle of public trust, meaning that information entered into the Firmenbuch is presumed to be accurate and can be relied upon by third parties. This legal framework is crucial for the functioning of the Austrian economy, facilitating trade and investment by providing a reliable source of information for business partners, creditors, and the public.