Austria remains an attractive business location for international corporate headquarters – both for well-known companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Henkel, Takeda and the BMW Group, as well as for young and emerging global companies. The country maintains its position as a business interface and ideal starting point for subsidiaries in Eastern and Western Europe, the USA and Asia.
A total of 412 international companies have currently set up their regional or departmental headquarters in Austria. This was the result of a recent study carried out as part of the research project “Headquarters in Austria” under the direction of the Institute for International Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Compared to the previous year, the number of headquarters has increased by almost 6%. Almost half of the international headquarters are located in the capital Vienna. A large number of these headquarters, namely 133, have a German parent company. Austria is also considered an ideal business location by countries outside the EU. The USA is in second place behind Germany with 41 headquarters, followed by Switzerland (40) and Luxembourg (24). France (16) and Japan (14) are also strongly represented.
Austria is a top choice for international headquarters. Companies often take advantage of the country’s perfect strategic location in Europe to advance their business activities in Central and Eastern Europe or to develop their operations in Western European markets. However, it is not just the location in the heart of Europe that makes Austria so popular. The growing economy, stable conditions, business-friendly laws, solid infrastructure and the highest quality of life make Austria a first-class business location.
The majority of international headquarters in Austria operate in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors. In addition, a significant number of international headquarters, particularly those in Vienna, operate in the financial and service sectors. Numerous international corporate headquarters also carry out research and development activities in Austria.
Headquarters are of great importance for the Austrian economy and the Austrian business location. They generate high added value and follow-up investments, strengthen research and development and are important employers.
