Key facts
- Regulator: FMA (Finanzmarktaufsicht)
- Retail leverage: up to 1:30 on major FX pairs
- Tax: generally 27.5% on capital income, including derivatives
Regulation
The Austrian Financial Market Authority supervises investment firms. Austrian residents can use FMA-authorised brokers or EEA brokers passported into Austria. The FMA publishes investor warnings about unauthorised providers.
Retail protections
- ESMA leverage limits and 50% margin close-out
- Negative balance protection
- No bonuses
Tax
Gains from derivatives such as CFDs are generally taxed at the special rate of 27.5%. Austrian banks and some "tax-simple" brokers withhold the tax automatically; with most foreign brokers you declare gains in your annual return. Losses can generally be offset against certain other capital income in the same year.
Choosing a broker
- Consider a broker that offers Austrian tax reporting to simplify returns.
- Verify the EU entity and its passporting.
- Prefer a euro account.
Forex brokers to compare in Austria
Pepperstone (EU entities supervised by CySEC and BaFin) and IG (IG Europe GmbH, BaFin) serve clients in many EEA countries. Check that each broker accepts residents of Austria before applying, and see our European broker rankings.
| Broker | EU entity | Retail loss rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pepperstone | CySEC / BaFin | 72.9% |
| IG | IG Europe GmbH (BaFin) | 74% |
Frequently asked questions
Is forex trading legal in Austria?
Yes, with brokers authorised by the FMA or passported from another EEA country.
What tax applies to CFD gains in Austria?
Generally the special 27.5% rate on capital income (KESt), including derivatives.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Most retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Tax information is general and may change. Consult an Austrian tax adviser (Steuerberater).