Introduction to setting up a Swiss branch
Establishing a branch in Switzerland is a popular choice for foreign investors, with the Swiss government encouraging foreign investment through various financial incentives. In addition, the country’s economy is stable and the tax rates are comparatively low.
What are the formalities regarding a Swiss branch?
- A certified copy of the parent company’s Articles of Association
- A certified extract of the parent company’s entry in the Commercial Register (if applicable) or a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
- A certified copy of the parent company’s Certificate of Incumbency
- A certified document evidencing the paid up share capital of the parent company (unless apparent from any of the documents above)
- A certified document evidencing the members of the Board of Directors (including first name, surname, nationality and place of residence) and the official auditors of the parent company (unless apparent from the certified extract of the Commercial Register)
- Public registration of the parent company’s shareholders – listed with first name, surname, nationality and place of residence
- The original signed minutes from a meeting of the parent company’s Board of Directors at which it was decided (i) that a branch would be set up, (ii) under what name the branch would operate, (iii) which persons would be authorized to represent the branch (including first name, surname, citizenship and place of residence) and their signatory rights (single or joint signature); (iv) full or c/o address of the branch domicile and (vi) purpose of the branch.
- Appointment of managing director(s) – at least one must be a Swiss domicile and hold either a Swiss or EU passport
- A certified signature specimen of any signatory of the branch
These requirements are needed to register the branch with the Swiss Commercial Register.
All required documentation must be notarised, apostilled and translated into the official language of the canton. Many Commercial Registers accept English translations, although this is dependent on experience.
What are the accounting requirements for a Swiss branch?
- The branch company must register with the Federal Tax Administration for VAT registration and taxation purposes
- Audited VAT returns must be submitted quarterly and tax returns annually
Further information on accountancy and tax rates in Switzerland can be found by visiting our partners Accountancy in Europe.
What office facilities are available when registering a branch?
The following types of office are available in Switzerland:
- Virtual offices provide off-site communication such as telephone, fax, and mail forwarding facilities, while maintaining the business professionalism of a physical office
- Serviced offices are physical offices fully fitted with business services and ready for immediate occupation by the branch
For a quote regarding your office rental, please contact us.
Branch formation packages
We provide a unique one stop solution for all European formation requirements. Our branch formation package includes services such as obtaining office facilities and registering for VAT, and we ensure that the branch formation process is efficiently managed from start to finish
Establishing multiple branches can further extend the advantages of registering a branch, i.e. client security and increased exposure. Using our experience and expertise on the requirements of European formation we can guide you through setting up multiple branches, holding your hand every step of the way.
For further information please send an enquiry or contact us using the form below.