Open a Branch Office in Switzerland

Expand your business presence in Italy by establishing a branch office. We handle all legal formalities, registration, and compliance to ensure a smooth and successful market entry.

Open a Branch Office in Switzerland

Expand your business presence in Italy by establishing a branch office. We handle all legal formalities, registration, and compliance to ensure a smooth and successful market entry.

Expand into Switzerland

Opening a branch office in Switzerland appeals to foreign investors due to government incentives, a stable economy, and low tax rates. Available office types include: Virtual offices, which provide off-site communication like telephone, fax, and mail forwarding, while retaining the professionalism of a physical office. Serviced offices are fully equipped spaces ready for immediate use. Establishing multiple branches can enhance client security and exposure. Leveraging our experience with European regulations, we guide you through setting up multiple branches, supporting you at every step.

Switzerland Branch Registration Requirements

Open a branch now?

1

A certified copy of the parent company’s Articles of Association

3

A certified copy of the parent company’s Certificate of Incumbency

5

A certified document evidencing the Board of Directors (first name, surname, nationality, and residence) and the official auditors of the parent company, (unless apparent from the certified extract of the Commercial Register)

7

The signed minutes from a meeting of the parent company’s Board of Directors decided: (i) to set up a branch, (ii) its operating name, (iii) authorized representatives (including name, citizenship, residence) and their signatory rights (single or joint); (iv) address of the branch, and (v) its purpose.

9

A certified signature specimen of any signatory of the branch

11

Audited VAT returns must be submitted quarterly and tax returns annually

13

Serviced offices are physical offices fully fitted with business services and ready for immediate occupation by the branch.

2

A certified extract of the parent company’s entry in the Commercial Register or a certified copy of its Certificate of Incorporation.

4

An accredited document evidencing the paid-up share capital of the parent company (unless apparent from any of the documents above)

6

Public registration of the parent company’s shareholders – listed with first name, surname, nationality and place of residence

8

Appointment of managing director(s) – at least one must be a Swiss domicile and hold either a Swiss or EU passport

10

The branch company must register with the Federal Tax Administration for VAT registration and taxation purposes

12

Virtual offices offer off-site communication like telephone, fax, and mail forwarding, while preserving the professionalism of a physical office.

Switzerland Branch Registration Requirements

Open a branch now?

1

A certified copy of the parent company’s Articles of Association

2

A certified extract of the parent company’s entry in the Commercial Register or a certified copy of its Certificate of Incorporation.

3

A certified copy of the parent company’s Certificate of Incumbency

4

An accredited document evidencing the paid-up share capital of the parent company (unless apparent from any of the documents above)

5

6

Public registration of the parent company’s shareholders – listed with first name, surname, nationality and place of residence

7

8

Appointment of managing director(s) – at least one must be a Swiss domicile and hold either a Swiss or EU passport

9

A certified signature specimen of any signatory of the branch

10

The branch company must register with the Federal Tax Administration for VAT registration and taxation purposes

11

Audited VAT returns must be submitted quarterly and tax returns annually

12

Virtual offices offer off-site communication like telephone, fax, and mail forwarding, while preserving the professionalism of a physical office.

13

Serviced offices are physical offices fully fitted with business services and ready for immediate occupation by the branch.

360 degree support for your incorporation requirements

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Choose a country to start your business

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Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Lithuania

Latvia

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Ukraine

Choose a country to start your business

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Cyprus

View all Countries

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Lithuania

Latvia

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Portugal

Poland

Romania

Sweden

Spain

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Ukraine

FAQs

Can a foreign company open a branch office in Switzerland?

Yes. Switzerland welcomes foreign investment and allows international companies to establish branch offices under Swiss commercial law. A branch must be registered with the Swiss Commercial Register and comply with local legal and tax requirements.

Do I need a Swiss national to represent the branch?

At least one managing director or authorised signatory must be domiciled in Switzerland and hold a Swiss or EU passport.

Is a physical office required in Switzerland?

Yes. A registered office address is mandatory. You may choose between a virtual office (communication services) or a fully serviced office ready for immediate use.

Is audited accounting required?

Yes. The Swiss branch must submit audited financial statements, particularly if it exceeds thresholds defined by Swiss law.

Can you assist with bank account setup and office space?

Typically, the process takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly the necessary documents are submitted and notarised.

FAQs

Can a foreign company open a branch office in Switzerland?

What documents are required to open a branch in Switzerland?

You will need:

Certified copy of the parent company’s Articles of Association
Certified extract or Certificate of Incorporation
Certificate of Incumbency
Evidence of share capital
List of directors and shareholders
Board resolution authorising the Swiss branch
Appointment of a branch representative
Signature specimen for branch signatories

Do I need a Swiss national to represent the branch?

At least one managing director or authorised signatory must be domiciled in Switzerland and hold a Swiss or EU passport.

Is a physical office required in Switzerland?

Yes. A registered office address is mandatory. You may choose between a virtual office (communication services) or a fully serviced office ready for immediate use.

What are the VAT and tax filing obligations for a Swiss branch?

Swiss branches must:

Register for VAT with the Federal Tax Administration
Submit audited VAT returns quarterly
File corporate tax returns annually

Is audited accounting required?

Yes. The Swiss branch must submit audited financial statements, particularly if it exceeds thresholds defined by Swiss law.

Can you assist with bank account setup and office space?

Typically, the process takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly the necessary documents are submitted and notarised.

Are there language requirements for documents?

Yes. All documents must be officially translated into one of the official Swiss languages (usually German or French), and notarised where applicable.

Why should I choose Switzerland for my European branch?

Switzerland offers a stable economic environment, low tax rates, and strategic access to European and international markets. It’s especially suitable for finance, tech, pharma, and international trade sectors.

Ready to Expand?

We provide a one-stop solution for European formation needs, including office facilities and VAT registration for efficient management.

Open a Branch Office in Switzerland