Headquarters in Switzerland
CHF 490
What’s included
- Personal legal advice
- Document preparation
- Business name check
- VAT consultation
- Commercial register filing
Establish your branch office in Switzerland with Nexova
- Free initial consultation
- Fully digital service
- Attractive prices
Prices for establishing a branch office
Our all-inclusive launch packages
Additional costs (excluded)
| Signature certification (per signature) | CHF 20 |
|---|---|
| Commercial register fee | CHF 200 to 500 |
What is a branch office?
Expand your existing business activities to Switzerland
A branch office is an extension of a parent company that allows you to expand your business in Switzerland without creating a separate legal entity. It operates under the same legal identity as the parent company but has a certain degree of operational and business independence.
A branch office carries out similar activities to the parent company and represents its interests in the foreign market where it is located. In Switzerland, a branch office must be registered with the commercial register, but its duties and activities are tied to the parent company.
Is a branch office the right choice for you?
A simple solution for international expansion
A branch office is an excellent choice for companies that want to have a presence in Switzerland while keeping administrative requirements low. It allows companies to access the Swiss market, establish a physical presence, and conduct business locally without the need for a full incorporation.
A branch office is ideal when:
You want to expand your existing business to Switzerland.
You prefer a cost-effective and flexible structure compared to setting up a separate company.
You want to maintain your operational independence while staying connected with your parent company.
Your business model requires a local Swiss branch to serve regional operations or customers.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callWhy establish a branch office in Switzerland?
Setting up a branch office has many advantages.
Cost-effective expansion
Setting up is faster and more affordable than establishing a company, as no minimum share capital is required.
Operational flexibility
Adapt branch activities to the Swiss market while maintaining integration with the parent company.
Direct control
The parent company retains ultimate control over the branch's operations, ensuring alignment with its overall strategy.
Market entry
Test the Swiss market without the complexity of establishing a new legal entity.
Tax efficiency
Benefit from Swiss corporate tax rates and avoid the need for separate legal reporting.
Established brand recognition
Leverage the existing reputation and brand value of the parent company to build trust locally.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callBranch office or subsidiary: Which is better for you?
Choosing the right path for your Swiss expansion
As an existing international company, there are two main paths to expand your operations into Switzerland: opening a branch office or establishing a subsidiary.
A branch office is simply a functional extension of the parent company, operating under the same legal identity. This means the parent company holds full responsibility for the branch's operations, debts, and obligations. This structure is ideal for companies that want to establish a local presence in Switzerland with full control and minimal administrative complexity.
A subsidiary, on the other hand, is an independent legal entity registered in Switzerland, providing the parent company with limited liability and operational independence. The parent company typically holds a majority stake (more than 50%) in the subsidiary, allowing it to maintain significant influence over the subsidiary’s business activities and management. This structure is best suited for companies planning substantial local operations or seeking greater autonomy in the Swiss market.
Still unsure which structure suits your business needs? Nexova's experts can provide personalized advice and help you make the right choice for your Swiss expansion. If you're specifically interested in establishing a subsidiary in Switzerland, take a look at our GmbH and AG formation services.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callRequired documents for setting up a branch office of a foreign company
Now, let's get into the details
For setting up a branch office in Switzerland, specific documents are required that differ from those needed for establishing a separate legal entity. The registration process heavily depends on the documentation of the parent company.
Nexova can assist you in compiling and submitting all the necessary documents to efficiently meet legal requirements in Switzerland.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Proof of registration of the parent company: A notarized copy of the parent company’s articles of incorporation and an excerpt from the commercial register in the home country.
- Resolution to establish the branch office: Minutes of the board meeting or equivalent documents confirming the decision to open a Swiss branch office.
- Documents regarding the activities: Documents showing that the branch office will carry out the same or similar activities as the parent company.
- Appointment of a local representative: Details of the natural or legal person in Switzerland responsible for the branch office’s operations.
- Business name details: The name of the branch must match the parent company’s name and must include both the parent company’s main location and the Swiss location of the branch.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callEstablishing a branch office for a domestic company
Without much bureaucracy
If the parent company is already registered in Switzerland, setting up a branch office at another location is relatively simple. The company only needs to inform the Swiss commercial register about the establishment of the branch office and submit the required documents.
Road to starting a branch office
With Nexova AG, opening a branch office is hassle-free
Initial consultation
Discuss your goals with our experts to ensure that a branch office is the right structure for your expansion.
Parent company authorization
Submit the minutes of the board meeting confirming the decision to establish a branch office in Switzerland.
Document preparation
The company applies to the local commercial register for the notarized articles of incorporation and the commercial register extract with an
Appointment of a local representative
At least one representative of the branch must be based in Switzerland. Nexova can ensure that this requirement is met with our Nominee Director Service.
Commercial register filing
We file the branch office application with the Swiss commercial register, formalizing its presence in the country.
Post-registration support
We provide comprehensive support for VAT registration, social security contributions, and other legal and accounting requirements.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callHow can Nexova help you establish your branch office?
Nexova ensures a smooth and legally compliant setup
Strategy
Nexova provides personalized advice on structuring your branch office to align with Swiss legal requirements and optimize costs.
Execution
We manage all the paperwork, freeing you from bureaucratic burdens. From preparing the necessary authorizations to filing with the AHV compensation fund and commercial register, we'll have your branch office up and running in no time.
Ongoing support
Nexova is there for you even after registration. We assist with VAT registration, social security contributions, and all other ongoing administrative requirements, ensuring that your branch office remains compliant with the law and well-organized.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callWhat makes Nexova stand out?
Choosing the right partner for your business formation is key to success.
Broad experience
Nexova’s deep knowledge of Swiss regulations minimizes risk and maximizes efficiency for new businesses.
Personalized advice
We prioritize your goals, tailoring guidance to fit your unique business needs.
Flexibility
Our services adapt to your budget and schedule – perfect for freelancers, SMEs, and global businesses alike.
Fully digital
Nexova’s digital process lets you manage everything remotely, no office visits or paperwork needed.
Highly efficient
We ensure a fast, smooth process, helping you start your business without delay.
Complete trust
Nexova values long-term relationships, providing confidential, transparent, and integrity-driven service.
Book a free initial consultation with our experts.
Book a callDiscover our expert articles
Up-to-date knowledge for your business
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Most Swiss AGs and GmbHs are legally required to have their annual financial statements audited. For the vast majority of SMEs, this entails a limited audit; a streamlined review that's less intensive and less expensive than a full ordinary audit. Yet audit costs remain one of the most common questions business owners ask when planning their annual compliance budget. This article covers what a limited audit costs in Switzerland, the key factors that drive pricing, how limited and ordinary audits differ, and practical steps you can take to keep your audit costs manageable.
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Jan LichtenbergCEO, InSphero AGAs an internationally active biotechnology company that stands for innovation and the highest quality, we work exclusively with partners who meet our high standards. Nexova consistently impresses us with exceptional service quality, robust processes, and an impressive pace. The professional, solution-oriented, and efficient collaboration allows us to fully focus on our core business. Additionally, we would like to highlight the remarkable cost savings of 35% compared to in-house accounting. We particularly appreciate how Nexova quickly understands, develops, and promptly implements complex requirements – both within Switzerland and at our international subsidiaries. We can wholeheartedly recommend the Nexova team.
Pascal Willoughby-PetitCEO, TheLearning LAB GmbHNexova AG offers highly professional accounting services that have significantly enhanced our financial management at Learning Lab. Their team is precise and reactive, always delivering accurate and timely reports while promptly addressing our queries. With Nexova AG’s support, we manage our clients’ accounts and finances more efficiently. We highly recommend Nexova AG for their exceptional accounting services.
Marco BurgerCEO, Le Café Bar GmbHFor us as a new catering company, it is essential that our trustee understands our specific needs and responds flexibly to our requirements. In Nexova AG, we have found the ideal partner who supports us competently in all fiduciary matters and actively promotes our growth.
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Florian JauchCo-Founder, Arvy AGArvy AG has found an exceptional partner in Nexova AG. Their very high level of expertise in FINMA-regulated industries ensures that our financial transactions are in safe and competent hands. What sets Nexova apart is their flat-rate pricing structure, which has helped us greatly with budgeting and financial planning. As a company committed to long-term success and integrity in investments, we are very satisfied with the services provided by Nexova AG.
Patrick RissiCo-Founder, Brainiegroup GmbHFor us as an EdTech startup, it is very important that our trustee is as digital and agile as we are. With Nexova AG, we have found the perfect partner who can actively support us in our growth.
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Mr. Merz has a very broad knowledge and was able to help me with all my questions. The conversation was very pleasant and very informative for me. Thank you for your support.
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Uncomplicated or serious? Both here. A young, smart team is at work here, offering excellent services, highly uncomplicated and competent. Instead of a prestigious reception area, expensive offices and a few small gifts, you offer fast and competent services. For me as a one-man company, this is exactly what I need.
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I have been a Nexova customer for some time now and so far I am very satisfied! Thanks to the digital working methods and high responsiveness of the client managers, little time is lost in the daily process in particular. The prices are also very fair. Nexova handles the annual financial statements for me, including the tax balance sheet. The processes are standardized, which is a great advantage for audits (AHV and taxes). The two founders are two young, innovative guys and very serious.
- Florian Kreidler
The friendly and competent Nexova employee was able to answer my questions about company car taxation quickly and specifically. Thank you very much for this!
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When I founded my company a year ago, I needed a reliable fiduciary partner. In addition to pure accounting, Nexova also offers me very good advice on all aspects of labor law. Thanks to the E-Post solution, I no longer even have to worry about my company mail and can focus purely on my service activities. My contacts at Nexova are always very friendly and pleasant to deal with. The complete package is simply TOP and I can only recommend Nexova!
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Professionally at a very high level. They are very good with Excel and could also support us with automation of processes.
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I had a few questions about remote work and was advised super and free of charge. Thank you very much!
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Very good service. Good and competent advice with friendly staff. I can definitely recommend
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The Nexova team is very professional and I felt they always had my best interests at heart. I highly recommend Nexova and will continue to refer my clients to them and trust them with my business.
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I am impressed with their outstanding service, especially in the field of accounting services, they demonstrate a professional approach and exceptional attention. As a lawyer, I have found Nexova to be a valuable partner in the financial world.
- Marie Ospina
I had an excellent consultation with Nexova AG regarding withholding tax. Their expertise is remarkably extensive and their guidance was invaluable, I highly recommend their services. A first class experience.
- Alan SchuetzFebruary 8, 2023
The Nexova Team is an important partner to our startup, enabling us to pass all of our accounting, tax and payroll duties. We specially value their expertise with Startups and flexibility, which allows us to plan and manage our financials effectively and to focus on the bottom line of our operations.
- Raphael H.April 7, 2023
We are very satisfied with Nexova as our trustee. Thanks to the Teams group chat, I can always count on very fast response times (of a few minutes). The Teams Chat group is great. With our old trustee, we had to write mails and always had to wait a long time for an answer and on top of that we were charged for every little question. Fortunately, this is not the case with Nexova.
- Philip ReckFebruary 25, 2023
Nexova solved my problem with a non-paying tenant quickly and efficiently. I was simply overwhelmed with the situation and glad for the competent legal advice. Nexova handled everything from the reminder with threat of termination, to representation in court, to the police eviction quickly, efficiently and also inexpensively. Many thanks for the valuable help.
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FAQ
Answers at a click
Yes, foreign companies can establish a branch office in Switzerland, but the branch is subject to Swiss law in all external legal relationships it enters. The internal relationship between the branch office and its parent company, however, remains governed by the parent company's home country law.
Although a branch office is not an independent legal entity, it must be registered in the Swiss commercial register. This requires appointing an authorized representative residing in Switzerland. Additional steps may include obtaining specific business licenses and proving the financial stability of the parent company. Nexova can assist you in meeting these requirements to ensure a smooth establishment process.
A branch office functions as an extension of the parent company and shares its legal identity. In contrast, a subsidiary is an independent legal entity established in Switzerland, offering limited liability and greater independence.
Yes, if the branch office employs staff or pays wages, it must register with the AHV (social security) office. Additionally, registration in the commercial register is mandatory.
No, a branch office is not an independent legal entity and is not legally required to maintain separate accounting records in Switzerland. The parent company, even if based abroad, is responsible for bookkeeping. However, in practice, branch offices often maintain their own balance sheets and income statements to improve financial oversight and fulfill Swiss tax reporting obligations.
A branch office is considered a permanent establishment and is subject to limited tax liability. It pays Swiss corporate tax on profits generated in Switzerland. Depending on its business activities, it may also be subject to VAT obligations. Foreign branch offices may benefit from certain tax incentives and double taxation treaties. The tax burden compared to a subsidiary depends on factors such as location and business structure. Nexova can help you efficiently manage your tax obligations.
Independence Statement: Nexova AG is an independent private fiduciary firm. We are not a government agency or authority, and we are not affiliated with any government department or official register. All official acts, registrations, and approvals are carried out solely by the competent Swiss authorities and notaries.
Read our full Independence Statement