Corporate & Business Law · European Union
Open a Branch Office in Europe the Compliant Way
A branch lets your parent company trade locally without a separate entity — but it still has to be registered, taxed and represented correctly. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who registers foreign branch offices in your target country every day.
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Who this is for
A branch is not a new company — but it is far from invisible to local law
A branch office is a local presence of an existing foreign company, established to trade, deliver services or manage local operations in a European country. Unlike a subsidiary, a branch is not a separate legal entity: it remains part of the parent company, which stays fully liable for the branch’s obligations. That simplicity is the appeal — no new share capital, no separate board — but it does not mean a branch can simply open its doors. Branches must be registered with the local trade or companies register, appoint a local representative, keep branch-level accounting records and file financial and tax information locally in most countries. Because the parent remains directly exposed, the way the branch is registered, represented and taxed matters. A branch-office lawyer handles the registration, representation and ongoing local compliance so the parent can operate in the market without assuming unintended risk.
Why branches cause trouble
A branch looks simpler than a subsidiary,
but the parent stays fully on the hook.
Registration, local representation, branch accounting and tax filings all still apply — and the parent bears the liability.
Registration not completed
Most countries require a branch to be registered with the companies or trade register before it can trade. Operating unregistered can trigger fines and expose the parent and its representatives.
No proper local representative
A branch typically needs a local representative with authority to act for the parent. Getting this appointment and its powers wrong can invalidate contracts and decisions made locally.
Branch accounting & tax filings
Branches must keep local accounting records and file financial and tax information in most countries. Neglecting these exposes the parent to penalties and reputational damage.
What you get
A lawyer who registers and supports branch offices
We only match you with lawyers who register and manage foreign branch offices in your target country, so the parent stays compliant and protected.
Branch registration
Your lawyer prepares and files the branch registration, including the parent’s documents, the local representative’s appointment and any required translations, so the branch can trade lawfully.
Local representation
The representative’s authority and duties are set up correctly and documented with the register, ensuring the parent’s decisions and contracts are valid in the local jurisdiction.
Accounting & filings
Branch-level accounting records and the required financial and tax filings are handled, keeping the branch and its parent fully compliant with all local reporting obligations.
Liability awareness
Your lawyer explains where the parent remains exposed and structures the branch’s activity so the parent understands and manages its risks rather than discovering them later.
Coverage
Branch office lawyers across Europe
Branch registration and reporting rules are set nationally, so the right lawyer is one who practises in the country where the branch will operate. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Branch offices — common questions
What is a branch office?
A branch office is a local establishment of an existing foreign company, set up to carry out business in a country where the parent is not incorporated. It is not a separate legal entity — it remains part of the parent company, which is directly liable for the branch’s activities and obligations.
How is a branch different from a subsidiary?
A subsidiary is a separate legal entity with its own capital, directors and tax residence, owned by the parent. A branch has no separate legal personality and is simply an extension of the parent, which remains fully liable. Branches are often simpler to set up but do not limit the parent’s exposure.
Does a branch need to be registered?
Yes, in most European countries a branch must be registered with the local companies or trade register, typically by filing details of the parent company, the branch’s activities and a local representative. Trading without registration can result in penalties.
Does a branch need a local representative?
In most countries, yes — a branch generally requires a local representative authorised to act for the parent company in that jurisdiction. The appointment and its scope must be recorded correctly with the register for the branch’s acts to be valid.
Is the parent company liable for the branch’s debts?
Yes. Because a branch is not a separate legal entity, the parent company remains fully liable for the branch’s obligations and liabilities. This is a key reason to consider a subsidiary if limiting liability is important to you.
What accounting and tax obligations does a branch have?
A branch typically must keep local accounting records, file financial information with the register where required, and submit local tax filings for the income attributable to the branch. The exact duties vary by country — a lawyer will map them for your situation.
Free case review
Open your European branch with the paperwork done right
Tell us where you want to establish your branch and we’ll connect you with a lawyer who registers branch offices there daily — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.