Branch office
Register a Swiss branch of a foreign company
A branch lets a foreign company operate in Switzerland under its own legal entity, with a registered Swiss address and representative. We prepare the documents and the register filing, from CHF 990 on request.
Branch or subsidiary?
A branch is not a separate company: the foreign parent is liable for its obligations, and its register entry relies on documents of the parent (certified and usually apostilled register extract, articles, resolution to open the branch). It needs a person resident in Switzerland authorised to represent it.
A subsidiary (a Swiss GmbH or AG) is a separate legal entity with its own capital and limited liability. Many groups prefer it for contracts, banking and tax clarity. You can form one or buy a ready-made one and be operational faster.
Frequently asked questions
Which documents does the parent company need?
Typically a recent certified register extract (with apostille if foreign), its articles and the resolution to open the branch, plus identification of the branch representatives.
What does it cost?
From CHF 990, quoted after reviewing the parent's documents, plus official fees at cost.
Reply within 2 business hours
Tell us what you need
A specialist replies within 2 business hours (Mon–Fri) with matching companies or a written all-in quote.
contact@swissshelf.ch
Geneva · Switzerland