Fast, efficient and cost-effective branch office and representative office registration services for businesses and individuals looking at setting up an office overseas without establishing a formal legal structure.
Branch or Representative Office Registration
An alternative to establishing a legal entity in a foreign country, offering cost-savings and easier compliance requirements for the business.
A branch office or representative office is not a legal entity in itself and any transactions or dealings undertaken by the branch office or representative office is undertaken on behalf of the foreign company.
In certain jurisdictions, including Australia, a business is required to register with the jurisdiction’s competent authority for a variety of reasons, such as:
- a business intending to carry on trading activities;
- a business intending to establish a branch or share transfer office;
- a business that has indirect taxation obligations, eg, VAT and/or sales taxes;
- a business that is required to contribute social security.
In some jurisdictions, tax rules may benefit a choice to register as a foreign business or foreign branch office or representative office, whilst remaining incorporated in the home country.
Whether a business is required to be registered will depend on the rules of the relevant jurisdiction and the activities of the business in that country. In most cases, registration is required and in many countries, a trading permit or license is also required before a foreign company may carry on business in the country.
At Inveiss, our branch office and representative office services business consultants, tax and legal advisors assist foreign businesses fulfill their business needs and requirements worldwide.
Requirement to Register as a Foreign Company
A business is required to register in certain jurisdictions for a variety of reasons, such as:
- a business intending to carry on trading activities
- a business intending to establish a branch or share transfer office
- a business that has indirect taxation obligations, eg, VAT and/or sales taxes
- a business that is required to contribute social security.
In some jurisdictions, tax rules may benefit a choice to register as a foreign business or foreign branch office, whilst remaining incorporated in the home country
List of Countries
Whether a business is required to be registered will depend on the rules of the relevant jurisdiction and the activities of the business in that country. In most cases, registration is required and in many countries, a trading permit or license is also required before a foreign company may carry on business in the country.
Other Requirements and Considerations
There are a few matters that you should consider before proceeding in a foreign country:
- Have you chosen the correct market entry mode? Have you considered risk mitigation issues? What is your exit strategy?
- We also emphasise that you should consider registering all intellectual property rights or assets owned by your business before engaging in trade in the foreign market.
- If you are planning an international business expansion or to engage in international trade, do you have a realistic budget to achieve your international business goals?
To obtain further information on international business development strategies, please view our business planning and business consulting services in our Inveiss Business website.
Ancillary Business & Corporate Services
We are able to offer other business and corporate services to you, including the following:
- Service office
- Business premises
- Company bank account (in local or foreign currency)
- Accounting and book-keeping
- Secretarial and administration
- Translation service
- Local staff (if required)
Information on Fees & Charges
(a) Fee Structure
Fees vary between $300 to A$1000 to register a foreign company or branch office. Other typical charges may include the following:
- Government filing fee
- Annual compliance fees (depending on jurisdiction)
- Local agent fee
Additional fees and charges would apply for ancillary services.
For businesses looking at international expansion, we are able to offer complete service packages – see further our international business planning section in our Inveiss Business website.
(b) Request for a Full Quotation
Please submit an enquiry so that we may provide you with a full quote and all necessary documents and information required for the registration process in the jurisdiction of interest. Alternatively, you may wish to contact us.
Time frame for Registration
Registration of a foreign business or foreign branch office is usually very fast for most jurisdictions, provided that all requisite documents and information on the foreign parent company have been supplied to the relevant authorities. If a search is required however, the registration process may take up to 3 weeks.
PDF Disclaimer: The above information provided by Inveiss Legal Pty Ltd is intended only as a guide. The impact of laws can vary widely based on the specific facts of each case. Further, given the changing nature of laws and the inherent speed of electronic communication, there may be inaccuracies in the above information. As such, this information is provided on the understanding that Inveiss Legal Pty Ltd is not rendering any legal advice or services. The information contained herein is not a substitute for qualified, independent legal advice and the same should be sort prior to engaging in any activity relating to the above subject-matter.
Although we have made every effort to ensure the information has been obtained from reliable sources, Inveiss Legal Pty Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions. In no event will Inveiss Legal Pty Ltd, or its directors, agents or employees, be liable for any decision made, or withheld, in reliance of the information contained herein.
