
Hi there future branch owner! 👋
Welcome to our little corner of the web where we’ll show you how to register a branch in the European Union, and which country ranks as most friendly for entrepreneurs to enter the market by branch office registration. Get yourself a coffee (or tea, whatever you like), and let’s jump into this journey together!
Table of Contents
Let’s Start: Why Set Up a Branch?
The Essentials: What You Should Know
The Full Picture: How to Register
To Notarize or Not?
Let’s Talk Numbers: Business Tax Rates
The Cost to Join: Official Fees
Modern Times: Sign Up Online
Digital Government: Your Online Identity
Forms and More Forms: Yearly Reports
The Leaderboard: Which Countries Make It Easy?
The Big Picture: How Countries Stack Up
And the Winner Is: Top Countries for Setting Up Shop
Introduction: Why Branch Out?
Thinking about expanding your business across the EU? It’s a smart move! You might want to reach new markets, build your brand, or take on a new challenge. Setting up a branch can help you achieve these goals.
Setting up a branch is becoming increasingly popular, especially among SMEs, and it’s easy to see why.
As the global economy becomes more interconnected, SMEs are finding it easier and more necessary to do business abroad. A branch office is often the perfect solution – it allows you to expand your reach without overextending your resources.
Whether you’re looking to reach new markets, build your brand, or take on a new challenge, setting up a branch can help you achieve these goals. And guess what? House of Companies makes this process simpler than ever. Our eBranch portal is like your personal GPS through the maze of EU bureaucracy, guiding you every step of the way.
Let’s start this journey!
The Basics: What You Need to Know
Before we start, let’s go over the basics. Your branch works as a smaller version of your parent company. It needs to:
Be a part of your current company (no standalone entities)
Carry out similar activities to your main company (no sudden shifts in focus)
Have a representative who can make decisions for the company (your local point person)
Pretty straightforward, right? House of Companies’ eBranch portal ensures you meet all these requirements without any hassle.
Can I Register a Branch Myself?
You bet! Running a branch office can be a breeze, especially in some EU countries. Let's break it down:
The Easy Street: Netherlands and Estonia
In countries like the Netherlands or Estonia, managing a branch is almost as easy as ordering takeout. These top-ranked countries have streamlined the process so much, you'll wonder why you ever worried.
Netherlands: Most tasks can be handled online through user-friendly portals, often in English.
Estonia: Takes it up a notch with its e-Residency program. Manage almost everything digitally from anywhere in the world!
The Scenic Route: Southern and Eastern Europe
As you move down our ranking, things can get a bit more... let's say, adventurous.
Countries like Romania or Greece might throw you some curveballs:
More paperwork (hope you like filling out forms!)
Stricter translation requirements (time to dust off that phrasebook)
Less English-friendly systems (brush up on your local lingo)
In these cases, you might find yourself reaching for the phone to call a local expert more often.
The Branch Advantage
Here's the beauty of a branch: it piggybacks on your main company's legal structure. This means:
No need to consider (typically complex) local company laws to get started
Skip drafting new formation deeds
Focus on day-to-day operations instead of legal mumbo-jumbo
DIY or Expert Help?
While it's smart to have experts on speed dial for the tricky stuff (especially in countries lower down our list), you can often manage everyday operations yourself. This DIY approach:
Saves you serious cash
Gives you a front-row seat to your branch's operations
Puts you in the captain's chair of your international business adventure
Whether you're setting up shop in the digital paradise of Estonia or cruising the more traditional systems of southern Europe, remember: with the right preparation and resources, you've got this, with the help of this Guide (and our eBranch portal ;) ) !
Digital Nomads
At House of Companies, we understand the unique challenges faced by digital nomads in today's interconnected business world. Our Branch Comparison Guide reveals a game-changing trend in global entrepreneurship: the branch office.
Why digital nomads choose a branch office over a traditional legal entity? Here's what our extensive research among our clients shows:
Branch offices typically require less administrative overhead than full legal entities, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
As our guide demonstrates, branch offices offer the agility to establish a legal presence without being anchored to a single location - perfect for your dynamic lifestyle.
With reduced local compliance requirements in many countries, branch offices often translate to lower operational costs.
Simplified Reporting
Establish a professional presence in key markets without the complexity of multiple legal entities.
The Big Picture: Sign-Up Steps
Ready to set up shop in the EU? Here’s your game plan:
Pick your spot: Which EU country catches your eye?
Name game: Think up a catchy name for your branch.
Paperwork party: Collect all the essential documents.
Lost in translation: Translate everything (unless you speak multiple languages).
Meet the locals: Sign up with the local authorities.
License to thrill: Obtain any required licenses.
Tax time: Sort out your tax ID and VAT.
Social butterfly: Sign up for social security if you plan to hire.
Does this seem like a lot? No need to stress! Our eBranch portal walks you through each step making it as simple as ordering a pizza online.
Notary or Not to Be?
Some countries like their notaries, while others don’t care as much. Here’s the lowdown:
Notary fans: Germany, Spain, Italy
Notary-optional: Netherlands, Denmark
Notary-free: Ireland UK
Not sure what applies in your case? Our eBranch portal has all the country-specific details ready for you to check out.
Show Me the Money: Corporate Tax Rates
Let’s talk about taxes (try not to get too excited). Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
Ireland: 12.5% (These leprechauns know their stuff!)
Netherlands: 25.8% (Not bad at all)
Germany: ~30% (Ouch, but you get what you pay for)
Keep in mind, these can change quicker than the latest fashion. Our eBranch portal gives you the most recent rates.
Also good to know: You only pay these taxes if you make profits. If your parent company is based in a lower taxed country, like UAE, then you can easily allocate the profits to the parant company before they become taxable! You will have to consider transfer pricing regulations, but, only if your branch is effectively being operated from any of the listed countries. If the branch office is only used for representation, or practical (invoicing) purposes (without local substance), you are free to allocate the profits to the head office via re-invoicing.
Can I Run a Branch Office myself? Even without Accountant?
Yes, you can! No, this is not the former President speaking. eBranch provides full Playbooks to submit your tax return, using your branch's eID. Many EU countries require businesses to have a local e-government account for various administrative purposes. These systems are crucial for tax filings, accessing government services, and often for the registration process itself. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of eID systems across several EU countries, including their use for tax filings:
Country | eID System Name | Issuing Agency | Conditions | Fees | Tax Filing Capabilities |
Estonia | e-ID | Police and Border Guard Board | - Available to e-residents- Requires in-person application- Valid for 5 years | €100 for e-residents | Entrepreneurs can file all tax returns, including VAT, using e-ID through the e-Tax Board |
Germany | eID | Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) | - Available to German citizens and residents- Integrated with national ID card- Valid for 10 years | Free with ID card (€37 for ID card) | ELSTER online portal allows tax filing, including VAT, using eID |
Spain | Cl@ve | National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT) | - Available to Spanish citizens and residents- Multiple levels of security- Valid for 2-4 years depending on type | Free for basic level, €16 for higher security | Agencia Tributaria portal enables VAT and other tax filings using Cl@ve |
Netherlands | eHerkenning | Multiple private providers | - Available to businesses registered in the Netherlands- 5 assurance levels- Valid for 3 years | Varies by provider, typically €40-€150 per year | Belastingdienst portal allows VAT and corporate tax filing using eHerkenning |
Belgium | eID | Federal Public Service Interior | - Mandatory for citizens over 12- Integrated with national ID card- Valid for 10 years | Varies by municipality, typically €20-€25 | MyMinfin portal enables tax filings, including VAT, using eID |
Sweden | BankID | Banks (issued by financial institutions) | - Available to Swedish residents with personnummer- Requires Swedish bank account- Valid for 5 years | Free (costs covered by banks) | Skatteverket’s e-services allow all tax filings, including VAT, using BankID |
Denmark | NemID/MitID | Agency for Digital Government | - Available to Danish citizens and residents- Transitioning from NemID to MitID- Valid for 5 years | Free for individuals, fees for businesses | SKAT’s TastSelv portal enables VAT and other tax filings using NemID/MitID |
Finland | FINeID | Digital and Population Data Services Agency | - Available to Finnish citizens and residents- Multiple types (card, mobile, etc.)- Valid for 5 years | €54 for card, mobile version free | MyTax service allows all tax filings, including VAT, using FINeID |
Italy | SPID | Agency for Digital Italy (AgID) | - Available to Italian citizens and residents- Multiple levels of security- Valid indefinitely (level 1), 2 years (levels 2-3) | Free to €15 depending on provider | Agenzia delle Entrate portal enables VAT and other tax filings using SPID |
France | FranceConnect | Interministerial Digital Directorate | - Available to French citizens and residents- Uses existing credentials (tax, health insurance)- Valid based on underlying ID | Free | impots.gouv.fr allows all tax filings, including VAT, using FranceConnect |
A significant advantage of registering a branch in these countries is the ability for entrepreneurs to file their own tax returns, including VAT, using the eID systems.
Advantages of eID for Tax Filing
The ability to use eID systems for tax filing, especially for branches, offers several advantages:
Cost-Effective: Entrepreneurs can handle tax filings themselves, potentially reducing the need for expensive accountants or tax professionals.
Time-Efficient: Online filing systems are typically faster and more convenient than traditional paper-based methods.
Accessibility: Tax filing can be done remotely, which is particularly beneficial for foreign entrepreneurs managing branches.
Reduced Errors: Digital systems often have built-in checks to help prevent common filing errors.
Real-Time Updates: Many systems provide real-time information on tax obligations and payment status.
Integration: eID systems often integrate with other government services, streamlining overall business administration.
VAT Compliance: The ability to file VAT returns directly is crucial for businesses operating in the EU, ensuring timely compliance with local regulations.
When setting up a business in an EU country, it’s crucial to research the specific eID requirements and tax filing capabilities, as they are often essential for interacting with government services, filing taxes, and completing other administrative tasks.
The ability to handle these tasks directly can significantly simplify branch management and reduce operational costs.
The Price of Admission: Government Fees
Each country charges its own fee to let you join the party. Here’s a quick look:
Netherlands: €50 (What a deal!)
Germany: €150-€400 (A bit pricier)
Italy: €200-€500 (Plus a little extra just because)
Don’t overlook those hidden expenses for translations and notaries. Our eBranch service helps you plan for all these charges without any unpleasant shocks.
Welcome to the 21st Century: Online Registration
Some countries live in 3023, others… not quite:
online: Estonia, Netherlands, Denmark (Way to go!)
online: Germany Spain (Making progress)
Old school: Some still prefer their paperwork
With our eBranch portal, we’ll guide you through the digital (or not-so-digital) scene of your chosen country.
E-Government: Your Digital ID
Lots of EU countries require digital IDs for government tasks. It’s similar to a special pass for dealing with red tape:
eID: Estonia, Germany
Digital Certificates: Spain
eHerkenning: Netherlands
Our eBranch service makes sure you have all the necessary digital keys to access your new business realm.
Paperwork Schmayperwork: Annual Reporting
Here’s some good news! Branch offices don’t have to do much annual reporting. Your parent company often does most of the work. Let’s take a quick look:
Country | What’s Needed | Who Needs It |
Netherlands | Parent company’s financials | for non-EU/EEA parents |
Germany | Translated parent company financials | All branches |
Denmark | Nothing! | N/A |
Our eBranch portal tracks your filing requirements and deadlines allowing you to concentrate on managing your business rather than getting swamped with administrative tasks.
The Leaderboard: Ease of Process by Country
We’ve done the research and ranked the countries from simplest to… let’s call it “most challenging”:
Netherlands: This country runs , welcomes English speakers, and is great overall.
Estonia: A paradise for digital businesses.
Ireland: They speak English and love businesses.
Denmark: Everything works well with little fuss.
Sweden: Relatively simple process, especially for EU/EEA parent companies.
Finland: Straightforward process with good online services.
Germany: Well-structured process but requires notarization and translations.
France: Moderately complex process with specific language requirements.
Spain: Requires notarization and translations, but process is well-defined.
Belgium: Relatively straightforward but with specific local requirements.
Austria: Similar to Germany, requires notarization and translations.
Portugal: Process is clear but requires local representation and translations.
Italy: Can be complex with various local registrations required.
Greece: Process can be time-consuming with multiple steps and translations required.
Poland: Requires significant documentation and translations.
Czech Republic: Process involves multiple steps and local language requirements.
Romania: Can be complex with strict local language and representation requirements.
Our eBranch service works best in these top-ranked countries, but we’re ready to help no matter where you decide to start your business.
The Big Picture: Country Comparison
Here’s a useful table to help you compare your options:
Country | Registration Fees | English Docs Accepted? | Online Registration | Processing Time |
Netherlands | €50 | Fully | 1-3 days | |
Estonia | €190 | Yes | 1-3 days | |
Ireland | €50 | Yes | 5-10 days | |
Denmark | €80 | 1-5 days | ||
Sweden | €200 | 5-10 days |
Our eBranch portal contains all this information and more. We update it in real-time to keep you informed.
And the Winner Is: Best Countries to Register a Branch
Let’s hear it! 🥁 Here are our top picks for branch registration:
Netherlands: The top choice for branch registration. Great location, business-friendly, and our eBranch portal makes the process easier than spreading Dutch cheese.
The Netherlands is also the only country that allows you to register a company without immediately requiring a registered office address. This saves you money, and the hassle of obtaining a rental agreement, although these fees are relatively low in Estonia, it's even better to be able to avoid it altogether!
Estonia: A digital heaven. Ideal if you love doing everything online.
Ireland: English-speaking and full of charm. Plus, who can resist a visit to an Irish pub after setting up their business?
Denmark: Little hassle high productivity. Just how we like it!
Sweden: Easy and straightforward if you’re already part of the EU/EEA group.
Keep in mind, the “best” country depends on your specific needs. But wherever you decide, our eBranch portal will be your reliable helper in this journey.
Are you set to make the move? With House of Companies and our eBranch portal, you’re not just setting up a branch – you’re starting a new part of your company’s journey. Let’s create it together!
About the Writer
I'm Dennis Vermeulen, CEO of House of Companies. Since 2008, I've been immersed in the world of international business expansion, personally guiding the registration of over 1,000 companies across Europe. This journey has given me a unique perspective on the intricacies of various legal systems, tax regulations, and bureaucratic processes. At House of Companies, we've used this expertise to develop streamlined services that simplify the complex process of expanding businesses globally.

My passion lies in helping entrepreneurs realize their international ambitions, and this has positioned me as a trusted voice in company registration and branch office setup. Through this guide, I'm sharing the knowledge I've accumulated over the years, with the goal of empowering you to navigate your own international business journey with confidence.
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