Lexipedia

Branch office

A branch office is a legally dependent business establishment of a company that operates with a degree of permanence and local autonomy.

In Swiss practice, a branch office is not a separate legal entity but a secondary establishment of a domestic or foreign enterprise. It carries on business activities in its own premises or organization and usually has management authority for local transactions. Branches of Swiss and foreign entities may need registration in the commercial register at the place of the branch. The parent entity remains liable for branch obligations, while signatory powers and local representatives are recorded for transparency.