If a foreign company wishes to offer goods or services in Estonia on a permanent basis on its own behalf, it must register a branch in the Estonian Commercial Register. The branch is not a separate legal entity. The foreign company is responsible for the activities and obligations of the branch. The branch will have the name of the parent company with the prefix Eesti filiaal (Estonian branch).

How is a branch registered in the Commercial Register?

A branch of a foreign company is registered in the Commercial Register on the basis of a notarized application from the head of the branch of the foreign company.

Additional documents should be attached to the application:

• Official documents of a foreign company in the country of registration, confirming its existence;
• permission to establish a branch, if required by law;
• a document confirming the authority of the head of the branch.

The documents must be submitted in Estonian and the translation must be certified by a sworn translator. The original document must be apostilled if necessary.

The branch is registered in the commercial register within 5 working days from the date of application.

What should you know if a branch is already registered?

• If a branch starts an activity in an area with special requirements, you will need to apply for an activity permit or license.
• If the planned annual turnover of your branch exceeds 40,000 euros, then you have to register as a VAT payer.
• When hiring employees, they must be registered in the employment register.

If you have additional questions or need help opening a branch, please contact our specialists.