A registered branch (odštěpný závod) is a branch of a foreign company entered in the Czech Commercial Register. It is suitable when an existing company wants to carry out part of its business in Czechia in its own name. Contracts and liabilities arising from the branch’s activities belong to the foreign company.
When a registered branch makes sense
Consider a branch for Czech business premises, a sales team or a service location that will form part of the foreign company. If you need a separate Czech entity with its own assets and liabilities, compare this option with forming a Czech s.r.o. To decide, clarify who will enter into contracts and employ local staff.
Documents for registering a Czech branch
- Documents of the foreign company. Prepare a current extract from the foreign register and details of the legal form and people authorised to act for the company. Founding documents may also be needed, depending on the country and circumstances.
- Decision to establish the branch and appoint its head. Provide the branch name, Czech address, activities and the person appointed as head. Once registered, the head represents the business in matters concerning the branch.
- Address and business activities in Czechia. Provide evidence of your right to use the premises. Depending on the activity, arrange a trade licence, concession or other authorisation.
- Authentication and translations. Before commissioning translations, check which documents require an apostille or consular legalisation and which are exempt. This depends on the country of origin and the type of document.
Registration and first steps in Czechia
Details of both the foreign company and the branch are submitted to the Commercial Register. The law distinguishes between the details required for persons from the EU and EEA and those from other countries. After registration, check the branch name, identification number, address, activities and head. Use the correct identification details for the foreign company and branch on contracts and invoices.
Before starting operations, check Czech tax obligations with an accountant or tax adviser, including possible permanent establishment and VAT obligations. If the branch will employ staff, also arrange payroll and the necessary registrations.
What to include in your enquiry
Send us the country and name of the foreign company, its planned Czech activities, your timetable and whether you already have an address and branch head. The listed price for the assistance package is CZK 18,800. Before starting, ask us to confirm what is included, any authentication and translation costs and the expected timing for your documents.