NewsCase StudiesEvents

Branch in the UK Vs. UK Ltd (subsidiary) Company

Also in the news...

Bond Support Scheme

Find out about the Bond Support Scheme - how it works, its benefits and how to apply.

UK and African business leaders arrive in Togo to create trade and investment deals

The event brings together delegations from ten African nations alongside leading UK companies and investors to advance partnerships that promote economic growth and jobs.

Countering sanctions evasion: guidance for freight and shipping

For freight forwarders, carriers, hauliers, customs intermediaries, postal and express operators, and other companies facilitating the movement of goods.

International Compliance Tips for Entrepreneurs Going Global

While expanding across borders can accelerate business growth, it also raises the stakes when it comes to staying legally compliant.

Cutting Administrative Burdens When Trading Abroad

From customs declarations to inventory tracking across borders, the paperwork and compliance requirements can quickly become overwhelming for growing companies.

Branch in the UK Vs. UK Ltd (subsidiary) Company

Back to News

We are frequently asked about a branch vs. a subsidiary (Ltd) company and benefits/drawbacks of both.

The basics

  • A branch can also be referred to as a representative office, or a UK establishment.

  • A subsidiary is sometimes referred to as a sub, or UK wholly owned subsidiary.

  • The subsidiary is a completely separate legal entity from the overseas parent company.

  • A branch is an office – whether physical or not – of the presence of the overseas company, registered with Companies House in the UK. It is not governed under UK law but does have some filing requirements. This means the branch legally separated, and the parent company is liable for these reporting requirements, obligations and debts that may be ensued for the UK branch.

    A UK Branch can be easier to establish and closed down if unsuccessful. However, UK and European based customers may prefer to deal with a UK company rather than the branch of an overseas company.
    The simple way to describe this, if you’re purchasing a product on an e-commerce website, would you rather purchase from a local company, or one based overseas? Invariably the answer is the same, but this is company/objective specific. If you only need a ‘light’ presence for a market tender process, for example, then a branch may be a better option.

    We would be happy to discuss your UK setup requirements. Every client is different, we appreciate that, and should be treated on an individual basis – depending on what you are trying to achieve in the UK/Europe. Get in touch for further support.

You are not logged in!

Please login or register to ask our experts a question.

Login now or register.