We are entering a new country

The first decision is the route in: a company, a branch, an agent or a distributor. It sets who signs, what must be registered and how long the launch takes.

In short

At stake: The date you can start trading, and who answers for the new company.
The exposure: The wrong legal form or a missing registration surfaces at the bank or at the first contract, and the launch waits. In several countries directors can be held personally liable for filings they did not know existed.
What Lexaero delivers: The right route chosen on the facts: company, branch, agent or distributor. Then the company or branch formed and registered, working with the notary or a local agent, its signatories appointed, and a first-year filing calendar in place.
First step: One call, then a one-page comparison of the routes into that country.

Country by country

General orientation as at October 2026. It is not legal advice, and what applies to you turns on facts this page cannot see.

Entity set-up

In the Netherlands: A BV is formed by notarial deed and entered in the Business Register at the Chamber of Commerce, with its beneficial owners in the UBO register. A branch of a foreign company registers there too.
In the EU: Each member state has its own company forms, formation steps and beneficial-ownership register. The choice of state also sets the tax and employment footing.
In Switzerland: A GmbH needs CHF 20,000 in capital and an AG CHF 100,000. Both are formed by public deed and entered in the cantonal commercial register. A parent company abroad can hold all the shares, but at least one person able to sign for the company must live in Switzerland, often a local director or manager appointed for that purpose.
In the United Kingdom: A private limited company is registered at Companies House, where directors and persons with significant control must verify their identity. An overseas company that opens a UK establishment registers as well.
In the Middle East: The first choice is between mainland and free zone, and in some states a foreign-investment licence comes before incorporation. The right answer depends on the activity and on where the customers are.

Agents and distributors

In the EU: Commercial agents in the EU are protected by mandatory rules, which in most cases include a payment when the agency ends. Distribution agreements also have to respect EU competition law.
In Switzerland: Swiss law gives a commercial agent a mandatory claim to compensation for the customers they brought in, where the principal keeps the benefit after the agency ends.
In the United Kingdom: The United Kingdom kept its commercial agents regulations after Brexit, so an agent there can still claim compensation or an indemnity when the agency ends.
In the Middle East: Several states in the region protect registered local agents by statute, which can make an agency difficult or costly to end.

For the detail between two particular countries, set your route on the home page. Lexaero does not advise on tax, customs, banking or work permits, and does not broker investments. Where they matter, it says so and works with the adviser you choose.

Read further

Market entry and entity set-up Once the company exists: its filings Launching a name or a product there Briefing: a Dutch BV run from abroad

Next step

Is this where your company is?

Describe it in a few lines. A reply normally follows within one working day, and a first call of thirty minutes is free.

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