Registration of a foreign branch

Foreign companies' branches are registered in the Directorate of Internal Revenue's Register of Enterprises and Annual Accounts (company register). The necessary documents must be submitted to the company register and the registration fee paid. The registration fee can be paid by card or deposit to an account (see tariff).

Processing time for an application for the registration of a foreign company's branch is generally about 2-3 weeks from the date of submission to the company register if satisfactory and payment (or payment receipt) is included with the submission. Scanned copies of the original documents can be sent via e-mail to fyrirtaekjaskra@skatturinn.is It is not necessary to submit originals.

A foreign company that wishes to establish a branch in Iceland must submit a notification to the company register with the following information:

  1. Name of the branch
    The name of the branch shall be the name of the foreign company + branch in Iceland. Example: If a company is called Hydro Pro Ltd., then the name of the branch will appear as Hydro Pro Ltd., branch in Iceland.
  2. Address in Iceland
  3. The purpose of the branch
  4. Branch manager
    Name, ID number and address
  5. Signatures / power of procuration.
    The branch manager‘s signature binds the company according to law (see Article 140(2) of Act nr. 138/1994), but the board of directors may also grant a power of procuration to other individuals.

The following information must be provided about the foreign company which is the founder:

  1. Name of founder (foreign company), domicile, company registration number and date of registration.
  2. Legal form of the foreign company
    i.e., whether the company is a limited company or a private limited company.
  3. Date of Articles of Association (Bylaws/Statutes).
  4. Share capital
  5. Purpose
  6. Board of directors

A notification shall be sent to the Directorate of Internal Revenue's Register of Enterprises and Annual Accounts

Supporting documents that must accompany the notification

  • The registration certificate (Company certificate) for the foreign company. Please note that the certificate must be issued three months or less prior to the submission of the application for a branch.
  • Mandate. The board of the foreign company grants a mandate for the branch manager as well as a power of attorney.
  • Annual accounts, i.e., the last annual accounts of the foreign company.
  • Notification of beneficial owners - RSK 17.27 - Signed by branch manager.

The documents must be in Icelandic, English, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian, or translated into one of these languages:

Branch manager

If the branch manager does not have an Icelandic ID number, an application for a system ID number and a scanned copy of the passport of individual needs to be submitted with the other documents. 

Form 17.62 - application for a system ID number

Many accountants, auditors or lawyers offer professional help with the formation of companies and branches. 

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