Foreign companies wishing to establish a branch in Brunei Darussalam are subject to slightly different procedures than those wishing to set up a company.

Before registration, approval must be obtained from the Registrar of Companies for the use of the parent company name. The timeframe for approval of company name is about 1 to 2 weeks.

Upon approval of the company name, the following documents should be lodged with the Registrar of Companies within the stipulated reservation period:

• Board resolution approving the branch registration in Brunei Darussalam

• Certified true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company

• Certified true copy of the Memorandum & Articles of Association of the parent company

• Letter of undertaking

• Form IV (F) - List of directors of parent company

• Form on the appointment of authorised person under Section 299(c) of the Act

• Power of Attorney on the appointment of authorised person

• Statutory declaration executed by the authorised person

The registration process typically takes about 5 to 6 weeks to finalise before a certificate of registration is issued, at which time the branch may commence business.

Special Licenses

In some cases special licenses must be obtained from the government before a company can commence business. This applies primarily to businesses that directly affect the public, such as banks, finance companies, insurance companies, travel agencies and money-lenders.