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Permanent establishment and dual residence: An overview

Permanent establishment

Permanent Establishment (PE) is a concept created for tax purposes. According to the OECD, a permanent establishment is a fixed place of business through which the business of an enterprise is wholly or partly carried out. The practical meaning of a PE is that it creates a taxable presence for a company outside the company’s country of establishment. A PE can also be triggered through individuals acting on behalf of a company. PE should not be confused with a place of business, place of tax residency, or place of effective management.

As each country has a different approach to PEs, be sure to always refer to available information about PE registration and compliance in the jurisdiction where your activities might trigger a PE. Also note the following:

  • A PE can only be created for a company in another country.
  • A PE cannot be created in the state where the company itself is established.
  • There can only be one PE per country.
  • PEs must be duly registered with the local tax authorities.
  • PEs are usually taxed as separate legal entities.

According to the above, an Estonian company cannot have a PE in Estonia. However, it’s possible that an Estonian company could have a PE in Germany, for example, if the company’s activities satisfy all requirements for creating a PE in Germany. Estonia exempts PE profits from Estonian corporate taxation, thereby avoiding double taxation of profits earned by business activities of a PE.

Dual residence

Most countries reserve the right to tax their residents (and their residents’ companies) on worldwide profits. Many countries have introduced broad definitions of who is considered a tax resident, and when definitions overlap, a taxpayer could be considered a tax resident in two countries. This is generally called Dual Residence.

In Estonia, the rule is simple: if a company is incorporated under Estonian laws, the company is considered a tax resident. All companies registered with the Estonian Business Register are considered tax residents and are therefore subject to taxation in Estonia.

However, in addition to being a tax resident in Estonia, some companies might have dual tax residence. For example, some countries stipulate that the place of effective management triggers tax residency. Thus, if a company was incorporated under Estonian laws but is effectively managed in another country, that company may be considered a dual resident and may have profits taxed in two countries.

Note that a company with dual residence is not the same as a company with permanent establishment in another jurisdiction. Also keep in mind that rules for determining tax residency are different for companies and individuals.

Overview of select countries

Below is a summary of how some countries understand permanent establishment and dual residency. The descriptions are based on publicly available information and are only meant as a quick reference. Always work with a local tax expert to clarify any tax consequences which may apply to your particular situation.

Ukraine

Permanent establishment

Ukraine generally follows the OECD definition of PE. Ukraine recognizes three types of PEs: Classical PE, Agent PE, and Service PE. Ukrainian tax law provides a list of common PEs, such as place of management, affiliate, office, server, and so on. The presence of an international tax treaty should override Ukrainian domestic rules if the treaty is more beneficial to the taxpayer. Please refer to the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine for more information.

Tax residency

In Ukraine, a company is considered a tax resident if it is established under Ukrainian law. Managing an Estonian company in Ukraine should not lead to dual residency. For more information, visit the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine: http://sfs.gov.ua/en/

Germany

Permanent establishment

According to German rules, a PE is any fixed business facility serving a corporate purpose. A permanent representative is someone who “habitually” deals on behalf of the principal (the principal being the Estonian company, for example) and acts according to the principal’s instructions. German tax treaties are usually in line with the OECD’s definition.

Tax residency

In Germany, a company is considered a tax resident if either its place of incorporation or its main place of management is in Germany. If you effectively manage your Estonian company in Germany, then the company may be considered a dual resident. In this case, the Estonia-Germany tax treaty or competent authorities should be consulted.

For more information, please refer to the German Ministry of Finance: https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de/Web/DE/Home/home.html

United Kingdom

Permanent establishment

In the UK, a PE is created if the non-resident company:

  • has a fixed place of business in the United Kingdom through which the business of the company is wholly or partly carried out; or
  • has an agent acting on behalf of the company has and habitually exercises authority to do business on behalf of the company in the United Kingdom.

Tax residency

Companies incorporated abroad may be considered UK residents if the place of central management and control is situated in the UK. In this case, the company may be considered a dual resident. Please consult the Estonia-UK tax treaty or competent authorities. And for more information, visit HM Revenue & Customs: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs.

Spain

Permanent establishment

Under Spanish law, a PE is created if a company has ongoing or habitual work facilities in Spain. An agent PE is created if a company acts through an agent who has powers to behave on behalf of the non-resident, and if such powers are exercised on a regular basis.

Tax residency

In Spain, a company is considered a tax resident if it was founded in Spain, or if its business activities are managed and controlled from Spain. In this case, the company may be considered a dual resident. Be sure to consult the Estonia-Spain tax treaty and competent authorities on this matter. And for more information, visit the Spanish Tax Agency: https://www.agenciatributaria.es/

France

Permanent establishment

In France, a PE is created through:

  • business activity conducted through an establishment (e.g. a branch, sales office);
  • business conducted in France by a dependent agent; or
  • the existence of a complete commercial cycle in France.

If there is any doubt, French tax authorities will rule on the existence or nonexistence of a PE.

Tax residency

Generally, only companies established under French law are considered French tax residents. Therefore, there should be no issue with dual residency pertaining to Estonian companies, even if the Estonian company is effectively managed in France. For more information, visit the Ministry of Action and Public Accounts: https://www.impots.gouv.fr/portail/

Turkey

Permanent establishment

Under Turkish law, the threshold for the creation of a PE is lower than that described by the OECD. Whether your activities create a PE in Turkey must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended to consult with the relevant tax authorities.

Tax residency

In Turkey, a company is considered a tax resident if the business’s headquarters are in Turkey. Therefore, if an Estonian company is headquarted in Turkey, the company may have dual residence. Be sure to consult the Estonia-Spain tax treaty and competent authorities on this matter. For more information, visit the Turkish Revenue Administration: https://www.gib.gov.tr/en