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INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
Design & Architecture
We cover cross‑border service taxation, permanent‑establishment risk and creative‑IP licensing, resolving tax, payroll and compliance challenges for complex international project delivery.
From design studios and architecture practices to international project delivery, we support creative and design-led businesses with cross-border tax, accounting, contracting and structuring matters.
Industry Overview
Design and architecture businesses increasingly deliver projects across borders, whether through international clients, overseas project sites or collaboration with partner studios, consultants and contractors in different jurisdictions.
Cross-border service provision raises a range of tax and compliance questions, including the taxation of design and consulting fees, withholding tax on service payments, VAT and indirect tax treatment of services, and the circumstances in which a project presence may create a taxable presence in another country.
Intellectual property is also central to the sector. Designs, drawings, concepts and brand identities may be owned, licensed and reused across entities, creating royalty, licensing and transfer pricing considerations within international groups.
As practices expand into new markets, they must decide whether to operate through branches, local subsidiaries or partnerships, and how to manage staff, secondees and project-based teams across jurisdictions. Studios involved in interior design and furnishing projects may additionally source materials, furniture and fittings internationally, with associated customs and indirect tax considerations.
How PHC Advisory Can Help
We support design and architecture businesses with:
- Cross-border service fee taxation and withholding tax analysis
- VAT and indirect tax treatment of design and consulting services
- Permanent establishment and project presence considerations
- Intellectual property, design rights and licensing structures
- Royalty arrangements and transfer pricing for intercompany services
- Intercompany service and collaboration agreements
- Customs and import compliance for materials, furniture and fittings
- Market-entry and entity structuring, including branch and subsidiary set-up
- Cross-border payroll, secondment and social contribution considerations
- Tax and accounting compliance
- Business restructuring
Our cross-border approach helps design-led businesses structure international projects and expansion in a way that reflects how their teams, clients and creative assets actually operate.
Who We Serve
- Entity establishment, and restructuring
- Plant relocation and business reorganization
- Cross-border tax and regulatory coordination
- Ongoing tax and accounting compliance
- Intra-group financing
- Enterprise valuations
Talk to our Industry
Specialists
Let’s discuss your business
requirements.
Our teams combine sector knowledge with local market experience to develop practical solutions aligned with each client’s international operations.
Whether you are entering a new market, restructuring an existing business, managing a cross-border transaction or looking for ongoing tax, accounting and compliance support, PHC Advisory can help you assess the relevant considerations and identify an appropriate way forward.
Contact PHC Advisory to discuss your business requirements.
Let’s discuss your business requirements.
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