The invention relates to a holding device (1) for a robotic surgical system, said holding device having a clamping device (11′) for removably holding a surgical object (12), said clamping device comprising at least two clamping jaws (14, 15) and a bearing part (8) on which at least one of the clamping jaws (10, 15) is movably mounted, and having at least one actuation element (18, 19) for actuating at least one of the clamping jaws (14, 15). The holding device (11) can be provided with a sterile encasement (13) in an intended use. According to the invention, the actuation element (18, 19) is guided in an axially movable manner on the bearing part (8).