UAE Branch Office Setup – Expand Seamlessly with dubaisetupnow

UAE Branch Office
UAE Branch Office Setup

Unlock Growth Opportunities with a UAE Branch Office for Your Global Business

Establishing a branch office in the UAE is one of the most effective ways to expand your international business and at the same time retain total ownership and management control. A UAE Branch Office allows your foreign company to operate legally with the same name and offer the same services or products in the UAE market; it does this by operating without a separate legal entity. It's ideal for foreign businesses internationalizing in a region, who already have a brand and a reputation, and who want to enter the region with minimal investment. At dubaisetupnow, we specialize in a complete branch office setup in Mainland and Free Zones to meet UAE compliance. We handle everything from approvals, and company documentation to licensing and post-licensing support services such as commencing visas, opening bank accounts. Expanding into the UAE wedge- out of all the global jurisdictions- is a very exciting opportunity with its business-friendly climate, robust infrastructure, local and regional access markets. With our assistance, you can be established as a fully operational, growth-focused branch office in one of the world's fastest growing and most dynamic economies, rapidly, smoothly and with a significant cost advantage.

From first inquiry to operational launch, we are your one-stop setup partner.

What is a UAE Branch Office?

A UAE Branch Office can be considered a legal extension of a foreign parent company and the branch will conduct business and provide services in the UAE with total ownership by the parent company. Unlike subsidiaries, the UAE branch office does not have a legal entity but will conduct the same functions as the parent company's main service area. The other way in is through a UAE branch office, which is one of the best ways to enter the UAE market and make the commitment to establish a direct in-country presence, but once again not create a new legal entity. A UAE branch office allows a foreign company to offer all its services and sell to local customers, employ local staff, as well sell to the local government.

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Why Set Up a Branch Office in the UAE?

Setting up a UAE branch office in the UAE is ideal for businesses that want to:

Expand globally without relinquishing control

Expand globally without relinquishing control

By establishing a branch office in the UAE, your parent company can do business in the region with full ownership and decision-making authority. You maintain full control of operations, financial transactions and strategic decision-making without a local shareholder.

Offer the same services/products in the UAE as your home country

Offer the same services/products in the UAE as your home country

The heart of a branch office is the same activities as your foreign company. This means you can market, sell, and deliver the same products or services in the UAE using your global brand – consistency, compliance, integrity.

Benefit from 100% foreign ownership

Benefit from 100% foreign ownership

In most Free Zones, as well as under new UAE commercial laws, branch offices can be 100% owned by the foreign company allowing international companies to operate the business independently without any equity sharing. This means most often no local partner or sponsor is necessary.

Build strong local customer relations

Build strong local customer relations

Having an actual office in the UAE also allows your business to connect with local clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders directly. This helps build trust, provide localized service, and solidify your market position in a part of the world that relies on in-person presence as an opportunity driver.

Enter one of the world’s fastest-growing economies

Enter one of the world’s fastest-growing economies

The UAE remains unparalleled in potential global markets provided by its position, tax benefits, pro-business government policies, and world class infrastructure. Setting up a branch company here puts your business in the center of the Middle East, and sets you up for regional or global expansion.
Where Opportunity Meets Expansion

What Are the Key Benefits of Opening a Branch Office in the UAE?

100% Foreign Ownership (most Emirates)

Branch offices in most UAE jurisdictions, particularly the Free Zones and recent Mainland reforms, allow full foreign ownership without the need for a local shareholder. This results in complete control by the parent company, operationally and financially.

Direct Market Access to the UAE and GCC Region

A Branch office provides the ability for your business to legally operate and trade in the UAE. If located in the Mainland, you will also be able to access government and private business clients within the seven Emirates and in other GCC markets.

No Corporate Tax (depending on activity and location)

Many jurisdictions offer tax exemptions or 0% corporate tax rates on qualifying activities. It makes for an attractive option for international parties seeking operational efficiency and profit.

Access and Can Bid on UAE Government Projects.

Branch offices can compete in public tenders and contracts with the government, where the government and government entities typically only contract with businesses having a local presence and valid UAE trade license.

Operate Under the Same Name and License as the Parent Company

Your UAE branch will use the same legal name as your international parent company, providing continuity with branding, customer trust, and business credibility around the region.

Use the Parent Company’s Background to Gain Contracts

As a branch is considered an extension of the parent company, your branch can utilize critical existing credentials, financials and an existing international reputation to qualify to compete on larger-scale projects and develop trust with clients and partners engaged locally.

How Can dubaisetupnow Help You with Branch Office Setup?

At dubaisetupnow, we don’t just consult—you can think of us as your long-term, committed business setup partner in the UAE. We have a successful track record of helping international companies set up and grow their businesses in the Emirates, with decades of hands-on experience and local knowledge to back every set up. Our team will simplify the confusion associated with UAE business laws and ensure you are confident in the process from start to finish. We help you choose the best Free Zone or Mainland jurisdiction for your operation, handle all the legal documentation, licensing and local agent set up, to ensure your branch office is compliant and strategically positioned for future business growth. We also provide post-setup support services such as corporate banking, VAT registration, CRM build, operational consultancy and more to help your business not only establish, but flourish. We offer full-featured, tailored, end-to-end solutions and support, suited to your needs whatever sector you operate in, be it consulting, technology, trading, legal services and more. We can save you time, save you money, and make your UAE expansion a success, with long-term value.

Hassle-free Visa Help in ADGM

What Is the Process of Setting Up a Branch Office in the UAE?

Here’s how dubaisetupnow makes it easy for you to open a UAE branch office:

  • Business Consultation & Strategy
  • Name Reservation & Initial Approvals
  • Submit Parent Company Documents (Attested & Translated)
  • Apply for Branch Office License
  • Get MOE Approval (for mainland branch)
  • Appoint a Local Service Agent (if needed)
  • Secure Office Space or Flexi-desk
  • Obtain Establishment Card
  • Open a UAE Corporate Bank Account
  • Apply for Visas for Staff & Managers

Our experts handle the complete documentation, legal processes, translations, and approvals—ensuring your setup is fast, compliant, and smooth.

UAE Branch Office Setup 2
Key Benefits of ADGM’s Location & Ecosystem

What Documents Are Required for UAE Branch Office Formation?

Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Memorandum & Articles of Association (MOA)
  • Power of Attorney for the branch manager
  • Passport copy of branch manager
  • Parent company incorporation certificate
  • Board resolution to open a branch
  • Lease agreement for UAE office

Don’t worry—dubaisetupnow handles all attestation, translation, and government coordination for a seamless start.

Who Should Consider Setting Up a Branch Office in the UAE?

A UAE Branch Office is ideal for:

IT & Software Companies

Worldwide technology companies can establish a new branch office in the UAE to provide software development, IT support, cybersecurity, SaaS products, and digital transformation services to local and regional clients, while keeping full ownership.

Engineering and Architecture Firms

Engineering and architecture firms can use a branch office in the UAE to stay involved in large projects in the UAE, which includes government and private sector tenders in construction, design and architecture, urban planning, and infrastructural development.

Legal and Consultancy Services

International law firms, business advisors, HR consultants, and management consultancies can set up a compliant branch office in the UAE to service their clients face-to-face and build advisory capacity in the region.

Logistics and Transport Companies

The UAE is well-poised to become a logistics hub because of its location. Logistics companies – freight forwarders, warehousing companies, or international transport companies – may write a branch in the UAE to perform logistics services for local contracts.

Financial and Investment Advisory Firms

Global finance companies, asset managers, and investment advisors can have a presence in the UAE and serve HNIs, institutions, and corporate clients that are UAE-based while remaining regulated under their parent licenses.

Energy and Infrastructure Companies

Renewable energy, oil & gas services, or infrastructure development companies may be able to open a branch in the UAE and take advantage of the upcoming mega-projects in the region – without the pressure of running the project in the local market.

How Can We Help You?

Discover Frequently Asked Questions from Our Support

Can a UAE branch office carry out the same business activities as its parent company?

Yes, a branch office has to carry out the exact same business activities as the foreign parent company. It cannot conduct unrelated business activities not authorized in the parent company’s license.

Do I need a local sponsor or partner to open a branch office in the UAE?

In most Free Zones, you do not need a local partner. Only Mainland branch offices require a Local Service Agent (LSA), which is a person who has no equity or control in the business.

Is a branch office based in the UAE a separate legal entity?

No, a branch office is not a separate legal entity. A branch office is just an extension of the foreign parent company. As there is no separate legal entity, the branch will operate in the name, ownership structure, and liability of the foreign parent company.

How long will it take to set up a branch office in the UAE?

The average duration is 2–4 weeks, depending on the jurisdiction, documentation and approvals. With us at dubaisetupnow, we simplify the process for a quicker setup.

Can a branch office open a corporate bank account in the UAE?

Yes, your branch office in the UAE can open a business bank account. We assist you with the KYC documents and help you select the best bank depending on your business activity.

What type of company is best suited to open a UAE branch?

These are companies from areas including IT, consulting, legal, logistics, finance and engineering. Branch offices are very suitable where firms want to grow internationally with the same brand or identity.

Can a branch open employee positions and apply for visas?

Yes, once licensed, your branch will be able to sponsor your employee's visas, obtain labor cards and hired locally or from overseas.

How does my tax situation change if I include a branch in the UAE?

Most free zones offer a 0% corporate tax rate. The UAE has only signed Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with several countries, so this could make a great difference to your global tax obligations.

I have heard I must submit attested documents for my branch setup process?

Yes, the parent company incorporation certificate, MOA, etc must be notarized and then attested in the country of origin before you can submit them for use in the UAE. We would do all of it for you.

What makes dubaisetupnow any different than other consultants you may have dealt with in the past?

dubaisetupnow provides a clear end-to-end solution, from the right jurisdiction selected, banking, branding and visas, and long term compliance to proceeding success, not just licenses. Our transparent pricing, strategies and ongoing support and guidance ensure not just a license, but a long-term future.

Ready to Expand into the UAE?

🚀 Open Your UAE Branch Office With Confidence
Unlock seamless access to one of the world’s most dynamic markets while maintaining 100% control over your business. Whether you’re targeting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any top Free Zone, our team handles everything—approvals, licensing, visas, banking, branding, compliance, and beyond.

When you choose dubaisetupnow, you’re choosing expert guidance, transparent service, and long-term value.

Let our experts guide your business launch —
Contact us today to get started.


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