Foreign Company Branch Office Setup

Requirements for Foreign Company Branch Office Setup

Setting up a branch requires documentation from both the parent company and the branch’s UAE representatives. Commonly required items include:

• Proof of trade name reservation
• Proof of initial approval for the intended business activity
• Passport copies of shareholders
• Passport copy and CV of the branch manager
• Personal information sheet for each shareholder and manager
• A lease agreement, since a physical address is mandatory for the business
• Notarized and attested Power of Attorney appointing your consultant as legal representative
• Parent company documents, including certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and a board resolution approving the UAE branch

Certain activities may require third-party or authority pre-approval, which can involve additional cost and processing time. We confirm the exact document list for your specific activity during consultation.

Process of Foreign Company Branch Office Formation

1. Confirm your business activity. This must match the activity already licensed under your parent company.
2. Reserve your trade name. Your UAE branch typically operates under the same name as the parent company.
3. Apply for initial approval. Secure confirmation from the relevant authority before proceeding with documentation.
4. Register with the Ministry of Economy. Mainland branches require this registration in addition to a local trade licence.
5. Prepare and notarize your documents. This includes the Power of Attorney and attested parent company documents.
6. Secure your business address. Sign a lease agreement, since a physical address is a legal requirement.
7. Obtain your trade licence. Apply through the relevant local authority, such as DET in Dubai, or the equivalent in other emirates.
8. Open a corporate bank account. Set up UAE business banking to manage your branch’s finances.

The overall process for foreign company branch office setup typically takes a few weeks, depending on your activity and how quickly your parent company documents can be attested and submitted.

Local Service Agent Requirements for Branch Offices

Mainland branches of foreign companies historically required a UAE National Service Agent (NSA), also known as a Local Service Agent, to handle administrative liaison with government departments. Following Ministerial Resolution No. 138 of 2024, foreign companies are no longer required to appoint a national service agent for a mainland branch, and the previous AED 50,000 bank guarantee requirement has also been removed.

A mainland branch still requires registration with the Ministry of Economy in addition to a trade licence from the local authority. Free zone branches have never required a local service agent, since they are licensed directly by their free zone authority. We confirm the current requirements for your specific activity and jurisdiction as part of your consultation, since regulations in this area have changed significantly in recent years.

Support Services for Branch Office Setup in the UAE

We manage the practical, day-to-day work involved in setting up your branch, so your team can stay focused on the business itself. Our support includes:

• Applying for and following up on your Certificate of Business Registration (trade licence)
• Representing you in front of government authorities
• Assisting with corporate bank account opening
• Assisting with registration with the Ministry of Labour
• Assisting with registration with UAE immigration
• Assisting with leasing a business premise as your registered address

We stay involved after your licence is issued too, including ongoing compliance, accounting, and PRO support.

Business Setup Cost in Dubai

Below is the estimated Dubai business setup cost with our own assessment of the fees. You can contact us for further information regarding this table of estimation.

Why Choose FAR Consulting Middle East?

FAR Consulting Middle East is a trusted partner for foreign companies expanding into the UAE. With advisory experience in the UAE since 1985, we handle the documentation, approvals, and licensing needed for branch office formation, while keeping you updated on regulatory changes that affect your setup, such as the recent removal of the local service agent requirement.

Beyond registration, we support bank account opening, PRO services, and ongoing compliance, so your UAE branch operates smoothly well past its licence issuance date.

Related UAE Business Setup Services

• UAE Mainland Business Setup – for companies considering a separately incorporated LLC instead of a branch
• Branch of Local Company – setup guidance for UAE companies opening additional branches
• UAE Business Sponsor – local sponsor and service agent guidance where still required
• PRO Services – government liaison and document clearing support
• Corporate Bank Account Opening – banking support for your newly registered branch