Branch Office in Dubai

What is a Branch Office?

A branch office is a direct extension of your foreign parent company, operating in Dubai under the exact same legal name and identity. Unlike other business structures, a branch does not have its own separate legal personality, meaning the parent company carries full financial and legal liability. All strategic decisions, ownership rights, and major approvals remain with the parent company. The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Federal Foreign Companies Committee oversee registration, ensuring that the branch complies with UAE laws while staying tied to its global headquarters.

To set up a branch office in Dubai, the parent company must be fully established and active for at least one year in its home country. Once registered, the branch can operate just like the main company: providing services, executing projects, issuing invoices, and signing legally binding contracts under the parent company's name. This structure gives businesses a seamless way to expand into the UAE while keeping their brand, processes, and international standards consistent across markets. It is especially useful for companies wanting controlled expansion without creating a separate entity.

For mainland operations, appointing a Local Service Agent (LSA) is mandatory, but the LSA does not hold any ownership or influence over business activities. Their role is limited to facilitating government procedures and ensuring compliance with local regulations. This setup gives companies full operational control with straightforward administrative steps, making the branch office model ideal for foreign companies looking to test the UAE market, strengthen regional presence, or manage long-term projects with minimal restructuring.