Branch Office in Dubai
Expand your business to Dubai without creating a new legal entity. A branch office lets your parent company operate directly in the UAE market. Maintain 100% control while accessing Middle East opportunities. We'll guide you through the entire registration process.
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.
Steps to Branch Office Formation in Dubai
Setting up a branch office involves obtaining parent company approval, selecting an activity scope, securing a local service agent, obtaining governmental approvals, leasing office space, and receiving your license.
Prepare Parent Company Documentation
Obtain Ministry of Economy Approval
Secure Local Service Agent Agreement
Apply to Federal Foreign Companies Committee
Receive DED Consent and Approvals
Secure Office Lease Agreement
Register Commercial License
Register with Chamber of Commerce
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Benefits of Branch Office in Dubai
100% Foreign Ownership
Maintain complete ownership and control. No local equity partner required. Parent company retains all decision-making.
Direct Market Access
Operate throughout Dubai and UAE mainland. Invoice clients and sign contracts directly. Conduct business under name.
Simplified Setup
Not a separate legal entity means fewer regulatory requirements. Lower compliance burden than establishing subsidiary.
Operational Control
Parent company directs all branch operations and strategy. Unified business policies across parent and branch offices.
Cost Efficiency
Lower setup and administrative costs compared to subsidiary formation. Streamlined licensing and compliance procedures reduce.
Expanded Reach
Leverage parent company's reputation and market presence. Access GCC markets as gateway from Dubai location available.
How Much Does Branch Office Formation Cost in Dubai?
Branch office formation on Dubai Mainland costs AED 50,000 to AED 100,000 for complete setup. License fees range AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 annually depending on business activity. Office rental costs AED 40,000 to AED 150,000 yearly. Local service agent fees range AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 annually. Free zone branch offices cost less, starting at AED 38,000-AED 50,000 with license fees AED 15,000-AED 25,000.
Rizmona manages your branch office registration strategically to control costs efficiently. We guide you toward appropriate activity codes avoiding unnecessary approvals. We secure office space at competitive rates and coordinate directly with the DED and Federal Committee reducing intermediary costs. We handle all documentation properly preventing delays and amendments.
Branch Office Formation Cost Calculator
Review a complete cost breakdown for setting up your branch office in Dubai based on your requirements.
How We Help with Branch Office Formation
Parent Company Review
Parent company documentation review and preparation ensuring complete and accurate submission.
Government Coordination
Federal Foreign Companies Committee and DED liaison handling all governmental interactions.
Local Service Agent Setup
Local Service Agent agreement negotiation and finalization for mainland registration compliance.
Documentation Management
Complete documentation preparation meeting all authority requirements precisely and completely.
Office Space Assistance
Office lease negotiation and Ejari registration support securing appropriate business location.
License Application
Commercial license application and Chamber of Commerce registration from submission to approval.
How Can We Help You?
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