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Setup a Foreign Company in the UAE
Looking to expand your existing company into the UAE with a branch office setup in Dubai without incorporating an entirely new parent-owned business structure? You have landed at the right place.
A Dubai Branch Office Setup allows an established foreign company to build a legal presence in the UAE and conduct approved business activities under the parent company’s name. For international companies planning to enter the Dubai market, a branch company formation in Dubai can provide greater operational control, brand continuity, and direct access to new customers while remaining connected to the overseas parent company.
Here at Dahhan Business Services, we assist foreign companies with the complete branch setup process, including document processing, required approvals, office requirements, and post-setup support. Schedule a free consultation with our experts now to get started with your branch office setup process.
Get a Free Branch Office Setup Consultation
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A branch office in Dubai is an extension of an existing company rather than a completely separate company with its own shareholders. The parent company remains responsible for the branch, and a Dubai branch operate under the parent company’s corporate identity and approved business activities. This makes a branch structure suitable for established international businesses that want to expand into Dubai while maintaining:
A foreign company branch can remain fully connected to and controlled by its overseas parent company.
A branch allows an international business to expand while maintaining the identity and reputation of its existing parent company.
Because the branch is an extension of the parent company, it does not require the same shareholder structure as a newly incorporated subsidiary.
Dubai can serve as a regional base for companies expanding into the UAE, GCC and wider Middle East markets.
Foreign Company Branch Dubai - Let's Get Started
Expanding your existing company into Dubai involves multiple approvals, documents, and government procedures. Dahhan Business Services simplifies the entire branch office setup process, helping you establish your UAE presence smoothly and efficiently.
From initial consultation and activity selection to licensing and final approvals, we guide you through every stage of your branch office setup.
We coordinate with the relevant UAE authorities and assist with approvals, documentation, attestations, translations, and other government procedures.
Our team understands UAE business regulations and helps you choose the right branch structure based on your parent company, activities, and expansion plans.
Let's Calculate the Cost of Business Setup
The cost of opening a branch office in Dubai depends heavily on the business activity, jurisdiction, office requirements and government approvals. Our business consultants in Dubai can provide a customized business setup estimate. Based on the parent company country, business activity, number of employees, and the preferred mainland or free zone location. Get a customised Branch Office Setup cost estimate based on your parent company, activity, office requirements and preferred jurisdiction.
Why Business Owners Prefer Branch Office Business Setup Dubai
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Maintain full control of the Dubai branch through your existing parent company.
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Establish a legal presence in Dubai and serve clients across the UAE and wider region.
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Operate as an extension of your existing company while maintaining your established brand and corporate identity.
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Get assistance with licensing, government approvals, documentation, visas, tax registration, and ongoing compliance.
Explore a wide range of business setup solutions tailored to your needs.
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From AED 11,999: Full Mainland Package
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With Sharjah mainland company formation, you can:
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Clear your Queries on Business Setup & PRO Services UAE
Find quick answers to common questions about business setup in Dubai, business support services, and ongoing compliance.
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Is a Dubai branch a separate legal entity?
A branch operates as an extension of its parent company rather than as an independently owned subsidiary. This means the choice between a branch and LLC/subsidiary should be considered carefully from both legal and tax perspectives.
Can a branch office generate revenue in Dubai?
A properly licensed branch may conduct the business activities authorised under its UAE licence. This differs from a representative office, which is restricted from carrying on commercial activity under the Commercial Companies Law.
How much does branch office setup in Dubai cost?
There is no single fixed total because costs depend on licensing, activity, premises, approvals, document attestation and visas. The Ministry currently lists AED 3,500 for initial approval and AED 7,500 for its foreign branch registration service, with additional Dubai licensing and setup expenses applying.
Can a foreign company open a branch office in Dubai?
Yes. A foreign company can establish a branch in Dubai after obtaining the required licences, approvals and registrations. For mainland foreign branches, Ministry of Economy and Tourism and relevant Dubai licensing procedures may apply.
How long does it take to open a branch office in Dubai?
The timeline depends mainly on document preparation, attestation, licensing authority approvals and the business activity. Individual Ministry procedures may take around one to three working days once a complete application reaches that particular stage, but the full company setup process takes longer.
Do I need a UAE national partner to open a Dubai branch?
No. Current UAE Commercial Companies Law does not generally require a foreign company branch to appoint a UAE national agent.
Can a branch carry out activities different from the parent company?
The proposed branch activities are reviewed as part of the licensing process and should be supported by the parent company's corporate and activity documents. Activities also remain subject to the UAE authority responsible for licensing that particular business.
Real Experiences. Real Results.
Our clients trust us to simplify complex business processes and deliver reliable outcomes. Here’s what entrepreneurs and corporates say about working with Dahhan Business Services.
We’ve had a very smooth experience working with Dahhan Services. A special mention to Abby, Kat, and Jaffar- they are all very accommodating, responsive, and always helpful with our inquiries and PRO-related needs.They communicate clearly, follow up promptly, and make the entire process much easier and stress-free. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable corporate and PRO services.
Dahhan Services is highly recommended. You can never go wrong choosing Dahhan for visa processing and other PRO services. Special thanks to Ms. Abby, who has been incredibly patient and hands-on throughout all the processes and services we availed. She communicates very well and guided us through every step. Additionally, they offer the best service rates compared to other agencies.
Noreen was incredible, she was supremely helpful and is more than knowledgeable. She was available immediately and totally exceeded expectations.
It is always a pleasure working with Dahhan Business Service for our company visa renewal and PRO services. From start to finish, the process was seamless and stress-free.
I highly recommend this firm for Visa processing. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free, providing clear guidance every step of the way. Their expertise in local regulations and efficient handling of paperwork saved me significant time. If you're looking to establish Visa & Medical assistance, this team delivers excellent, dependable support. special mention to *Ms.Noreen* who managed to secure the application accordingly and easy to deal with and very approachable.
Dahhan Business services has always provided us the best and prompt services. I would highly recommend them to everyone for the visa and PRO services. Me and company are highly satisfied with your services. I would like to specially appreciate the PRO coordinator Ms. Sheena Alicaway for her special efforts in the visa processing. Hoping to continue our long relationship in future as well.
Dahhan PRO coordinators are super experienced and very approachable. Special mention to Ms. Noreen, who managed to secure the residency applications within 7 working days only.Easy to deal with and nice personality.
Thank you so much Dahhan Business Services for a seamless transactions for my children's Family Visa. No hustle, very prompt updates from the coordinator and PRO. Special thanks to Ms. Mary Ann and Ms. Sheena for unwavering support. Highly recommend and surely will promote and endorse you guys for all our future transactions.
One of the first decisions when planning a Dubai branch office setup is choosing the appropriate jurisdiction.
A mainland branch office is often more suitable for companies whose main objective is doing business directly within Dubai and the wider UAE market.
A free zone branch may suit companies seeking a presence within a particular industry ecosystem or free zone business setup Dubai.
The right option should be selected based on your target customers, activity, location requirements and long-term expansion plans rather than only the initial licence cost.
Although requirements can differ according to the activity and country of incorporation, commonly required documents include:
Depending on the application, authorities may request:
Foreign corporate documents may also need appropriate attestation and legal translation before being accepted in the UAE. The Ministry specifically requires duly attested documents for its foreign branch initial approval process.
Established foreign companies that want to expand their existing operations into the UAE can consider opening a branch office in Dubai. Depending on the proposed activities and jurisdictions, UAE and free zone companies may also establish branches subject to the relevant licensing requirements and approvals.
There is no single timeline for every branch office application.
The overall duration depends on:
For individual Ministry procedures, current government service cards indicate processing periods of approximately one to three working days for certain approval/registration stages once a complete application has been submitted.
However, the complete Dubai branch setup usually takes longer because the Ministry procedure is only one part of the overall licensing process.
Corporate Tax should be considered before opening a foreign branch in the UAE.
A fixed place of business such as a branch or office may constitute a Permanent Establishment in the UAE for Corporate Tax purposes. Income attributable to a UAE Permanent Establishment of a non-resident juridical person can fall within UAE Corporate Tax.
Under the standard UAE Corporate Tax regime, the general rates are:
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000
9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
subject to the Corporate Tax Law, applicable exemptions, tax treaties and special rules.
International groups should obtain appropriate tax advice before deciding between a branch and subsidiary because the tax treatment can depend on the parent company's jurisdiction and applicable double-tax treaty.
VAT requirements depend on the branch's taxable activities and tax status.
For UAE-resident businesses, the general mandatory VAT registration threshold is AED 375,000 in taxable supplies and imports, while voluntary registration may be possible from AED 187,500 subject to FTA requirements. Different registration rules can apply to non-resident businesses making taxable supplies in the UAE.
Dahhan Business Services can also assist with VAT registration, Corporate Tax registration, accounting and bookkeeping after the branch is established.
Opening a branch involves more than obtaining a trade licence. Foreign corporate documents, approvals, activity selection, licensing and post-registration compliance must all be coordinated correctly.
With 13+ years of experience in UAE corporate services, Dahhan Business Services, the business setup Dubai and PRO Services Dubai has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and companies with business setup and ongoing compliance requirements. Dahhan states that it has supported 15,000+ entrepreneurs and companies and completed 10,000+ business formations.
Branch Structure Consultation
We assess whether a mainland branch, free zone branch or separate UAE company better suits your expansion plans.
Document Review & MOFA Attestation Support
We help identify the parent-company documents required before submission.
Government Approval Coordination
Support with the applicable Ministry, DET and other authority procedures.
Trade Licence Assistance
End-to-end coordination until the branch licensing requirements are completed.
PRO & Visa Services
Assistance with establishment procedures, employee visas and government documentation.
Tax & Accounting Support
Corporate Tax, VAT, bookkeeping services Dubai and ongoing compliance assistance.
Dedicated Consultant
One point of contact throughout the branch setup process.
Dubai offers established international companies an opportunity to enter one of the region's major commercial markets without necessarily creating an entirely new corporate structure.
However, the right setup depends on your parent company's activities, country of incorporation, target market and operational plans.
Our consultants can assess your requirements and recommend whether a Dubai mainland branch, free zone branch or separate subsidiary is the most suitable option.
Speak with Dahhan Business Services for a clear breakdown of the requirements, documents, government fees, timeline and setup process based on your parent company.
Dahhan Business Services is a private consultancy, not affiliated with any government authority. We assist with company formation and related business services in the UAE.
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