Branch Office Setup in the UAE

Expand Your International Business into the Emirates

For established foreign companies looking to enter the UAE market, opening a Branch Office is a strategic option. A Branch Office allows your parent company to establish a direct presence in the UAE without creating a separate legal entity. The branch operates as an extension of the parent company, conducting the same activities under the parent’s name and reputation. T4ME provides comprehensive branch office setup services, guiding international companies through the registration process.

What is a Branch Office?

A Branch Office is not a separate legal entity; it is an extension of the foreign parent company. Key characteristics include:

Same Legal Identity: The branch operates under the parent company’s name and legal identity.
Same Activities: The branch can only conduct the same activities as the parent company.
Parent Company Liability: The parent company is fully liable for the branch’s obligations.
No Separate Share Capital: The branch does not have its own share capital.

Benefits of a Branch Office

Benefit	Description
Established Brand	Leverage the parent company’s existing brand recognition and reputation.
Direct Market Access	Operate directly in the UAE market (Mainland branch) or within a Free Zone.
No Local Partner Required	100% foreign ownership; no need for a local Emirati partner.
Simplified Structure	No need to create a new legal entity with separate shareholders.
Profit Repatriation	Profits can be repatriated to the parent company.

Branch Office Options

Mainland Branch: – Licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). – Can conduct business throughout the UAE. – Requires a Local Service Agent (UAE national) for administrative liaison with government departments. The LSA has no ownership or management rights.

Free Zone Branch: – Licensed by a specific Free Zone Authority. – Operates within the Free Zone with its associated benefits (tax exemptions, etc.). – No Local Service Agent required.

Requirements for Branch Office Setup

Parent company’s Certificate of Incorporation (attested).
Parent company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (attested).
Board Resolution authorizing the branch opening and appointing a manager.
Power of Attorney for the branch manager.
Passport copies of the branch manager.
Parent company’s audited financial statements.

Our Branch Office Setup Service

Consultation: We assess your parent company’s activities and recommend the best branch setup option (Mainland or Free Zone).
Document Preparation: We guide you in preparing and attesting all required documents.
LSA Arrangement (Mainland): We arrange a reliable Local Service Agent if required.
Registration: We manage the complete registration process with the relevant authority.
Post-Setup Support: We assist with visa processing, bank account opening, and ongoing compliance.

Expand into the UAE

Bring your established business to the UAE market. Contact T4ME for branch office setup services.