No new shareholding structure
The branch inherits the parent’s ownership exactly, no new shareholder agreement or capital contribution required.
- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 GST
- Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
SERVICE · COMPANY FORMATION
Branch Office Registration
Extend your existing company into a new UAE emirate or free zone without forming a new legal entity, the branch inherits your parent company’s name, activities and ownership automatically.
Branch registration, the essentials
- 5–10 working daysTypical timeline
- 100% inheritedOwnership from parent company
- DED or free zoneRegistering authority
- Same activitiesAs the parent licence
Overview
What branch office registration involves
A branch office is a legal extension of your existing company, UAE or foreign, into a new emirate or free zone, not a new company. It carries the parent’s name, ownership structure and permitted activities, so there is no fresh shareholder agreement or capital contribution to arrange.
The trade-off is that the branch cannot conduct activities outside what the parent licence already permits, and mainland branches of foreign companies still need a local service agent. We confirm which structure genuinely fits before you commit to one.
Activity mapping against your parent company’s existing licence
Trade name reservation and initial approval
Parent company document attestation and legalisation
Local service agent agreement, for mainland branches of foreign companies
Licence issuance and establishment card processing
Benefits
Why a branch instead of a new company
Faster than fresh incorporation
With the parent’s documents already attested, branch registration usually clears faster than forming a new entity.
Same activities, new territory
You extend into a new emirate or free zone under the same licensed activities, without redefining your business.
Brand and contract continuity
Contracts, banking relationships and brand reputation carry over from the parent company.
Market access without dilution
Enter a new jurisdiction without bringing in new shareholders or restructuring existing ones.
Combined immigration option
Branch and parent immigration files can often be linked for simpler visa administration.
Who this is for
UAE companies expanding into a different emirate or free zone, and foreign companies establishing a UAE presence without setting up an independent local entity.
When this is not for you
A branch is the wrong structure if you want the UAE entity to carry its own liability. A branch is not a separate legal person, it is the same company operating here, so the parent carries the obligations. It is also the wrong structure if you want to do something the parent company is not licensed to do, because a branch cannot hold activities the parent does not have.
Requirements & Process
Proving the parent company’s standing
Documents & eligibility
Because the branch inherits the parent’s standing, most of the file is about proving and attesting the parent company’s own documents correctly.
Parent company trade licence and Memorandum of Association, attested and legally translated
Board resolution authorising the branch and naming its manager
Power of attorney for the appointed branch manager
Passport copies of directors and the branch manager, valid at least six months
Local service agent agreement, for mainland branches of foreign companies
Proof of the parent company’s good standing (certificate of incumbency or equivalent)
Three proposed trade names in order of preference
Tenancy contract or Ejari registration for the branch premises
Additional documents may be required depending on the parent company’s home jurisdiction and the branch’s licensing authority. We confirm the exact list for your case before any fee is paid.
How it works
Branch registration in 6 stages
With the parent company’s documents already attested, most branch registrations complete within five to ten working days.
01
Activity and scope confirmation
We confirm which of the parent company’s licensed activities the branch will carry, and identify the right jurisdiction.
1 working day02
Trade name reservation
The branch’s trade name, typically matching the parent, is reserved with the registering authority.
1–2 working days03
Parent document attestation
The parent company’s licence, MOA and board resolution are attested and legally translated where required.
2–5 working days04
Application submission
The branch registration application is filed with all supporting parent-company documentation.
1–2 working days05
Licence issuance
The branch trade licence is issued once fees are settled.
1–2 working days06
Establishment card and handover
The immigration establishment card is opened and the complete document pack is handed over.
1–2 working daysExtend your company into a new jurisdiction
Tell us your parent company’s licence and target emirate or free zone, a senior consultant confirms the branch structure and quote in writing, usually within 15 minutes during working hours.
No follow up calls unless you ask
Exact cost in writing
Response within 15 minutes during working hours
