Foreign Company Branch Setup

Expanding Your Business with a Branch or Representative Office in the UAE

The UAE Commercial Law provides foreign companies two effective options for establishing a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE. Both options allow foreign entities to retain 100% ownership while facilitating access to the UAE market.

Full Foreign Branch Office
A Full Foreign Branch Office in the UAE permits your company to engage in all commercial activities licensed to the parent company. This branch functions as a direct extension of your existing operations, allowing you to carry out activities such as consulting, trading, or manufacturing. The branch must meet UAE regulatory standards, securing approval from the Ministry of Economy for its specific activities, ensuring a legally compliant business setup.

Setting up a branch enables your business to gain market entry in the UAE, offering the chance to expand operations and build a local client base. Many companies view this as an effective way to test the market while maintaining control over their international operations.
Representative Office
A Representative Office in the UAE focuses on promotional and marketing activities. Although it cannot engage in direct trade or sales, this office is a valuable tool for brand establishment and market research. By establishing a representative office, you create a physical presence to connect with local clients, promote your brand, and explore the market without fully committing to commercial operations.

This option is ideal for companies seeking market insights before a larger expansion. A representative office helps your brand gain visibility and build connections within the UAE, paving the way for potential future investments.
Requirement for a Service Agent
Both foreign branch offices and representative offices require a service agent for incorporation in the UAE. The service agent is an individual or corporate entity acting as a liaison with UAE authorities. This agent handles document submission and regulatory compliance but has no financial or operational obligations. They play a key role in simplifying compliance with UAE laws, helping your business operate smoothly.
Required Documentation for Branch Registration
To register a branch in Dubai or another UAE emirate, foreign companies must submit specific documents to secure the necessary permits. These documents confirm the parent company’s validity and operational scope, ensuring adherence to UAE standards. Required documents include:

Memorandum of Association (MoA): Outlines the company’s structure and objectives.
Certificate of Incorporation: Confirms the company’s registration in its home country.
Certificate of Good Standing: Validates the company’s legal status.
Board Resolution: Authorizes the branch setup and appoints a branch Manager.
Power of Attorney (PoA): Grants the appointed Manager authority to act on the company’s behalf in the UAE.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the specific business activities. Regulatory authorities may require more paperwork for industry-specific compliance.
How One Stop Solutions Can Assist
Setting up a branch office can seem complex due to the range of requirements and legal considerations. One Stop Solutions can help simplify this process, removing the intimidation factor and making it as smooth as possible. We conduct in-depth research to ensure your new location aligns with authorized business zones for your activities. Our team ensures all documents are prepared for submission and all local regulations are met. With strong local connections, we can get your branch up and running quickly and efficiently.

After your business is operating, we provide a full range of continued services designed to make business life easier. We offer cost-effective solutions tailored to clients’ needs without adding unnecessary fees.
Key Points

Quick Highlights

Options for Foreign Companies:
Full Foreign Branch Office: Operates fully, mirroring the parent company’s commercial activities.

Representative Office: Engages in marketing and brand promotion only, with no direct trade or sales.
Key Benefits:
100% Foreign Ownership: Both structures allow complete foreign ownership, providing a strong presence in the UAE market.

Parent Company Liability: Branches and representative offices are extensions of the parent company, with no separate legal identity.
Service Agent Requirement:
Mandatory Service Agent Both setups need a service agent to manage compliance with UAE regulations; the agent has no financial stake in the business.
Essential Documentation:

  1. Memorandum of Association

  2. Certificate of Incorporation

  3. Certificate of Good Standing

  4. Board Resolution for Branch Setup and Manager Appointment

  5. Power of Attorney for the Appointed Manager

How One Stop Solutions Supports You:
Location and Compliance Guidance: Ensures your location aligns with permitted zones.

Streamlined Document Preparation: All documents are prepared and submitted for compliance.

Continued Support: After your branch is active, ongoing services are available to support operations and efficiency.
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