UAE Branch Office Setup for International Businesses

Extend your international business operations into the UAE by establishing a branch office—this serves as an excellent option for foreign businesses aiming to evaluate the market, assist regional clients, or deliver after-sales services without the need to form a new legal entity. A branch operates as a legally dependent extension of your overseas parent company, functioning under its name, liabilities, and commercial authority.

Branch offices are appropriate for

Global corporations entering the Middle Eastern market

Regulated entities needing a local presence (such as banks, insurance firms, and legal consultancies)

Foreign producers or service providers that require direct support

Businesses pursuing contracts with the UAE government or semi-government entities

At Finjuris, we assist global businesses in setting up a branch or representative office in Dubai or other UAE regions with total foreign ownership.

Key Features

Branch offices offer a streamlined path for foreign companies to operate in the UAE while maintaining full control from their home jurisdiction. Unlike a new company, a branch does not have a separate legal identity; it acts as a direct extension of the parent entity. This structure allows businesses to retain 100% foreign ownership, operate under the same legal name, and earn revenue locally without the need for new share capital or complex restructuring.

At Finjuris Global, we handle every aspect of branch setup, from documentation and licensing to operational integration, ensuring your UAE expansion is legally compliant, strategically sound, and functionally effective. We also offer expert guidance on whether a branch office or a subsidiary would best support your business objectives, helping you choose the model that aligns with your long-term growth plans.

100% foreign ownership kept

Can earn profits and enter contracts in the UAE

Parent company assumes all liability

Operates under the legal name of the parent company

We carry out everything you need to transition your branch seamlessly, legally, and operationally to ensure your parent company remains compliant with applicable laws in the UAE. This means we also provide some level of strategic advice as to whether a branch or subsidiary model is the best alternative and enabling approach for you to meet your objectives.

Perfect For

International brands entering the GCC

Ideal for global companies seeking to test the regional market or establish a formal presence without the cost and complexity of forming a new entity.

Service providers, manufacturers, or consultancy firms

Suitable for firms needing to deliver services directly to UAE clients, including after-sales support, technical services, or consulting engagements.

Entities looking for a UAE footprint without share capital

For foreign companies seeking to establish operations in the UAE without injecting fresh capital or setting up a separate legal entity, a branch office is the ideal structure.

Financial, Legal & Insurance Institutions

For regulated firms (e.g., banks, law firms, insurance companies) needing a UAE-licensed presence to comply with local laws and offer services onshore.

Foreign entities without initial capital plans

Branch structures do not require share capital contributions, making them perfect for companies looking to enter the market cost-effectively.

Your parent company maintains complete control, while we manage local regulatory requirements.

Establishing a branch office in the UAE is a strategic gateway to one of the most dynamic markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It allows foreign businesses to enter the UAE market without creating a new company, thus maintaining continuity of global operations while taking advantage of the UAE's zero-tax regime, central location, and pro-business environment.

A branch office is ideal for companies that want to test local demand, offer after-sales support, build brand presence, or fulfill regulatory requirements without diluting control or investing substantial capital. Unlike subsidiaries, branches maintain full ownership by the parent company and can repatriate profits with fewer restrictions. In sectors like banking, insurance, fintech, and consulting, having a physical UAE branch is often mandatory for regulatory or operational purposes.

In essence, a branch setup combines market entry agility with full parent control, making it an optimal option for global businesses looking to expand in a compliant, cost-effective, and scalable manner.

Why Choose Finjuris for Branch Office Setup?

At Finjuris Global, we don’t just process paperwork; we create a comprehensive operational bridge between your international headquarters and your UAE footprint. From feasibility assessment to post-launch compliance, we provide hands-on support to ensure your branch functions as a seamless, legally aligned extension of your business.

01.

Evaluating whether a branch, subsidiary, or representative office is most suitable for your goals.

02.

Full legal documentation review and attestation, including notarization in both the UAE and country of origin.

03.

Navigating local licensing with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone authorities.

04.

Bank account setup and KYC support, even for complex ownership structures.

05.

Managing local service agents (for mainland branches) in a transparent and compliant manner.

06.

Custom drafting of localized contracts, employment agreements, and compliance policies.

Our multilingual legal and business advisory team works closely with your global leadership to integrate UAE regulatory obligations with international corporate policies, ensuring full operational harmony.

What sets us apart?

Setting up a branch office in the UAE involves more than just licenses and forms—it requires a strategic partner who understands the intersection of international business law, UAE regulatory systems, and operational efficiency.

At Finjuris Global, we combine legal expertise, compliance foresight, and market knowledge to deliver branch office setups that are not only fully compliant but also built for long-term success. Our integrated approach ensures that your branch functions as a seamless, trustworthy extension of your global operations, ready to operate, transact, and scale in the UAE market from day one.

Multi-Jurisdictional Licensing Expertise

Whether you’re choosing DED or Free Zone, we bring deep knowledge of UAE licensing routes, ensuring the fastest and most compliant setup for your branch.

End-to-End Support

From document legalization in your home country to obtaining UAE establishment cards and staff visas, we manage it all under one roof.

Compliance-Integrated Approach

Your branch is set up with pre-built ESR, UBO, and VAT compliance pathways, reducing future audit risks and ensuring alignment with UAE regulations.

Specialized Advisory for Regulated Entities

We offer niche support for regulated sectors like insurance, financial services, tech, and legal consultancies requiring a UAE presence under specific authority guidelines.

Banking and Operational Readiness

We don’t just incorporate your branch; we help you open bank accounts, secure PRO services, and set up accounting/reporting alignment with HQ policies.

From global corporations entering the GCC to highly regulated firms requiring localized presence, our clients trust us because we offer more than just incorporation; we provide confidence, continuity, and compliance. At Finjuris, we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. We tailor each branch setup to reflect your corporate governance, industry standards, and operational goals, ensuring your UAE expansion is smooth, strategic, and secure.

FAQs

What is the legal status of a branch office in the UAE?

A branch office is not an independent legal entity; it is created under the parent.
It may be allowed to conduct commercial activity and generate revenues in the UAE, but legally and financially remain accountable to its parent.

Can a branch office open a corporate bank account in the UAE?

Yes. If it is a branch licensed under UAE law, it can open banking accounts with any local or international bank with a UAE presence. Finjuris helps you prepare KYC documents, collect KYC information, and manage the compliance requirements to make the onboarding process as smooth as possible.

Does a branch office need a Local Sponsor?

A Local Service Agent (LSA) is required for a mainland branch office, but this is not an equity controller and does not interfere with the operations of the branch. In free zones, a branch office does not require an LSA.

Can branch offices submit and participate in UAE Government tenders?

Yes. Branch offices can enter into government contracts and submit tenders, as long as they maintain the correct license and are pre-qualified through the procurement systems as per the rules.

What’s the difference between a branch and a representative office?

A branch office can engage in commercial activities, sign contracts, and generate revenue. In contrast, a representative office is limited to marketing or liaison functions and cannot directly sell products or services.

Does a branch office need to meet Economic Substance Regulations (ESRs)?

Yes, depending on the activities of the parent company and the local branch, ESR filing may be necessary. We assist with ESR evaluation and compliance submissions to ensure alignment.

BRANCH OFFICE SETUP

Grow your international brand within the UAE - without the need to create a new company.