Branch Office Setup Services in the UAE

UAE branch office registration for foreign and local parent companies, letting you operate under the parent's name and activity.

A branch office lets an existing UAE or foreign parent company operate in a new emirate or free zone under its own name, without incorporating a separate legal entity. We handle registration with the relevant authority, including parent company document attestation and the activity approval that branch registration requires.

Because a branch operates under the parent’s legal identity, we align its VAT and Corporate Tax registrations with the parent company’s existing filings so nothing is reported twice or missed.

Key Benefits

Operate under your existing company name and activity, no new legal entity
Parent company document attestation and legalisation handled for you
Registration coordinated with the parent company's tax filings
Works across both Mainland and free zone branch registrations

Our Process

Confirm activity and target jurisdiction for the branch
Attest and legalise parent company documents
Submit branch registration and obtain approval
Complete licence issuance and align tax registrations

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a branch office need its own share capital?

No, a branch is not a separate legal entity and does not require its own share capital; it operates as an extension of the parent company.

What documents does the parent company need to provide?

Typically a Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, board resolution approving the branch, and a Power of Attorney, all attested and legalised for use in the UAE.

Can a foreign company open a Mainland branch with 100% foreign ownership?

Yes, branch registration does not require a local shareholder, though a local service agent may be required for certain activities depending on the emirate.

Is the parent company liable for the branch's obligations?

Yes, because the branch is legally part of the parent company rather than a separate entity, the parent bears liability for the branch's activities and obligations.

How does branch registration differ between Mainland and free zone?

The core requirements are similar, but the licensing authority, permitted activities and approval timeline differ. We confirm the right route once we know your target activity and location.

Can a branch register for VAT and Corporate Tax separately from the parent?

The branch is generally covered under the parent's tax registration rather than registering independently, and we align the filings accordingly.