Are you a foreign investor or an entrepreneur seeking to expand your business in the UAE by opening a branch office in Dubai? You are not alone. Dubai, being one of the fastest growing economies, has become one of the hottest attractions for foreign investors. Dozens of multi-national companies are opening representative offices and branches in Dubai and grow their businesses at a much faster pace.

However, before setting up a branch office in Dubai, it is necessary that you have an extensive due diligence to make sure the business structure you are planning to adopt suits your commercial objectives.

Considering the influx of foreign businesses into the metropolis, authorities have devised an easy and quick way for establishing a branch office in Dubai. But you need to hire services of a consultant firm registered in Dubai to help you set up a branch office ensuring you opt for a the right business structure and fulfill all the regulatory requirements.

Expand Tax and Businessmen Services will make the process of opening a branch office in Dubai quick, easy, simple and clear as possible. Our team of experts will guide you in detail through every step, to make the process hassle free for you.

Types of branch offices you can open in Dubai

You can establish one of the two main types of branch offices in Dubai

1. Branch offices set up in mainland Dubai
2. Branch offices set up in free zone

The main difference between these two branch types is that free zone business are subject to the registration and licensing requirements as set by the authority in which they operate. Also, free zone businesses are subject to specific share capital requirements.

On the other hand, establishing a branch office in Dubai mainland does not require minimum share capital.

If you are finding it difficult to decide where to set up a branch office in Dubai, our highly friendly and cooperative local consultants can help you decide the location. Besides, we can also help you with the registration process for opening a branch office in Dubai.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process

Step 1: Choose the right location for your office

A branch office can be established in mainland Dubai or dedicated free zones. The difference is made by the taxation system, as well as other facilities.

Step 2: File an application for your office setup

Initiate the process by filing an application with the Ministry of Economy. When submitting the application, you will also be asked to provide a service agent agreement. One customary condition to initiate the application process is to have a UAE national as your service agent.

Step 3: Get Ministry of Economy Consent form

The Ministry of Economy will then send your application for approval to the Economic Department of Dubai or the relevant emirate in which you plan to set up a branch office. The Ministry of Economy provides an agreement only after the local government body approves the application.

Step 4: Get the ministerial license

Once the relevant local government body approves the application, Ministry of Economy issues license to the company. The license will also define the kind of business activities the company can undertake.

Step 4: Get your business license in Dubai

This is the most crucial stage of the entire process. The local Economic Department will register your branch office after reviewing all the required documents necessary approvals. Once your branch office will be registered, the local body will issue the Business License.

Step 5: Get Registered with the Commercial Authorities

Once you have obtained all the necessary approvals and licenses, register your branch office in Dubai with the local commercial authorities and start operations. While registering with some local authorities is optional, you are required to register your branch office with the Ministry of Economic Companies Register and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

Contact us

If you want to establish your branch office in Dubai and wondering how to get started the process? How much cost is involved? freezone or mainland office setup?  or any other question comes to your mind then reach out to our experienced team at Expand Tax and Businessmen Services. Avoid the lengthy process of branch registration and running after the concerned authorities to obtain regulatory approvals, contact Expand Tax and Businessmen Services and we will take care of the entire process. We are a leading business consultancy firm in Dubai offering assistance in registering all types of businesses in Dubai and all over the UAE.

To know more about establishing a branch office in Dubai and other business setup services we offer, call us now and speak to our friendly business consultants.