Can a foreign branch have 100% foreign ownership?

Yes. Branches are fully owned by the parent. A UAE local service agent is required, not a shareholder.

What is the difference between branch and subsidiary LLC?

Branch is not a separate legal entity; parent is liable. LLC is distinct UAE entity with its own shareholders and governance.

Does a foreign branch need a local partner?

No local equity partner. A local service agent fulfils mainland administrative requirements.

What parent documents must be legalised?

Typically incorporation certificate, MOA, board resolution, good standing, and power of attorney through embassy and MOFA.

Can a foreign branch sponsor UAE visas?

Yes. Branches obtain establishment cards and sponsor manager and employee visas subject to quota rules.

Is Corporate Tax applicable to foreign branches?

Yes. UAE branches of foreign companies are generally within Corporate Tax scope and must register with FTA.

How long does foreign branch registration take?

Typically 6–10 weeks including legalisation, depending on parent country and activity approvals.

Can branches bid for UAE government contracts?

Often yes for mainland branches with appropriate activities and registrations, subject to tender requirements.

Does KPM Global Services handle parent document attestation?

Yes. We coordinate full legalisation chains from parent jurisdiction through UAE MOFA.

Foreign Company Branch Dubai | Mainland Branch Registration | KPM Global

Overview

Foreign company branch registration in Dubai explained

A foreign company branch in Dubai is an extension of an overseas parent entity registered with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — permitted to conduct the same activities as the parent within UAE mainland subject to activity approval and sector regulations.

Unlike a new LLC, a branch does not require UAE national shareholders. The parent company remains fully liable, and branch operations must align with the parent's constitutional documents and approved business scope.

KPM Global Services manages foreign branch setup end-to-end: parent board resolutions, embassy and MOFA legalisation chains, DET application, local service agent (LSA) coordination, establishment card, and banking introductions.

Who This Is For

Foreign branch registration clients

Multinational groups entering UAE mainland without local equity partners
Regional headquarters expanding existing overseas operations into Dubai
Construction, engineering, and consultancy firms executing UAE project contracts
Financial and professional services with regulated parent entities
Trading companies needing mainland client invoicing and government tenders
Parents restructuring from representative office to full branch operations

How We Help

Foreign branch setup support

Structure assessment

Compare branch versus subsidiary LLC based on liability, tax, and banking needs.

Parent legalisation

Coordinate certificate of incorporation, MOA, and board resolution attestation.

DET branch filing

Submit trade name, activity approval, and branch registration application.

Local service agent

Appoint compliant LSA and prepare notarised agency agreements.

Immigration setup

Establishment card, manager visa, and employee quota planning.

Banking & tax onboarding

Corporate account guidance, VAT, and Corporate Tax registration.

Process

Foreign branch registration steps

1
Eligibility review
Confirm parent status, activities, and sector approvals required for branch.
2
Document legalisation
Attest parent incorporation, good standing, and board resolutions.
3
DET initial approval
Reserve branch name and obtain activity consent from DET.
4
Tenancy & LSA
Secure Ejari office contract and appoint local service agent.
5
Branch licence
Complete registration and receive mainland branch trade licence.
6
Operational activation
Establishment card, visas, bank account, and tax registrations.

Documents

Foreign branch registration documents

Parent certificate of incorporation and memorandum of association
Board resolution authorising Dubai branch establishment
Audited parent financial statements (typically last two years)
Power of attorney for authorised signatory in UAE
Passport copies of branch manager and parent directors
Legalised good standing certificate from parent jurisdiction
Tenancy contract with Ejari for mainland office address
Local service agent agreement and Emirates ID of LSA

Pricing

Foreign branch setup cost factors

Branch costs exceed standard LLC setup due to legalisation and parent documentation.

Parent company document legalisation and embassy attestation chain
DET branch registration and trade licence government fees
Office tenancy — physical space typically required for branches
Local service agent annual fees
Manager visa, establishment card, and PRO processing

Exact government fees depend on activity and licence type. KPM Global Services provides itemised quotes after parent jurisdiction review.

Timeline

Foreign branch registration timeline

2–4 weeks

Legalisation

Parent documents attested through embassy and MOFA.

1–2 weeks

DET approval

Trade name and activity initial consent.

2–3 weeks

Licence issuance

Branch trade licence issued after tenancy and LSA.

2–4 weeks

Activation

Establishment, visas, and banking completed.

Avoid Mistakes

Foreign branch registration mistakes

Submitting incomplete parent legalisation causing months of delay
Selecting branch activities wider than parent MOA permits
Using virtual office where DET requires physical premises for branch
Ignoring sector NOCs for regulated parent activities
Appointing LSA without understanding ongoing compliance obligations
Assuming branch is separate legal entity — parent retains full liability

Why KPM

Why Choose KPM Global Services

UAE-focused advisory

Practical guidance on foreign company branch registration in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.

Clear documentation

Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.

Connected services

Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.

No generic templates

Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.

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FAQ

Foreign Company Branch Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers about foreign company branch dubai in the UAE.

A mainland extension of an overseas parent company registered with DET, conducting parent activities in UAE without UAE shareholders.

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Foreign Company Branch Dubai