Setting up a branch office in Dubai gives your business access to the growing markets of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With a strong economy, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly laws, Dubai is a great choice for international companies. Mehar Business Solution LLC helps with every step from getting approvals and licenses to meeting legal requirements and planning future growth to make your entry into the UAE market smooth and easy.
A branch office is not a separate legal entity but an extension of your existing company. It allows you to:
Understand the best structure for your business expansion:
A branch office operates as an extension of the parent company, with the parent company responsible for all its obligations. It does not have a separate legal identity and is usually faster and easier to set up. This option is ideal for companies that want to test the market or expand their existing operations.
A subsidiary company is a separate legal entity with its own liability. It provides limited liability protection for the parent company and requires a minimum share capital with a more formal setup. It involves more complex management and compliance but is suitable for long-term and fully established operations.
Every branch office must appoint a UAE national or company as a Local Service Agent. The LSA handles government correspondence, licensing approvals, and other administrative requirements. Mehar Business Solution LLC can assist in identifying and managing this relationship to ensure smooth processing. Learn more about our Local Service Agent services
Prepare your application with supporting documents such as the parent company Memorandum and Articles of Association, certificate of incorporation, board resolution, and power of attorney. The Ministry of Economy will review and forward your application to the Federal Foreign Companies Committee.
Once federal approval is granted, submit your trade license application to the Department of Economic Development (DED). Choose business activities carefully to reflect your parent company’s values and comply with UAE regulations. Check our detailed guide on business licenses in Dubai.
Dubai requires physical office space or flexi-desk options. After leasing, register your office with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other relevant municipal authorities. Explore our office space rental solutions.
Apply for employee visas, work permits, and Emirates IDs as needed. Our professional PRO services in Dubai streamline immigration and labour compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
The total cost to establish a branch office typically ranges from AED 80,000 to AED 120,000, varying based on business activity, office location, and service fees. The setup process usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks. For a detailed breakdown, visit our pricing page.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing attestations or errors in board resolutions can delay approvals. Our expert team at Mehar Business Solution LLC thoroughly reviews all documents before submission to prevent such issues. Learn more about our document attestation services.
Activity Selection Errors
No. A Local Service Agent is mandatory for administrative purposes but holds no ownership or equity in the branch.
Yes. Branch offices can sponsor visas and employ staff under UAE labor laws. Find out more about our visa and immigration services
Trade licenses must be renewed annually. Mehar Business Solution LLC offers ongoing license renewal and compliance services.
Trade licenses must be renewed annually. Mehar Business Solution LLC offers ongoing license renewal and compliance services.
Typically, it takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on document readiness and government processing times.
