A branch is an extension of the foreign parent with no separate legal personality. A subsidiary LLC is an independent UAE entity with its own shareholders and liability structure.
Branch Office
Branch Office Setup Dubai
Establish your foreign company branch in Dubai with DET registration and compliant local representation — KPM Global Services manages branch licensing, activity scope, and establishment card activation.
- Foreign Parent Companies
- DET Branch Licence
- UAE Market Presence
Branch Setup
Branch Office Setup Dubai
1Assess
2Approve
3Register
4Operate
Extend without new entity
Branch operates under parent company identity.
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UAE Clients Served
15+
Years UAE Experience
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Advisor Support
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Service Verticals
Overview
Dubai branch office registration explained
Branch office setup in Dubai allows an existing foreign company to register a UAE branch with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), operating under the parent company name without creating a separate legal entity.
Unlike a subsidiary LLC, a branch cannot conduct activities beyond those of the parent company and typically requires a UAE national service agent. The parent company bears full legal liability for branch operations.
KPM Global Services coordinates board resolutions, attested parent documents, MOA amendments, local service agent appointment, and DET branch licence issuance for multinational groups entering the UAE market.
Who This Is For
Companies suited to Dubai branch setup
- Multinational corporations testing UAE market before full subsidiary
- Foreign contractors executing specific UAE projects under parent brand
- Regional headquarters extending commercial presence to Dubai
- Professional firms operating under global firm name and standards
- Trading companies establishing UAE distribution without new shareholders
- Groups preferring branch structure for consolidated reporting
How We Help
Branch office setup services
Structure assessment
Advise branch versus subsidiary LLC based on liability, tax, and banking.
Parent documentation
Coordinate attestation of board resolutions, certificates, and MOA abroad.
Local service agent
Appoint compliant UAE national service agent per DET requirements.
DET branch filing
Submit branch registration with activity scope matching parent licence.
Office & Ejari
Secure Ejari-registered premises meeting branch office rules.
Establishment & visas
Activate immigration file and process branch manager visas.
Process
Six steps to Dubai branch registration
- 1
Feasibility review
Confirm branch suitability versus subsidiary for your UAE plans.
- 2
Parent documents
Obtain and attest board resolution, certificate of incorporation, and MOA.
- 3
Initial approval
Reserve branch name and obtain DET preliminary approval.
- 4
Tenancy & agent
Register Ejari lease and appoint local service agent.
- 5
Branch filing
Submit complete branch application and pay DET fees.
- 6
Licence & operations
Collect branch licence, open establishment, and commence UAE activity.
Documents
Branch office setup documents
- Board resolution authorising UAE branch establishment
- Certificate of incorporation attested by UAE embassy and MOFA
- Memorandum and Articles of Association of parent company
- Audited financial statements of parent (typically last two years)
- Passport copies of branch manager and authorised signatory
- Power of attorney for local representative if applicable
- Ejari-registered tenancy contract for branch office
- Local service agent agreement and Emirates ID
Pricing
Branch office setup cost factors
Branch setup costs include attestation, DET fees, and ongoing agent charges.
- Parent company document attestation and legalisation abroad
- DET branch licence and registration government fees
- Commercial office rent and Ejari registration
- Local service agent annual fee
- Visa quota, establishment card, and PRO service charges
Attestation timelines abroad affect total project duration. KPM Global Services scopes attestation separately.
Timeline
Branch office setup timeline
2–4 weeks
Attestation
Parent documents legalised in home country and UAE.
3–5 days
Initial approval
Branch name reserved and DET preliminary consent obtained.
1–2 weeks
Filing
Complete branch application submitted to DET.
2–3 weeks
Licence issued
Branch trade licence released; establishment activated.
Avoid Mistakes
Branch office setup mistakes
- Choosing branch when subsidiary LLC better suits liability and banking needs
- Listing branch activities broader than parent company licence abroad
- Incomplete attestation chain causing DET rejection
- Ignoring local service agent obligations and renewal
- Underestimating office requirements for branch visa quota
- Assuming branch profits are automatically tax-exempt in parent country
Why KPM
Why Choose KPM Global Services
UAE-focused advisory
Practical guidance on Dubai branch office setup 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.
Free Consultation
Request a Quote — Branch Office Setup Dubai
Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.
FAQ
Branch Office Setup Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about branch office setup dubai in the UAE.
Ready to get started with Branch Office Setup Dubai?
Speak with KPM Global Services for practical UAE guidance — free consultation, no obligation.