A mainland extension of an overseas parent company registered with DET, conducting parent activities in UAE without UAE shareholders.
Foreign Branch
Foreign Company Branch Dubai
Establish a Dubai mainland branch of your overseas parent company — KPM Global Services coordinates DET foreign branch registration, parent company legalisation, local service agent appointment, and immigration setup for regional market entry.
- DET Mainland Branch
- Parent Legalisation
- Local Service Agent
Branch Setup
Foreign Company Branch Dubai
1Qualify
2Legalise
3Register
4Operate
Mainland market access
100% parent ownership; no separate UAE shareholders.
500+
UAE Clients Served
15+
Years UAE Experience
24/7
Advisor Support
8
Service Verticals
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.
Free Consultation
Request a Quote — Foreign Company Branch Dubai
Share your requirements and our UAE advisory team will respond with practical next steps and a transparent scope.
FAQ
Foreign Company Branch Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about foreign company branch dubai in the UAE.
Ready to get started with Foreign Company Branch Dubai?
Speak with KPM Global Services for practical UAE guidance — free consultation, no obligation.