Foreign Company Branch Setup Dubai | International Expansion UAE

Benefits:

Maintain Full Corporate Identity And Control

Maintain full corporate identity and control with a branch structure that operates as a direct extension of your parent company. Our branch setup solutions ensure complete foreign ownership without local partner requirements while offering full profit repatriation capabilities and direct operational control from your headquarters.

Minimize Startup Capital Requirements

Minimize startup capital requirements compared to establishing a new subsidiary entity. Our branch formation services help you leverage your parent company's existing financial strength and brand reputation, reducing initial investment needs while maintaining operational capabilities identical to a full subsidiary.

Access The Strategic MENA Market

Access the strategic MENA market through Dubai's position as a regional hub. Our branch setup provides your business with a legitimate physical presence to conduct full commercial activities throughout the UAE and wider region, supported by Dubai's world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment.

Benefit From Dubai's Strategic Location And Connectivity

Benefit from Dubai's strategic location and connectivity for regional expansion. Our branch establishment services help position your business to leverage the emirate's exceptional logistics capabilities, extensive trade networks, and proximity to major emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The Best Business Licences in the UAE Mainland

Mainland offer distinct advantages depending on the industry and niche. Here are some of the common business licence types you can obtain in a UAE Mainland.

Trading

A trading licence is issued to a Freezone company setup that is engaged in buying, selling, or trading goods. It's perfect for retailers and wholesalers.

Ecommerce

As the name suggests, an ecommerce licence is good for web stores that sell goods and products online.

Media

Media, publishing, and broadcasting companies require this licence to operate legally in a Free Zone.

Consultancy

This licence is useful for businesses that provide professional consulting solutions, such as legal advice and accounting services.

Freelance

This licence is ideal for solo professionals (freelancers) who offer services like writing, design, web development and consultancy.

Manufacturing

If your Freezone company setup involves producing and manufacturing goods, this licence fits the bill.

General Trading

If your business involves storing and distributing goods, this licence will provide the green light to you.

Training Institute

If your Freezone business setup in UAE offers education and training services, you need this licence to operate schools or training centres as per your requirements.

Our qualified team will
accompany you all the way

Julia
Founder

Vera
Sales manager

Ekaterina
Director

Irina
Business Developer

Join 10,000 Happy Customers

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the possibilities that await you.

Top-rated business setup consultancy in Dubai on Google

Olga Sharandina

Excellent accounting service! I used the company's services to open our own enterprise, and were pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and efficiency. Accountants not only helped me with all the necessary paperwork, but also continue to support m company in our business activities. They are always in touch, ready to help and answer all questions. I recommend this company to everyone who values quality and reliability in accounting.

Oleg Alipyev

We've been outsourcing our legal part with this company since the beginning of 2023. The company has great managers with a solid ability of the managers to solve complex tasks. Also they could explain every step and tell you what they're doing and why.

Natalia Dudareva

We have been working with SNM Startup-N-Marketing for almost two years - this time is enough to be convinced of the professionalism of the team. I express my deep gratitude to Julia, Saltanat and Jamilya for their help, advice and participation in our business. Thank you!

Darwin Dev

We’ve been working with StartUpNMarketing for over a year and they have really helped us improve in terms of website SEO and getting responses. We are able to increase revenue generated on online orders thanks to Vera and her team. Timely monthly reports and timely responses sent without follow ups. Keep it up and thank you!

Yuliya Mineeva

Amazing service. They helped me with my company opening, updating my trade license, getting visas and much much more. Accounting services are also provided by SNM and Im absolutely satisfied. Should mentioned that Im not the best client - not really well organized and a lot of my requests are very spontaneous. Already recommended SNM to my friends and colleagues.Thanks to Yuliya and Jamilya!

Questions and Answers

Can a foreign branch be converted to a local LLC later?

Yes, conversion to a local LLC is possible through a specific legal process, though it essentially involves establishing a new entity rather than a simple conversion.

Can a foreign branch engage in any business activity in the UAE?

Foreign branches can conduct the same activities as their parent company, subject to UAE licensing requirements and restrictions on certain sectors.

Can a foreign branch sponsor employees in the UAE?

Yes, foreign branches can sponsor employees through the normal visa process, with quotas generally based on office space and business activities.

Does a foreign branch require a local partner or sponsor?

No, foreign branches can be 100% foreign-owned. However, they require a National Service Agent (NSA) who does not have any ownership or operational control.

How long does it take to establish a foreign branch in Dubai?

Standard setup takes 4-6 weeks for most industries. Regulated sectors like financial services, healthcare, or education may require additional approvals taking 8-12 weeks.

Is a physical office mandatory for foreign branches?

Yes, a physical office location is mandatory for all foreign branches in Dubai. Virtual offices are not permitted for branch operations.

What are the tax implications for foreign branches in the UAE?

Foreign branches are subject to UAE Corporate Tax and must comply with Economic Substance Regulations. Profit repatriation is permitted without withholding taxes.

What is the minimum capital requirement for a foreign branch?

There is no statutory minimum capital requirement, though regulatory authorities may assess capital adequacy based on your business activities and industry sector.

Our News and Articles

Features	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Trade Name Reservation & Approval
Initial Business Approval
Drafting & Notarization of LSA, MOA, AOA
1-Year Business License Issuance
Registration with Chamber of Commerce
Investor or Partner Visa Processing
Medical Screening for Investor/Owner
Biometric Registration for Owners & Shareholders
Establishment of LLC Business Structure
Immigration Department Registration
Business Activity Classification	Service / Consulting	Service / Commercial	Service / Commercial
DET Commercial Registration Issuance
Company Seal Procurement
Automated Alerts for License, Visa & ID Renewals
Virtual Office Registration (Ejari)
Ministry of Labor Registration
Year-Round Assistance for Licensing & Immigration
Support for Corporate Bank Account Setup
Professional Accounting & Bookkeeping Services*
VAT Registration & Compliance
Business Corporate Tax Registration
Workforce Visa Quota Allocation
MOHRE Wage Protection System (WPS) Registration
Regulatory Compliance (ESR, UBO, AML)
Annual Financial Audit & Reporting
VAT Filing & Reporting Services
Corporate Tax Compliance & Filing
STANDARD PRICING	AED 29,500 Choose Silver	AED 50,500 Choose Gold	AED 86,500 Choose Platinum

Features	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Business Consultation
100% Foreign Ownership
Business License for 1 Year
LLC Structure
Activity Type	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce
Access to reminders and notifications on License, Visa and ID renewal
Flexi Office
1 Lifetime Visa
Medical Fitness Test of Owner / Investo
Biometric for Owner / Shareholder
Corporate Tax Registration
Assistance in Bank Account Opening
VAT Registration
Accounting & Bookkeeping*
Annual Support for License, Visa, Immigration, and Labor Services
Financial Compliance Services (ESR, UBO, AML)
Audit of the Accounts
VAT Return Filing Services
Corporate Tax Return Filing Services
STANDARD PRICING	AED 5,750 Choose Silver	AED 12,000 Choose Gold	AED 49,500 Choose Platinum

Foreign Company Branch in Dubai, UAE