Branch of a Foreign Company cost (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dubai licence (government) | ≈ AED 11,500–13,500 plus approvals |
| Other emirates | Quote required |
| Office and visas | Extra — see emirate pages |
Dubai figures are government costs published as at July 2026. Where a row says “quote required” there is no reliable public price, so we do not publish a number.
Benefits
- Use the parent’s name and track record
- Faster than forming a new legal entity in some cases
- Suited to project work and tenders
- Parent retains full control
Requirements and documents
- Attested parent-company documents (certificate, articles)
- Board resolution authorising the branch
- Approved trade name and activity
- Premises lease and local manager details
Who is it best for?
- Established foreign companies
- Contractors and project-based firms
- Companies bidding for tenders
What to watch out for
- Your licence lists the exact activities you may perform — adding activities later costs extra
- Government fees change — confirm the live figure for your activity before paying
- Regulated activities need approval from other authorities
Step-by-step: how to set up
- Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
- Reserve the trade name and get initial approvalSubmit the name and activity for approval to the economic department.
- Lease premisesSign a tenancy contract for a physical office or shop — the office size affects your visa quota. Dubai requires Ejari registration.
- Draft and sign the Memorandum of AssociationThe MoA sets out shareholders, capital and management; it is signed before a notary where required.
- Obtain external approvalsRegulated activities need approval from other authorities (health, education, food, finance, etc.).
- Pay fees and receive the trade licencePay the government fees to receive your licence and commercial registration.
- Establishment card, visas, bank account and taxGet the immigration card, residence visas and Emirates ID, open the bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT.
FAQs: Branch of a Foreign Company
What is a branch of a foreign company?
An office of an existing overseas company licensed to operate in the UAE. It is not a separate legal entity, so the parent remains liable.
Which documents must be attested?
Typically the parent’s certificate of incorporation, articles and board resolution — attested through the relevant chain (home authority, UAE embassy, UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Branch or subsidiary?
A subsidiary (e.g. LLC) protects the parent through a separate entity; a branch is simpler but keeps liability with the parent.
What documents are needed for a mainland licence?
Typically passport copies for shareholders and managers, an approved trade name, a Memorandum of Association, a premises lease and approvals for regulated activities. Foreign corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents.
Do mainland companies pay corporate tax and VAT?
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income, and 5% VAT with mandatory registration above AED 375,000 of taxable turnover. Small Business Relief may apply for eligible businesses — check current Federal Tax Authority guidance.
How long does a mainland licence last and how is it renewed?
Mainland trade licences are issued for one year and renewed annually with the licensing department, together with the office lease, establishment card and any external approvals. Renewal fees are broadly comparable to the first-year licence fee, and late renewal attracts fines.
How many visas can a mainland company have?
The visa quota depends mainly on the size of your registered office space, plus the activity and shareholder count. Larger premises support more visas, which is why the office lease is the key sizing decision.
Can a mainland company also operate from a free zone?
Yes — many groups keep a mainland entity for UAE sales and a free zone entity for international work or holding. Each is a separate licence with its own costs and compliance.
Can ZoneWise help me choose between mainland and free zone?
Yes — send us your activity, customer location and visa needs and we will recommend the most cost-effective route, with a written quote.
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