Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Branch Office Setup, Dubai, UAE
Published pricing runs from AED 30,000 for a free zone branch to AED 100,000 for a mainland branch. Here's how the process works.
Free, no-obligation consultation on route, documentation and cost.
A branch office lets an existing foreign company operate in Dubai and carry out the same activities as its parent company, without incorporating a new, separate legal entity. You can open a branch through the mainland route, which generally requires a local service agent, or through a free zone. Published competitor pricing ranges from around AED 30,000 for a free zone branch to AED 100,000 for a mainland branch. The branch operates under the parent company's ownership, with full repatriation of profits and capital.
Why It Matters
A branch office lets an existing foreign company operate in Dubai without incorporating a new legal entity, but the mainland and free zone routes differ significantly in cost, approvals and market access. Published competitor pricing ranges from around AED 30,000 for a free zone branch to AED 100,000 for a mainland branch, and getting your parent company's documentation right the first time avoids costly delays.
Choosing Your Route
Direct UAE-wide market access, generally requiring a local service agent to facilitate government dealings.
Lower typical cost, a strong fit for companies serving international or free-zone-based clients.
Operate under your existing parent company structure without incorporating separately.
Carry out the same business activities as your foreign parent company.
100% repatriation of capital and profits, with no currency restrictions.
Before You Apply
Certificate of incorporation, MOA/AOA and board resolution, legalized and attested abroad.
Mainland or free zone, each carries different approval steps and local service agent needs.
Confirm whether your route requires appointing a local service agent.
Confirm your total cost once your route and documentation are decided.
Getting Started
Attest and legalize your parent company's documents in the country of origin.
Decide between a mainland or free zone branch based on your market needs.
For mainland branches, appoint a local service agent to facilitate government dealings.
Submit your branch's trade name for approval, typically matching the parent company.
File your branch licence application along with all supporting documents.
Settle registration and licensing fees.
Collect your branch trade licence and register your office lease.
Open your corporate bank account and apply for staff visas.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Free zone branch (from) | AED 30,000* |
| Mainland branch package | AED 38,145-100,000* |
| Refundable startup payment | Up to AED 50,000, mainland only* |
| Per-person visa cost | AED 3,000-5,500* |
| Nationality requirement | Open to any nationality |
*Indicative only, based on published competitor starting rates at the time of writing. Confirm current pricing directly with our team before budgeting a total.
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment