There is always a lot of excitement and nervousness when opening a business. However, we know by now that if you have an amazing product or idea, people will surely catch up with your vision. So what do you need to open a business branch in UAE?

With the enormous opportunities available today, entrepreneurs can easily become overwhelmed by how to set up a branch office in UAE. We will outline all the necessary essentials for opening a business branch in UAE.

How To Register A Company In Abu Dhabi For Free?

UAE nationals may start their own business without starting from scratch as they are entitled to register an LLC for free as long as it is not more than 20 percent owned by UAE nationals outside the founder’s family.

A local entrepreneur can register a company and start a business immediately by just submitting an application to the ministry of labor for obtaining a trade license along with the registration forms available online. For applying for this free option, applicants must own at least Dh50,000 in the capital, hold a valid visa and passport and be UAE nationals less than 45 years old.

It takes up to 10 days to complete all procedures required before opening your branch office or company in Dubai or other emirates of UAE. Note that every commercial establishment has its own category depending on its activities which are mainly divided into four categories:

1. Commercial-free zones

2. Free zones

3. Industrial areas

4. Restricted areas 

The Ministry of Economy has opened an online registration service for trading companies to make business registration easier. Applicants can now apply for company licenses or commercial branch office registrations. 

Requirements:

1. One original passport size photo

2. Passport copy

3. Proof of address (less than 90 days old)

4. Two copies of Emirates ID card, which should be attested by MOFA or embassy in UAE

5. A notarized affidavit from an authorized person that he/she will provide investment to this company if necessary, which should be no older than three months after the opening date of this establishment and must not exceed 20 million AED at any time during the investment period.

6. A copy of the passport and Emirates ID card for the authorized person (if necessary)

7. Power of Attorney

8. Business registration certificate or Commercial Registration Certificate (less than three months old)

9. Trade license (less than two months old)

10. Additional requirements will be requested depending on company activity and if any branch office is opened in UAE:   – Labor card – Free Zone License – Tax number statement – Commercial register extract – Export-Import license approved by Ministry of Industry and Commerce, etc…           

Required Documents For Opening A Branch Office In Dubai  

Main Requirements:

1. Two original local passports with copies of both sides.        

2. One original Emirates ID card with the applicant’s name and photo (except for companies).        

3. Special Cases: If any of the company owners is a UAE national, he/she must provide an attested affidavit proving his/her own investment to this company, which should be no older than three months after the opening date of this establishment and must not exceed 20 million AED at any time during the investment period.  

4. Two local passports are required if any other owner is an ex-pat without a valid visa or work permit in Dubai or UAE in general.

5. Additional requirements depend on your activities but will be requested by The Ministry of Economy if necessary for other activities related to your business such as:

a) Labor card

b) Free Zone License        

c) Tax number statement        

d) Commercial register extract        

e) Export-Import license approved by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, etc.

f) In the case of a Free Zone company then the free zone license and letter from the FZA are required.

6. A notarized affidavit from an authorized person that he/she will provide investment to this company if necessary, which should be no older than three months after the opening date of this establishment and will not exceed 20 million AED at any time during the investment period for Commercial or Industrial Activity companies.        

7. Two copies of Emirates ID card, which should be attested by MOFA or embassy in UAE for an Emirati owner.               

8. One copy of passport with name and photo for an Emirati owner who is not a resident in Dubai or UAE, must submit a notarized affidavit from an authorized person in Dubai/UAE who is not related with the company that he/she will provide this investment for him if necessary, which should be no older than three months after the opening date of this establishment and must not exceed 20 million AED at any time during the investment period.        

Special Cases: If an administrator is not able to personally sign the documents, then it will be requested by MOAE that he must provide a power of attorney or legal representative who should be an Emirati national (original passport with copy of both sides), who does not own any share of this company, business.

Closing Thoughts

UAE has very strict rules for opening business. That is why the company owner must be aware of all required documents to avoid any potential problems during the opening process. So it is your responsibility to do some research before starting a new investment or company in UAE. Never forget that if you are here to open a business, then the first choice should be to hire a local company to handle all procedures. This will save you lots of time, effort, and money.