Oksana
VerifiedThe Level Consulting
Business SetupVAT Compliance
π¦πͺ Dubai
10 yrs
Branch Office Setup in Abu Dhabi in the UAE
A branch office in Abu Dhabi allows a foreign or UAE-based parent company to conduct business directly in the emirate under the same legal identity as the parent, without forming a separate new legal entity β commonly used by companies extending their operations from Dubai, another UAE emirate, or abroad into Abu Dhabi. ISZ Global manages the full branch office setup process with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).
Unlike a new LLC, a branch office is not a separate legal entity β it operates under the parent company's name and is 100% owned by the parent, carrying out the same activities as the parent company (in most cases) rather than a broader scope. This makes it the right structure for companies that already have an established brand and simply want a licensed presence in Abu Dhabi.
What Our Branch Office Setup Service Covers
- Activity and legal structure assessment (branch vs. new LLC vs. representative office)
- Document preparation and attestation for the parent company (trade license, MOA, board resolution, power of attorney)
- DED trade name reservation and initial approval
- Office lease (Ejari) coordination
- Trade license issuance and post-licensing registrations (Chamber of Commerce, immigration file, labour card)
- Corporate bank account opening support
Verified Consultants
3 consultants available β free inquiry
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a branch office in Abu Dhabi be 100% foreign-owned?
Yes β branch offices are generally permitted 100% ownership by the parent company, since they are an extension of the parent rather than a new locally-owned entity.
Can the branch conduct different activities from the parent company?
Generally, a branch office is restricted to the same or closely related activities as its parent company β if you plan to operate a different business line, a new LLC may be the more appropriate structure.
How long does branch office registration take in Abu Dhabi?
With complete, properly attested parent company documents, branch registration typically takes 2β4 weeks, though this can extend if documents require additional attestation.
Branch Office Setup in Abu Dhabi β Other Cities
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