Expanding into the UAE under your existing company? Here is how a branch or subsidiary works, what it costs, and the attestation you will need.
If you already run a company abroad, you do not have to start from scratch to enter the UAE. You can open a branch or a subsidiary that operates under, or is owned by, your existing business. The two routes work differently, and choosing the right one affects your liability, activities, and tax.
Branch vs subsidiary: what is the difference?
A branch is an extension of the parent company. It carries out the same activities under the parent's name and has no separate shareholding, so the parent remains liable. A subsidiary is a separate legal entity owned by the parent, with its own liability. We help you choose based on your activity, risk, and tax position.
The setup process
- Attestation of the parent company's documents
- Trade name and activity alignment with the parent
- Branch or subsidiary licence (mainland or free zone)
- A local service agent for a mainland branch, where required
- Establishment card and visas
- Corporate bank account introductions
What does it cost?
A branch or subsidiary typically starts from around AED 15,000 depending on the emirate, activity, and whether a local service agent is needed, plus attestation of the parent's documents, which varies by country. We publish an indicative breakdown and confirm an exact quote.
Mainland or free zone for your branch?
A mainland branch lets you trade across the UAE, while a free zone branch suits international or holding operations with full ownership. The right choice depends on where your customers are.
Tell us about your parent company and what you want to do in the UAE, and we will handle the attestation, licence, and approvals with a fixed quote in AED.
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Emirax sets up companies, opens corporate bank accounts, and handles tax and PRO services across the UAE, end to end.
