Opening a subsidiary or branch office in the UAE requires obtaining the necessary permits and licenses from relevant government departments. It may also involve submitting documents, such as business plans, to demonstrate that your company has the required financial resources and expertise to successfully operate in the UAE. The exact process can very depending on the emirate.
For most emirates, the first step in setting up a branch or subsidiary office is to choose the legal structure that best suits your needs. The most common types of business entities in the UAE are limited liability companies (LLCs), civil companies, and sole proprietorships. Once you have chosen the legal structure for your business, you will need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the relevant authorities. To incorporate on the mainland, you will need to obtain sponsorship from a local investor or service agent.
The next step is to find suitable office space. The good news is that there are many options available, from serviced offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to more affordable coworking spaces in other emirates. Once you have found suitable office space, you will need to obtain approval from the Department of Economic Development of the emirate, open a local bank account, and register a trading name before you can move in and start operating.