How do I set up a branch of a foreign company in the UAE?

A foreign company can establish a branch in the UAE, which is an extension of the parent company rather than a separate legal entity, meaning the parent generally remains responsible for the branch's obligations. A branch is usually permitted to carry out activities consistent with the parent's business, and depending on the activity and emirate it may require a local service agent for administrative and licensing purposes. The setup typically involves a board resolution from the parent approving the branch, attested and legalised constitutional documents of the parent company, appointment of a manager, approvals from the relevant authorities (including, for mainland branches, the economic department and sometimes federal-level approval), and registration plus the trade licence. Free zones offer their own branch-registration routes through each authority. Because document legalisation and approvals make this more involved than a standard LLC, confirm the current requirements with the licensing authority. For preparing resolutions, agent agreements, and attested documents, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI.