WhatsApp quoteA branch carries the parent's name and liability, needs attested parent supporting documents and a board resolution, and suits groups that want a UAE presence without a separate entity. GoldenKey registers Branch of a Foreign Companys in mainland and free zones, and this page explains when the structure is the right choice. A Branch of a Foreign Company is an extension of an existing overseas company rather than a new legal entity.
Where to register a Branch of a Foreign Company
Branch of a Foreign Companys are registered in mainland and free zones. Choose a jurisdiction below for live prices and the exact requirements.
Ajman Free ZoneOne of the UAE's most affordable free zones — 0-visa packa…Ajman New Venture CentreAjman's newest entrepreneurial free zone — built for start…Ajman Media CityUAE's media and content-creator hub — licences from AED 5,…Meydan Free ZoneDubai's entrepreneurial free zone at the iconic Meydan rac…IFZA Free ZoneDubai's fastest-growing free zone — multi-activity licence…DMCC Free ZoneWorld's #1 free zone — the premium choice for commodity tr…Shams Free ZoneSharjah's media free zone — creative and digital licences …SAIF ZoneSharjah's industrial free zone — warehousing, logistics an…RAKEZRAK's all-in-one economic zone — business, industrial and …JAFZAJebel Ali — the world's largest free zone and gateway to g…How it is formed
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
We confirm that your activity is available in Branch of a Foreign Company, choose the licence type and agree the visa package and office option that match your plan. For setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
We submit your preferred trade names to Branch of a Foreign Company and secure initial approval, normally within a day or two of submission.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the application forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority. For setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Put simply, branch of a Foreign Company issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction.
Indicative pricing
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-24.
Why the UAE
On the ground, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company.
Why GoldenKey
In our experience, every Branch of a Foreign Company package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end. In short, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Branch of a Foreign Company file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the application sit.
From day one, tell us about your plans for setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Who should choose a Branch of a Foreign Company?
An extension of an existing overseas company rather than a new legal entity. It suits founders who need a branch carries the parent's name and liability, needs attested parent documents and a board resolution, and suits groups that want a uae presence without a separate entity.
Can a Branch of a Foreign Company be owned 100% by foreigners?
Yes in free zones and offshore registries, and for most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms.
Can I change from a Branch of a Foreign Company to another structure later?
Yes. GoldenKey handles conversions, additions of shareholders and new entities when a business outgrows its original structure.
