Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone
An extension of an existing overseas company rather than a new legal entity
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- Free ZoneLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Visa supportVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- On requestRenewal cost
Why SAIF Zone
Founders choose SAIF Zone when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. GoldenKey has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through SAIF Zone company formation, from name reservation to the moment the licence PDF lands in their inbox. SAIF Zone combines Airport proximity with the flexibility to add activities and visas later, which is why it suits both first-time entrepreneurs and established groups.
One of the reasons we recommend SAIF Zone is its Airport proximity, which matters more than most founders realise once the business is running. SAIF Zone is located in Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport — direct airside access, and the authority's processing time for a standard file is around 5 working days. As a rule, unlike some zones, SAIF Zone does not require a large paid-up capital to be blocked in a bank account before the licence is issued.
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
In practice, the figures below for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. For most clients, use the table below to compare packages for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
Message us with your activity and visa count — we reply shortly with prices in writing.
Get my quoteExplore business activities in SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Documents required
Gather these documents and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- A clear passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least six months
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- Attested parent-company paperwork and a board resolution if the shareholder is a companyif applicable
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visaif applicable
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zonesif applicable
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE residentif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
How SAIF Zone works with GoldenKey
- 1
Consultation and activity selection
GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in SAIF Zone, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing. Nothing is submitted for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone until you have reviewed and approved it.
- 2
Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the SAIF Zone authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days (Monday to Friday).
- 3
Document submission and payment
As we tell every client, you sign the submission forms and memorandum, we submit the attested documents and the licence fee is paid to the authority. For a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
- 4
Licence issued and next steps
In short, once the SAIF Zone licence and company documents are released, we move immediately to the immigration file, residence visas and the bank meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about SAIF Zone. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsDo I need to visit the UAE to set up in SAIF Zone?
Most SAIF Zone licences can be issued remotely with scanned paperwork and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is processed.
How long does the SAIF Zone licence take?
As a rule, once your supporting documents are complete, the authority normally issues the licence within 5 working days. Visas and bank account opening follow afterwards.
Can I open a UAE bank account with a SAIF Zone company?
Yes, SAIF Zone companies open accounts with UAE banks every day. Approval depends on the bank's compliance review of your profile, business plan and documents, and GoldenKey prepares the file and introduces you to a suitable bank.
How many visas can I get with a SAIF Zone licence?
Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. SAIF Zone packages typically start from a zero-visa option and scale to five or more visas with a physical office, and additional visas can be added later for the per-visa fee shown in our pricing.
Can I add more activities to my SAIF Zone licence later?
Absolutely. SAIF Zone allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few business days for a small authority fee.
Ready to start your business in SAIF Zone?
In short, start your SAIF Zone journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
More about SAIF Zone
About the Branch of a Foreign Company
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.
Why the UAE
Importantly, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone. The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, which removes currency risk for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone and makes international pricing simple.
Why GoldenKey
As a rule, our quotations for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before a single dirham changes hands anything. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone happen the same day they are ready. Put simply, we speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for a Branch of a Foreign Company in SAIF Zone.
