Expand Confidently: Branch & Additional License Setup in Dubai and Ajman
End-to-end support for establishing a branch office or obtaining an additional trade license in the UAE. We handle local approvals, documentation, and coordination so you can expand operations smoothly in Dubai or Ajman.
Overview
AL SAHRAA helps companies set up branch offices and obtain additional trade licenses across Dubai, Ajman and other UAE jurisdictions. We advise on the right jurisdiction (mainland vs free zone), local license requirements, and necessary compliance steps. Our service covers document preparation, submission to economic departments and free zones, coordination with local sponsors or service agents where required, and follow-up until license issuance. We work with your team to minimize delays and clarify fees and timelines. We do not provide legal advice but coordinate with your legal or corporate teams for MOA/AOA and shareholder matters. Our approach is practical: review your business activities, prepare the correct application, and liaise with authorities to secure approvals. Clients benefit from a clear checklist, proactive status updates, and local knowledge of Dubai and Ajman procedures to ensure a smoother expansion process.
What to prepare
- Copy of parent company trade license and certificate of incorporation
- Board resolution or power of attorney authorizing branch setup
- Copies of shareholders’ and authorized signatories’ passports and UAE entry stamps (if applicable)
- Draft of MOA/AOA or relevant constitutional documents (if amendments required)
- Proof of business address for the branch or tenancy contract (Ejari) where applicable
- Completed application forms and any jurisdiction-specific forms
How the process works
- Initial consultation to confirm business activity, preferred jurisdiction and license requirements
- Prepare and review required documents (company papers, board resolutions, passports, etc.)
- Submit applications to the relevant authority (DED, free zone authority or Ajman authority) and obtain initial approvals
- Coordinate any local sponsor/service agent agreements and finalize MOA/AOA coordination if needed
- Receive license issuance and provide handover checklist for office compliance and renewals
Why clients choose AL SAHRAA
- Admin-reviewed quotations before you proceed.
- Document coordination and progress tracking in one portal.
- Support for business, compliance, visa, insurance, and IT-related requests.
- Clear request history, updates, and delivery follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does branch or additional license setup usually take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction and activity but typically range from several days to a few weeks after submission, depending on authority processing times and completeness of documents.
Can I set up a branch in a different emirate from my parent company?
Yes. UAE companies can establish branches in other emirates, subject to the regulations of the receiving authority and any industry-specific approvals.
Do I need a local sponsor or service agent for a branch?
Requirement depends on the legal form and business activity. Mainland branches often require a local service agent or sponsor; free zone branches follow their own rules. We will confirm during the consultation.
Will AL SAHRAA handle communication with government authorities?
Yes. We coordinate document submission and status follow-up with the relevant economic department or free zone authority on your behalf, while keeping you informed.
Do you provide legal advice on shareholder agreements or MOA/AOA?
We provide coordination and drafting support for MOA/AOA on a non-legal basis. For legal advice or notarized legal documentation, we recommend engaging a licensed UAE legal advisor.
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