Branch & Additional License Setup — Dubai & Ajman
Practical support to register a branch or add an additional trade license in the UAE. We guide the documentation, approvals and application submission to local authorities, tailored to mainland and free zone requirements.
Overview
AL SAHRAA helps businesses expand in the UAE by handling the administrative steps to set up a branch office or obtain an additional trade license. We assess whether mainland or free zone procedures apply and outline the agency and regulatory requirements for your specific activity. Our service covers document review, preparation of required corporate resolutions and forms, liaison with government departments, and submission of the license application. We coordinate landlord or free zone tenancy requirements and any No Objection Certificates (NOCs) needed from sponsors or regulators. We keep you informed at each stage — from pre-approval checks to final license issuance — and can assist with post-licensing updates such as corporate bank introductions, license amendments, and renewals. Fees, timelines and exact requirements vary by emirate and activity; we provide a clear checklist after the initial consultation. If you have an existing UAE company and want to expand operations or add activities, we offer a practical, people-focused process to reduce administrative delays and ensure submissions meet authority standards.
What to prepare
- Copy of existing UAE trade license (if applicable)
- Passport and UAE residence visa copy of company owner(s) or authorised signatory
- Company incorporation documents (MOA/AOA/Certificate of Incorporation)
- Board resolution or power of attorney authorising branch setup
- Tenancy contract/EJARI or free zone lease agreement
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from sponsor or parent company if required
- Completed authority application forms and passport-size photos
How the process works
- Initial consultation and activity/feasibility check
- Document collection and preparation of resolutions/forms
- Submission to relevant authority (mainland or free zone) and follow-up
- Secure approvals, obtain tenancy/NOC if required, and finalize license issuance
- Post-licensing assistance: file copies, amendment or renewal guidance
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 a branch or additional license setup take?
Timelines vary by emirate and activity; typically from a few days to several weeks depending on approvals, tenancy and whether an NOC is required. We provide an estimated timeline after the initial review.
Can I open a branch in mainland and a license in a free zone for the same company?
Yes, a parent company can have operations in both mainland and free zones, but each jurisdiction has its own rules, licensing conditions and office requirements that must be met separately.
What are the typical costs involved?
Costs depend on jurisdiction (Dubai vs Ajman), activity, office tenancy and government fees. We prepare a transparent quote after assessing your specific needs; our quote lists government fees, service fees and any third‑party charges.
Do you handle landlord coordination and tenancy requirements?
Yes. We assist with tenancy documentation such as Ejari or free zone lease agreements and confirm they meet authority requirements for license issuance.
Will you manage post-license tasks like amendments or renewals?
We can assist with post-licensing services including license amendments, renewals and coordination with banks or other service providers as needed.
Related services
Explore other services in Administrative Services.