How do I obtain a branch trade license in Dubai?

A branch trade license is a type of trade license that allows a foreign company to operate a branch office in Dubai. The branch office must be registered with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Steps on how to obtain a branch trade license in Dubai

  1. Choose a suitable business name: The first step is to choose a suitable business name for the branch office. The business name must be unique and must not be already registered with the DED.
  2. Obtain a trade name reservation: Once you have chosen a business name, you need to obtain a trade name reservation from the DED. The trade name reservation will be valid for a period of 60 days.
  3. Submit the application: Once you have obtained the trade name reservation, you can submit the application for a branch trade license. The application must be submitted to the DED in person or through a registered agent.
  4. Provide the required documents: The application must be accompanied by the following documents:
    • Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA) of the parent company
    • Certificate of Good Standing from the parent company’s country of incorporation
    • Power of Attorney (PoA) authorizing the representative to act on behalf of the parent company
    • Proof of trade name reservation
    • Lease agreement for the branch office premises
    • Proof of funds
    • No Objection Letter from the parent company
  5. Pay the fees: The DED will charge a fee for issuing a branch trade license. The fee will vary depending on the type of business you are operating.
  6. Receive the license: Once your application has been approved, you will receive the branch trade license. The branch trade license will be valid for a period of one year.

Additional requirements:

In addition to the above requirements, the DED may also require the following documents:

  1. Proof of experience in the relevant industry
  2. Business plan
  3. Marketing plan
  4. Financial projections

Here are some additional tips for obtaining a branch trade license in Dubai:

  1. Start your planning early: It is important to start planning early to ensure that you have enough time to gather all the required documents and meet the DED’s requirements.
  2. Get professional advice: If you are not sure how to obtain a branch trade license, you should get professional advice from a lawyer or accountant.
  3. Be prepared to pay the fees: The DED will charge a fee for issuing a branch trade license. The fee will vary depending on the type of business you are operating.

I recommend using BizDaddy to help you obtain a branch trade license in Dubai. BizDaddy is a business advisory firm that specializes in helping businesses set up and operate in Dubai. They have a team of experienced professionals who can help you understand the DED’s regulations and ensure that you are compliant.