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Foreign companies looking to enter UAE have two main options: establish a branch office or set up a subsidiary (a new company). This guide explains the differences in 2026.
In this guide:
What Is a UAE Branch Office?
A UAE branch office is an extension of the parent company. Key characteristics:
- The branch is NOT a separate legal entity — it is the same company as the parent
- All branch liabilities belong to the parent company
- The branch can only carry out activities the parent company is authorised to do
- The branch uses the parent company name
- A local service agent (LSA) is typically required for mainland branches of foreign companies
What Is a UAE Subsidiary?
A UAE subsidiary (free zone FZE/FZCO or mainland LLC) is a NEW legal entity:
- Separate legal personality from parent company
- Limited liability — parent liability protected (with some exceptions)
- Can have its own brand and name (different from parent)
- Can carry out activities different from parent company
- Parent company usually holds 100% shares
Branch vs Subsidiary: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | UAE Branch | UAE Subsidiary (Free Zone) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | Extension of parent | Separate legal entity |
| Liability | Parent liable for all branch debts | Limited to subsidiary assets |
| Activities | Same as parent only | Can differ from parent |
| Setup cost | AED 15,000-30,000+ | AED 13,000-50,000+ |
| Profit repatriation | No withholding tax on profit transfer | No withholding tax on dividends |
| UAE CT | Taxed on UAE-source income only | Taxed as UAE entity |
| Banking | Can open UAE bank account | Can open UAE bank account |
| Compliance | Must file UAE economic substance reports | Standard UAE CT and ESR compliance |
Which Should a Foreign Company Choose?
Choose a Branch When:
- You want the simplest structure
- The parent company will guarantee all UAE obligations
- You need to quickly establish UAE presence
Choose a Subsidiary When:
- You want liability protection for the parent company
- The UAE entity will have a different brand or activities
- You plan to eventually sell the UAE entity separately
- You want to bring in UAE-based investors or partners
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