Can an Indian Company Open a Branch Office in Dubai?

Start a Branch Office in Dubai, UAE

Dubai has converted itself into a vibrant and well-established capital in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to the fact that it has a bustling global economic center. This fact has drawn investors and entrepreneurs or business owners to this emirate throughout the globe. There are numerous business people or owners with well-formed or high-brand values in other nations, including India, who are looking to start a branch office in Dubai. As a result, the authorities have allowed an effortless and fast manner in an effort to develop a representative branch in this emirate.  So,  those people who are thinking about whether they can open a branch office in UAE or Dubai or not are allowed to open their branch in this emirate. Indeed, Indian companies are allowed to start a branch company in UAE. But starting a branch is not an easy task because you are required to follow the path. In this article, we are going to provide you with an in-depth guide that will help an Indian company to begin New branch offices in Dubai. Moreover, we will give you essential information that you are required to know before starting your branch in this emirate.  

Benefits of starting a branch for an Indian company 

As mentioned above, there are numerous benefits that you may get by opening an Indian company branch in Dubai. Here is the list of top benefits that you can get from starting a branch company in UAE:  

• Freedom with foreign currency: businesses are allowed to keep foreign currency accounts in Dubai. This benefit provides foreigners with flexibility and control over their finances.
• India friendly: Dubai keeps strong ties with India, making it convenient for Indian businesses. This connection boosts the deployment of employees on both short and long-term assignments.
• Cost saving on currency conversion: Dubai additionally offers competitive rates and robust savings on foreign currency conversion. This helps foreign companies in order to manage their finance more efficiently. 

Apart from these benefits, you can gain other benefits from start a branch company in UAE.

Documents required to start a branch for an Indian company In Dubai

Like any other business, you are additionally required to gather a number of documents in order to start a branch company in UAE. Here is the list of documents that are required to start a branch company in Dubai for Indian companies:  

• Lease agreement, sales agreement. or  property ownership deed
• Identification Documents
• Proof of Current Address
• Certificate of Incorporation from a Foreign Company
• Address Validation for Foreign Companies
• No objection certificate (NOC) from the owner of the property (lessor).
• Board Resolution 
• Declaration from Directors and Shareholders
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card
• Undertaking and Declaration from Directors
• Verification Certificate of Registered Office Address for Indian Company
• Latest electricity bill or receipt for society maintenance charges.

  These documents will ensure that everything is in order and complies with the necessary regulations in an effort to start a branch company in UAE. 

How can an Indian company open a branch office in Dubai?

As mentioned above, you are required to follow the right path, which includes several steps in an effort to open a branch office in UAE  or  Dubai. Here is the list of steps that you are required to follow to start your company branch office in Dubai:

1. Appoint an LSA

Before setting up your branch, you are required to appoint an LSA, which is popular as a Local Service Agent, like Flying Colour. We are going to act as the intermediaries between the government authorities in Dubai and your company. This is among the most significant regulations for branch offices in Dubai to receive the license to conduct their business activities in this emirate.   

2. Submit the application

After appointing a Local Service Agent, you are required to apply to the Ministry of Economy. It is additionally crucial that a service agent agreement is provided during the submission.  Furthermore, you need to obtain initial approval from the Ministry of Economy in order to move forward to the next step. This is because you have to carefully fill the form with authentic information that is free from any kind of mistake.  

3. Get consent from the Ministry of Economy. 

After the DED approves your application, the Ministry of Economy will provide you with an initial approval agreement or certificate. When the DED returns the application for a foreign company to open branch offices in the UAE, the Ministry of Economy will send it to the relevant local government authority for approval.  

4. Get Approval from the UAE Federal Foreign Companies Committee

After obtaining consent for your branch office in Dubai,  you have to submit the needed documents to the Ministry of Economy in order to get their approval. Furthermore, you will also need approvals from the Federal Foreign Companies Committee to start begin your business activities in the UAE. The Ministry of Economy will then forward the application to the  Federal Foreign Companies Committee. If everything goes okay, then a permit letter will be sent to you that will allow you to open a branch office in UAE.  

5. Apply for a trade license.

Once you have received a permit from the Ministry of Economy and the FFCC,  you have to apply for your business license from the DED. In order to get this license, you are required to select your business activities. Remember, you are only allowed to perform those business activities that are listed in your license. Therefore, you should choose the activities carefully.  

6. Register with the commercial authorities

After obtaining your business license and permits, you are required to register your branch office in Dubai with the Ministry of Economic Companies Register and the Dubai Chamber. After that, you will be able to conduct your branch company in Dubai.   

How Flying Colour can help you?

Flying Colour is the best local service agent in Dubai. We can provide you with the help to obtain licenses, approvals, and more. Furthermore, we can provide you with numerous suggestions that are going to help you in making your branch setup journey easier.  To learn more about starting a Branch Office in Dubai, UAE, book a free consultation with one of the Flyingcolour team advisors, Simply call  +97144542366 or send WhatsApp messages to +971554413566. you can also drop an email to info(at)flyingcolour(dot)com. *Please note that this article was published on 17/01/2024 by the federal policies and updates at the time of writing. For the latest info please talk to our consultant.