Representative Office Setup

Representative Office Setup - Mainland UAE

According to UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies, foreign companies, regardless of complete ownership by non-UAE nationals, have the authorization to establish a Representative Office in the United Arab Emirates.

A Representative Office serves either as a regional administrative hub or provides assistance for the parent company’s products/services in the local market. However, it is important to note that a Representative Office is prohibited from importing such products or engaging in trade activities. Additionally, apart from these limitations, a Representative Office cannot access credit facilities. Nevertheless, it is allowed to maintain a bank account solely for covering its local expenditures.

Setting Up a Representative Office in the UAE

  1. Submission to the Ministry of Economy

    The application should provide a comprehensive overview of the company, encompassing details such as the share capital, headquarters, business nature, name of the UAE-based general manager, and any other requisite documents for approval.

  2. Find a Trustworthy Local Service Provider

    The initial step for both branch and representative offices in the UAE is to locate a local agent. The local agent must be a UAE citizen or a corporation entirely owned by UAE nationals.

  3. Acquire the DED License

    Present the Ministry of Economy’s clearance to the Department of Economic Development (DED), along with any necessary additional documents depending on the type of representative office. Subsequently, the DED will issue the final license.

  4. Secure Trade Names

    To register a representative office and reserve a trade name, you need to submit an application to the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the respective Emirates. Additionally, we offer services for trademark and patent registrations.

  5. Obtain Initial Approval

    The Department of Economic Development (DED) provides preliminary authorization for establishing a representative office in the UAE once all necessary documentation is submitted, including copies of shareholders’ passports and corporate records.

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