Ajman Branch Office Setup
Set up an Ajman branch of your foreign or UAE parent company with 100% parent ownership, Ajman DED branch trade license, and full operational capability across the UAE.
Description
An Ajman Branch Office is a legal extension of your foreign or UAE parent company that allows you to operate in the UAE without incorporating a separate legal entity. The branch has the same name, share capital, and activities as the parent, and is 100% owned by the parent — no local shareholder or partner is required. Branches are licensed by either Ajman DED (for mainland operations) or by a free zone authority (AFZ, AMCFZ, ANCFZ) for jurisdiction-specific activities.
Foreign branches must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy, and require attested parent company documents, a UAE-based authorised manager, and a Local Service Agent (LSA) for mainland branches. The branch can engage in the same activities as the parent company (or a subset) but cannot trade goods independently — it must operate as a representative, service, or operational arm of the parent. Branches are taxed under the UAE Corporate Tax regime and must file their own tax registration.
Octavon Global Advisory handles the complete Ajman branch setup process — parent company document attestation, MOFA legalisation, Ministry of Economy registration, Ajman DED or free zone branch license application, Local Service Agent arrangement (mainland), Ejari registration, Establishment Card, manager visa, and corporate bank account opening. Branch setup typically takes 4 to 6 weeks depending on parent company jurisdiction and attestation timelines.
What's Included
- Branch License from Ajman DED OR Ajman Free Zone Authority
- 100% Parent Company Ownership
- Same Name and Activity Scope as Parent
- Ministry of Economy Registration (for foreign branches)
- Parent Company Document Attestation Coordination
- MOFA Legalisation Support
- Certified Arabic Translation of Parent Documents
- Local Service Agent (LSA) Arrangement (Ajman Mainland)
- Initial Approval from Ajman DED or Free Zone
- Trade Name Reservation (matches parent)
- Ejari Tenancy Registration
- Chamber of Commerce Membership (mainland)
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- 1 Branch Manager Investor Visa
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Active parent company (foreign or UAE) with at least 2 years of trading history
- Parent company audited financials (last 2 years)
- Parent company resolution approving branch establishment
- Parent company documents attested up to UAE Embassy and MOFA
- UAE-based authorised branch manager nominated
- Local Service Agent (LSA) required for Ajman Mainland branches
- Branch activities must align with parent company activities
- Ministry of Economy approval for foreign branches
Required Documents
- Parent Company Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Parent Company Memorandum and Articles of Association (attested)
- Parent Company Certificate of Good Standing (attested)
- Parent Company Audited Financial Statements (last 2 years, attested)
- Parent Company Board Resolution Approving Branch (attested)
- Power of Attorney to Branch Manager (attested)
- Branch Manager Passport Copy
- Branch Manager CV
- Branch Manager Emirates ID and UAE Visa (if applicable)
- NOC from Branch Manager Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- Tenancy Contract / Ejari for the Branch
- Local Service Agent Agreement (Ajman Mainland)
Our Process
- Parent company eligibility review (jurisdiction, activities, financials)
- Parent company board resolution approving Ajman branch
- Attestation of parent documents (notary, embassy, MOFA)
- Certified Arabic legal translation of parent documents
- Local Service Agent arrangement (Ajman Mainland branches)
- Ministry of Economy registration (foreign branches)
- Initial Approval from Ajman DED or free zone authority
- Trade name reservation and Ejari registration
- Final branch license application submission
- Branch license collection and Chamber of Commerce membership
- Establishment Card, manager visa, medical, Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 12,000
- Service Fee: AED 3,000
- VAT (5%): AED 750
- Total: AED 15,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a branch and a subsidiary?
A branch is a legal extension of the parent company — same legal entity, same name, no separate share capital. A subsidiary is a separately incorporated UAE company owned by the parent — different legal entity with its own capital and liability. Branches are simpler to set up and do not dilute ownership.
Can I set up an Ajman branch from any foreign country?
Yes. Any active foreign company with at least 2 years of trading history can set up an Ajman branch, subject to UAE Ministry of Economy approval and attested documentation. Common parent jurisdictions include UK, India, Pakistan, USA, Egypt, and GCC countries.
Do I need a Local Service Agent for an Ajman branch?
Yes for Ajman Mainland branches (Ajman DED). The LSA is a UAE national who acts as the government liaison for an annual fee. The LSA holds no shares and no ownership rights. Ajman free zone branches do not require an LSA.
What activities can the branch conduct in the UAE?
The branch can conduct any activity that the parent company is licensed for in its home jurisdiction. It can sign contracts, hire employees, invoice clients, and provide services. However, some activities such as direct retail trading require additional UAE approvals.
How long does Ajman branch setup take?
Branch setup typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from start to license collection. Most of this time is parent document attestation (1-3 weeks) and Ministry of Economy registration (1-2 weeks). The Ajman DED license itself takes 5-7 working days.
Is an Ajman branch subject to UAE Corporate Tax?
Yes. UAE branches of foreign companies are subject to the UAE Corporate Tax regime on their UAE-sourced income, with 0% on the first AED 375,000 and 9% above. Free zone branches may qualify for 0% on qualifying free zone income.
Can the branch open a UAE corporate bank account?
Yes. Branches are eligible for UAE corporate bank accounts. Banks require parent company documentation, branch trade license, branch manager KYC, and full UBO disclosure of the parent company structure.