Overview
A foreign company branch is the most direct way to start operating in the UAE. Ajman is a fast-growing emirate with lower costs than its neighbours, close to Sharjah and Dubai, and an ideal base for the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Our team knows the local rules and procedures inside out. We help you pick between a mainland branch (trade across the UAE, needs a local service agent) and a free zone branch (no agent, lower cost), then manage every approval.
Why open a branch in Ajman?
Keep your brand and structure, and add a UAE base.
Access to new markets
Reach customers across the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.
Cost-effective
Lower setup and running costs than many other emirates.
Same legal entity
Keep your existing company structure and brand identity.
Choice of jurisdiction
Mainland for UAE-wide trade, or the free zone for lower costs.
Compliance handled
We manage approvals, attestations and legal requirements.
Personal service
One dedicated team answering your questions throughout.
Step-by-step process
- 01
Consultation
Choose mainland or free zone and confirm the activities.
- 02
Attestation
Attest parent documents at the UAE embassy and MOFA.
- 03
Approvals
Ministry of Economy approval (mainland) or AFZA application.
- 04
Licence
Lease, fees and licence issuance, then visas.
Documents required
- Parent company certificate of incorporation
- Parent company MOA / AOA
- Board resolution approving the branch and appointing a general manager
- Power of attorney for the general manager
- Audited financial statements (sometimes requested)
Requirements vary by activity and nationality. We confirm your exact checklist during the free consultation.
Costs & fees
Fees depend on your licence and requirements. Tell us what you need and we’ll send a clear, itemised quote with no hidden costs.
Foreign Company Branch FAQs
It is a legal extension of the parent company outside the UAE, not a separate entity. It must carry out the same activities and use the same name as the parent.
Yes, in both Ajman Free Zone and Ajman Mainland the branch is 100% owned by the foreign parent.
On the Ajman mainland, generally yes. The agent must be a UAE national or a company wholly owned by UAE nationals, with a purely administrative role and no ownership or liability. In Ajman Free Zone, no agent is needed.
A branch can sell, provide services and earn profit in the UAE within the parent’s activities. A representative office can only promote and market the parent’s products and services. It cannot make sales.
On the mainland: Ajman Department of Economic Development and the UAE Ministry of Economy. In the free zone: the Ajman Free Zone Authority.
On the mainland, a refundable bank guarantee (often AED 50,000) may be required. It is held as security and isn’t working capital. Free zone requirements are generally lower or nil.
Usually 1–3 weeks once the attested parent documents and initial approvals are ready. The free zone route can be faster.
There is no personal income tax for employees and no import or export duties within the free zone. UAE corporate tax applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000 at 9%, and we will walk you through how it applies to your branch.
A mainland branch can trade directly across the UAE. A free zone branch trades within the zone and internationally, and uses a local distributor or agent to sell to the mainland.
