Questions & Answers
Opening a branch of a British Ltd company in the UAE
Can a British Ltd company based in the UK start branch trade activity in the UAE?
Would such activity need local Emirates sponsor as an individual or company?
Thank you!

For General Trading Companies, it cannot be a branch; you can have a local sponsor if you open in mainland or 100% ownership if you open in a Freezone.
Dear questioner,
If you want to cater to the local UAE market, then you need to open a branch company in Mainland UAE. Further, you would require a Local Sponsor with a 51% share.
If you don't need to cater to the local UAE market, then you can open a branch company in a Freezone with 100% ownership.
If need be, kindly contact us via phone for a detailed discussion or write us an email for further assistance.

Hello,
A British registered company can, in fact, set up a branch in the UAE.
Should you wish to proceed with setting up the branch on mainland UAE, a local sponsor will be required. In this instance, the local sponsor will legally own 51% of your company.
(Such arrangements give rise to a set of different agreements that govern the relationship between the local sponsor and the 49% shareholders).
Alternatively, you can retain 100% ownership through company formation within UAE Freezones. Aside from the shareholding percentage, Freezone companies enjoy greater flexibility.
For further information, feel free to contact us via phone or email.

Dear Questioner,
Yes, a UK Ltd company can set up a branch trade activity in the UAE.
You have the option to set up the branch on the mainland with a local sponsor, or, you can choose to set up the branch in a free zone with 100% foreign ownership.
We can assist you through this entire process, please contact me at my email to discuss further.