What is a Representative Office

A Representative Office is a form of presence for a foreign company in the UAE, registered solely for marketing and representational activities. The office is not allowed to conduct commercial activities, enter into contracts, or issue invoices in its own name.

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Legal Basis

Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies (Art. 327+)

The Representative Office does not engage in profit-making activities, it only conducts market research, promotion, and information gathering, acting on behalf of the parent company.

Who Can Register a Representative Office in the UAE

Only a foreign company registered outside the UAE.
Founding documents and Certificate of Good Standing are required.
Proof of address and registration.
Translated and legalized documents.

Registration Process for a Representative Office in Mainland

Translation and legalization of company documents
Confirmation of representative's authority
Obtaining Initial Approval from DED
Appointment of a local service agent (formal only, no management involvement)
Office opening and rental (Ejari)
Registration with DED and licence issuance
Registration with MoHRE and FTA (for visas and compliance)

Where It Can Be Registered

Jurisdiction	Registration Possibility	Comment
Mainland	✅ Yes	Full market access, agent required
Free Zones	❌ Mostly no	Sometimes a Branch is allowed, but not a Representative Office in the classic sense

Differences Between Representative Office, Branch, and Subsidiary

Criterion	Representative Office	Branch	Subsidiary (LLC/FZCO)
Legal Independence	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Right to Conduct Activities	❌ No (only PR/marketing)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Right to Profit	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Invoicing	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Service Agent	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No
Hiring Employees	✅ Limited (1–3 visas)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Where Registered	Only Mainland	Mainland / Free Zone	Mainland / Free Zone

Turnkey Registration of a Representative Office in the UAE

Document legalization, appointment of a service agent, registration with DED, and office opening. We help ensure compliance with all legal requirements.

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Obligations of a Representative Office

Appoint a local service agent.
Do not conduct commercial activities or earn profit.
Report any changes in the parent company.
Maintain basic records (licence, office, visas).

MIRAD Services for Representative Office

Full support during registration.
Translation and legalization of documents.
Appointment of a reliable service agent.
Support in application and office opening.
Consultations on risk limitation.

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