Does a foreign branch need to be locally audited in the UAE Dubai Abu Dhabi

Does a foreign branch need to be locally audited in the UAE?

What is a foreign branch office?

A foreign branch is a branch of a parent company based outside of the UAE. Whilst considered an extension of the foreign parent company, it must have a trade licence in order to be legally registered in the country. The business activities on the trade licence must match those of the parent company and the branch is fully owned by the parent company.

The function of a foreign branch office is to offer services to its customers and for the promotion and marketing of the parent company’s products, therefore the commercial activities must be the same as those of the parent company. However, it’s worth noting that a foreign branch will not get a trading activity on its licence.

Does a foreign branch need to be locally audited in the UAE?

Yes, upon renewal of the Ministry of Economy (MOE) licence, it is necessary to submit annual audited accounts, without which it won’t be possible to renew the trade licence.

The branch’s accounts should be separate from those of the parent company and must be prepared by a UAE registered auditing company.

If you need assistance with setting up a Foreign Branch in the UAE, or any other related company set up, restructuring, local partner or PRO support matter in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the wider UAE, Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia, then please do get in touch with us on +971 (0)4 456 1761 for Dubai or +971 (0)2 448 5120 for Abu Dhabi, email us at info@propartnergroup.com or complete the contact form below and we will be delighted to assist you.

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