Open a Regional Liaison Office in Dubai

What is activity code 7010.92 and what does it allow a liaison office to do in Dubai

Activity code 7010.92 falls under the ISIC Rev. 4 classification for activities of head offices, covering oversight, coordination, and strategic direction provided by a parent entity to its regional operations. In practice, this means a liaison office registered under this code can conduct market research, coordinate with regional partners, represent the parent company's interests, and facilitate communications between the parent and Gulf-based counterparts.

Critically, the code does not permit invoicing local clients, generating UAE-sourced revenue, or functioning as a trading entity. The moment an office crosses into commercial transactions, a different licence structure is required entirely.

What is the difference between a liaison office, a branch office, and a free zone subsidiary in Dubai

These three structures serve distinct purposes and carry different obligations. A liaison office is non-trading and exists solely to represent the parent company — it cannot generate local revenue.

A branch office can conduct limited commercial activity but carries the full liability of the parent company, meaning the parent is directly exposed to any legal or financial obligations the branch incurs.

A free zone subsidiary is a separate legal entity that can trade within defined parameters set by the relevant free zone authority. Each structure differs in regulatory obligations, costs, and risk profile, so the right choice depends on the parent company's commercial goals in the region.

Which authority should a company register with when opening a liaison office in Dubai

Liaison offices are typically registered through one of two routes. The first is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), formerly known as the DED, which handles mainland licences. The second is the UAE Ministry of Economy, which oversees foreign company representative offices at the federal level.

Free zones such as Meydan Free Zone offer alternative structures, though the regulatory basis differs from a mainland registration. The choice of jurisdiction affects licence fees, office requirements, and the scope of permitted activities, so it is worth confirming the most appropriate route before beginning the application process. Authoritative guidance is available directly from the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Dubai DET.

What documents does a parent company need to provide to open a liaison office in Dubai

The document requirements for the parent company are specific and must be prepared carefully to avoid delays. Required documents include:

• Notarised and UAE-embassy-attested certificate of incorporation
• A board resolution authorising the Dubai office and naming a local representative
• Audited financial statements for the last two years
• Passport copies of all authorised signatories
• A power of attorney in favour of the local representative, legalised accordingly

All documents must be notarised, legalised by the UAE embassy in the country of origin, and counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Attestation gaps are the most common cause of timeline delays in the setup process.

How long does it take to set up a regional liaison office in Dubai

The typical timeline from document submission to licence issuance is four to eight weeks. The process itself is considered straightforward from a regulatory standpoint, and delays almost always trace back to attestation gaps in the parent company documentation rather than regulatory complexity.

Preparing notarised, UAE-embassy-attested, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs counter-attested documents in advance is the single most effective way to keep the timeline on track. Companies that arrive with fully attested documentation tend to move through the process significantly faster.

What are the steps involved in registering a liaison office in Dubai

The registration process follows a clear sequence. First, choose your jurisdiction — mainland via DET or the Ministry of Economy, or a free zone. Then reserve your trade name and confirm activity code 7010.92 with the relevant authority through the DET portal. Next, submit all required parent company documents with full attestation.

After that, apply for initial approval from DET or the Ministry of Economy depending on your route, then secure a physical office address with an Ejari-registered lease (mandatory for mainland licences). Finally, obtain your trade licence, register with the relevant UAE Chamber of Commerce, and apply for your establishment card and employee visas as required by headcount.

What does it cost to operate a regional liaison office in Dubai

Licence fees run between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000 annually, depending on jurisdiction, office size, and any additional approvals required. Mainland licences through the DET sit at the higher end of this range.

Beyond the licence fee, ongoing costs include the Ejari-registered office lease, establishment card renewal, employee visa fees, and any Chamber of Commerce registration fees. The total cost of operation will vary based on headcount and the size of the physical office secured.

Is a physical office address required to obtain a liaison office licence in Dubai

Yes. For mainland licences, an Ejari-registered lease is mandatory — a virtual address or unregistered arrangement will not satisfy the requirement. This means the company must secure and register a physical office space before the licence can be issued.

In certain free zones, flexi-desk arrangements may be acceptable as an alternative to a dedicated office, but this varies by free zone authority. It is strongly advisable to confirm the specific office requirements with the chosen free zone before committing to any workspace arrangement, as assuming flexi-desk eligibility without verification can cause delays.