Question 1

What is a shared office location?

Accepted Answer

A shared office location means that eligible businesses can operate multiple licences, branch licences or permits from a single office while maintaining separate legal entities, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Question 2

Who can use a shared office location?

Accepted Answer

The arrangement may be suitable for family holding companies, investment structures, corporate groups, entrepreneurs operating multiple businesses and eligible Free Zone companies expanding into mainland Dubai.

Question 3

Do all shareholders have to be the same?

Accepted Answer

No. The ownership structure does not have to be identical across every business. However, at least one owner or partner must be common to every participating licence.

Question 4

Can Free Zone companies use their existing office?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible Free Zone companies may be able to use their existing Free Zone office when obtaining a mainland permit or establishing a mainland branch licence, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

Question 5

Does sharing an office merge my companies?

Accepted Answer

No. Each business remains a separate legal entity with its own licence, assets, liabilities and regulatory obligations. Sharing an office location does not change the legal relationship between participating companies.

Question 6

How much office space is required?

Accepted Answer

Each participating licence must be allocated a minimum of 100 sq ft (9.3 sq m) of office space. The maximum number of licences that can operate from one location depends on the total leasable area.

Question 7

What happens if my business no longer meets the requirements?

Accepted Answer

If ownership changes, the office no longer meets the minimum space requirement or tenancy arrangements are no longer compliant, businesses may need to take corrective action to restore compliance.

Question 8

How many licences can operate from one office?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the office's leasable area, with a minimum allocation of 100 sq ft per licence.

Shared office location guide