Company Setup in United Arab Emirates

Setup your company in UAE and unlock your business potential

United Arab Emirates (UAE) is being viewed as a major international business center for organizations seeking to grow overseas. Setting up your business in UAE provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe.

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Why UAE?

Benefits of Setting Up Your Business in UAE

Setting up your business in UAE provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe

World-Class Infrastructure
Efficient Business Operations
State-Of-The-Art Logistics Facilities
Investor-Friendly Regulations
Low Corporate Tax
Full Repatriation of Profits

With multiple business setup options such as mainland, free zone, and offshore, Dubai caters to the diverse needs of aspiring entrepreneurs. Setting up in Dubai not only allows you to tap into a rapidly evolving economy but also provides access to significant market opportunities. Launching a business in Dubai is a strategic move that positions you at the forefront of one of the world’s most stable and progressive economies.

Why Setting Up Your Business in Dubai is Advantageous

 
  • Easy Visa Process: Foreign investors in Dubai benefit from a relatively smooth visa application process, allowing you to bring in the talent needed for growth.
  • Free Zones: Dubai’s numerous free zones offer distinct advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
  • Skilled Workforce: Dubai has a highly skilled and diverse workforce, with a majority fluent in English, making it easier to run international operations.
  • Strategic Location: Positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Dubai is a key player in trade, tourism, and logistics. Its strategic location provides effortless access to a vast customer base.
  • Tax Benefits: Many regions within Dubai offer low corporate tax, alongside the benefit of unrestricted profit and capital repatriation, making it a prime location for businesses aiming to maximize tax advantages.
  • Vibrant Economy: Dubai’s fast-growing economy creates numerous opportunities for businesses to expand and succeed.
  • Access to Global Markets: Dubai serves as a gateway to international trade, enabling businesses to grow globally and tap into various markets.
  • Ease of Doing Business: Dubai’s government has implemented numerous reforms to simplify the process of company registration. This enables entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their businesses quickly.
  • Entrepreneurship Support: Dubai’s government actively promotes entrepreneurship through financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.

General Procedures for Company Setup in Dubai

 
  • Choose Your Business Activity: It is vital to select the type of business activity as the license depends on whether your business is commercial, industrial, or professional.
  • Select Company Structure and Jurisdiction: Depending on the regulatory benefits and costs, you can establish your company on the mainland, in a free zone, or offshore. Additionally, you can choose the type of company, such as a Limited Liability Company, Sole Establishment, Branch Office, or Freezone Entity.
  • Register the Trade Name: Secure a unique trade name for your company through the appropriate licensing authorities. The name must not be similar to any existing business.
  • Apply for Initial Approval: Obtain approval from the authorities, confirming that your business activity or plan poses no issues.
  • Prepare Legal Documents and Obtain Trade License: Finalize legal documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). Apply for the relevant licenses depending on your business activity.
  • Lease Office Space: Mainland companies must lease office space. Freezone companies must operate within the specific free zone they select.
  • Register with the Chamber of Commerce: Register your company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to access business services and forums.
  • Visa Processing: Apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and their dependents. You will also need an Establishment Card, which allows your company to sponsor visas.
 
Comprehensive Comparison

Mainland vs. Freezone vs. Offshore: Choosing the Right Business Structure in the UAE

Mainland Companies

  • Mainland companies register with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
  • Local partner requirements have been removed.
  • They offer full operational freedom and the ability to bid on government contracts.
  • Ideal for businesses wanting direct access to Dubai’s markets.

Freezone Companies

  • These companies operate within designated free zones like DMCC, DIC, and JAFZA.
  • Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and no import/export duties.
  • Freezone companies cannot trade directly in Dubai without a distributor.
  • Suitable for import/export businesses, e-commerce, or industry-specific enterprises

Offshore Companies

  • Offshore entities are incorporated in specific offshore jurisdictions within Dubai.
  • They cannot engage in commercial activities within Dubai but can operate internationally.
  • Offshore companies offer privacy and asset protection, with favorable tax laws.
  • Ideal for businesses with limited client interaction that engage in global transactions

Licenses Available in UAE

  • Trade License: For companies involved in the buying and selling of goods.
  • Industrial License: Issued to companies engaged in manufacturing.
  • Business License: Awarded to service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen.

Documents Required for Company Setup in UAE

  • Shareholder information
  • Passports and visas of shareholders
  • Application form
  • PDF of the business plan
  • Board resolution documents
  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Articles of Association (AOA)
  • ID proofs for shareholders
Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? check these answers.

You can establish mainland, free zone, or offshore companies, depending on your business needs and objectives. 

The setup process typically takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of business and required licenses.

Yes, in free zones, you can have 100% foreign ownership. Mainland companies also allow full ownership under certain conditions.

You will need a trade license, industrial license, or business license based on your business activity.

No, recent regulations have removed the requirement for a local partner in most mainland setups.

Dubai offers low corporate tax rates, and many free zones provide zero corporate tax and no personal income tax.

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