Company Registration in UAE: Complete Guide for New Businesses

Where Can You REGISTER A COMPANY IN UAE You will find three jurisdictions that function as economic zones where you can register company in UAE: Free Zones, Offshore, and Mainland. Each jurisdiction has its own set of rules and governance that oversee businesses operating within them. Every choice has unique qualities that fit various business structures and goals. Here are the types of company registration in UAE based on jurisdiction you choose: Mainland company registration: Establishing a business in the mainland UAE allows you to conduct business both inside and outside the UAE. For mainland business setup, you would need to go through company registration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Mainland businesses can operate across diverse industries, and many business activities now allow for 100% foreign ownership on the mainland. Benefits of mainland company registration: Freedom to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Access to government contracts and projects. Broader business opportunities.

Free zone company registration: Offshore company registration: There are several advantages to registering your business in a While offshore companies are prohibited from conducting freezone, 100% business within the United Arab Emirates, they enjoy benefits ownership, tax exemption, and more. With over 45 top-class such as asset protection, tax discounts, and anonymity. For freezones options in the UAE, you can start and register your businesses that primarily engage in foreign commerce and business in your ideal one at affordable costs. You will need to activities, this is often the best option. Due to its unmatched tax register your company with the respective competent authority advantages, the UAE stands as a top offshore business of the specific freezone you choose. destination today. Benefits of free zone company registration: Benefits of offshore company registration including duty-free imports and exports, 100% foreign business ownership. International business opportunities. Exclusive tax exemptions. Protection of personal and business assets. Advanced and industry specific support. Lower taxes liabilities Cannot decide between the jurisdictions for your Dubai company formation and registration? Read our blog to know the differences between mainland and freezone.

What are the Benefits of REGISTERING A COMPANY IN UAE Here are the advantages of UAE or Dubai company registration: Tax Benefits: The UAE’s tax-friendly environment is one of the main factors attracting investors and entrepreneurs. Within free zones, there are no import/export taxes, minimum corporate tax for most firms, and no personal income tax. Ease of Doing Business: The UAE government has worked tirelessly to simplify business processes, making it incredibly easy for companies to operate and expand. 100% ownership: Foreigners can own and control their business fully without partnering with local sponsors for most of the business activities. Access to Global Markets: The UAE is ideally situated to facilitate international expansion, with easy access to markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Political Stability: The political environment in the United Arab Emirates is stable, guaranteeing the safety and protection of your company assets. Rich Economy: UAE’s economy is witnessing magnificent growth, providing a rich landscape for businesses. According to the IMF, the nation’s GDP is expected to grow by 5 per cent in the year 2025. Residency options: After completing company registration in UAE, owners can easily apply for residence visas for themselves, their staff as well as family.

HOW TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN DUBAI,UAE After deciding jurisdiction for your business, you can go ahead with company registration process. Whether you choose to operate in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other Emirate, the process remains the same. For registering a company in UAE, follow these steps: 1. Step 1: Choose your business activity Start by deciding your business operations. The nature of your business will determine the rules, regulations, and requirements your company must abide by. You must also ensure that your business activity aligns with one of the categories specified by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). 4. Step 4: Acquiring the initial approval and submitting legal documents 2. Step 2: Choose the legal structure of your company It is important that you get familiarised with the legal structure available for companies in the UAE. The most common ones include a sole establishment, branch, and a limited liability company (LLC). It is advisable you choose a legal structure as per your requirements. 5. Step 5: Additional permits, if needed The DET or respective freezone authority must Certain business operations might require further provide an approval before you register your clearances from relevant authorities or departments. business in the United Arab Emirates. You will need For example, all transportation businesses require to submit the essential documents like the MOA, getting the permit from the RTA. Similarly, healthcare your business plan, etc., for getting the NOC. The businesses need permission from the Dubai Healthcare MOA for your business must be written and Authority. certified. So, in case you have decided to enter any such regulated industry, you must get the relevant permits. 3. Step 3: Registration of trade Name Selecting a trade name that is reflective of your business activities is an important step. Ensure that your chosen name falls in line with the UAE naming conventions. The name should not contain any offensive word, and neither should the name be previously registered. To check the availability of your chosen name, you can visit the website of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Step 6: Lease agreement and business location 6. 7. Step 7: Apply for the registration and licensing It is essential to obtain a lease agreement and You need to apply for a business license, whether it be secure commercial, a business space. Every UAE-based industrial, or professional, after business needs an office address for their business completing all previous procedures. It will include operations. The commercial building and its submission of necessary documents, application form, location must adhere to the zoning laws set forth and payment of associated fees. In the case of by the municipality or other appropriate authority, mainland, you will need to approach DET. In case of as well as the requirements of the Department of freezone, respective government authority of selected Economy and Tourism (DET) in each Emirate. freezone will issue your license 8. Step 8: Visa application 9. Step 9: Open a business bank account Additionally, if you are a foreigner starting a business in To manage your company’s finances effectively, you the UAE, you will need the appropriate visas to live and need to open a business bank account. Mind you that work here legally. You can also obtain visas for your you cannot use your personal bank account for employees if they are joining you in the business. If you business purpose in UAE. plan to bring your family to UAE as well, then you can apply for the family visa.

Legal Entities that can be REGISTERED IN UAE Here are the popular types of legal structures available for business registration in Dubai and the UAE: 1. Sole Proprietorship: A sole establishment allows you to operate a business independently, where you single-handedly start and run the enterprise. 2. Limited Liability Company (LLC): An LLC can have a minimum of 2 (1 in special cases) and more than 50 shareholders. The liability of each shareholder is limited to the shares they own in the company’s capital. 3. Civil Company: Also known as a professional company, this structure is for two or more experts in the same profession, such as consultants, doctors, legal advisors, and accountants, who come together to form a business. 4. Partnership: A business partnership involves two or more parties who come together for a venture, sharing its profits and losses in a predetermined ratio. 5. Joint Stock Companies: Joint stock companies allow for shared ownership of the business and can be classified as either public or private joint stock companies. 6. Branch: Branches are representative offices of foreign or GCC companies that need to be registered according to UAE law.