• Company Formation
• Dubai A Lucrative Opportunity
• Tax Residency UAE
• Corporate Tax 2023

Dubai is one of the few places on Earth where starting a business is a tedious task. According to the World Bank’s Survey, Dubai is ranked 33rd of the easiest places to do business considering its low rankings, we can safely say that starting a business in the city is going to be very hard, especially if it’s your first time. Company Registration in UAE is a process of starting new company for doing business legally in the region. Registration process includes company name approval, selection of business activity, document submission and getting trade license. Companies registered in UAE have 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and many other business benefits. Hence, it is a popular choice among foreign investors. Additionally, tax savings, ease of doing business, top-class lifestyle, and up-scaled business infrastructure, etc., attracts investors to start a company in UAE.

Investors can choose from a wide range of company registration options available in the region. There are various business licenses and business activities available that will suit the exact business requirements. Investors can start a company in UAE the most hassle-free way by following the company registration process the right way. We provide complete assistance for opening a company in UAE. Based on exact business requirements our expert professionals will assist investors to register a company in UAE. The Jurisdiction of Company Registration in UAE is categorized into three Zones. Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Jurisdiction. For establishing a company in UAE there are various company setup packages across the Mainland and Free Zone jurisdictions. Cost of setting up a company in UAE varies accross business jurisdictions depending on the selected business activity.

The Mainland Company can now be registered as 100% expatriate owned entity in UAE. This is as per the recent Cabinet Resolution of 2021. However, depending on the business activity and industrial sector, there are certain regulations to be fulfilled by the investor.

The Free Zones and Offshore Companies can be setup with 100% expatriate shareholding. However, they are distinct in their characteristics, business operations as well as the governing business laws. The minimum cost of Company Registration in UAE starts from 2.190 US-Dollar in Free Zones. This cost will vary depending on the facilities and visa availability.

Process of Company Registration in UAE

The Company Registration Process in UAE is well structured with a set of activities to register the company successfully. Our Team provides unmatched support until the company documents are delivered to the investor and beyond. The process of company registration in UAE start with choosing the right tradename and getting the approval. Then the investor must choose the right business activities under their trade license. The company is legally entitled to conduct trade or offer services depending on the chosen business activities.

Next step in the registration process is the submission of the application form, supporting documents, investor profile, etc. to the respective authorities. Investor has to pay the trade license fee to obtain the company documents and trade license. Now they can apply for an investor visa and bank account.

1. Company Name & Business Activity Appoval

Finalize the company name and business activity. The Tradename must be approved by the authority to start the process of company registration. We will coordinate and submit documents for company name and facilitate the business activity approval. It is an important step in the company registration process in Dubai. Selecting the right business activity is essential because the trade license will reflect the selected list of business activities. Business can only trade in the selected list of business activities included in the trade license.

2. Document Submission & Coordination

Prepare all the required documents, shareholder details, and arrange for the document submission to the respective authority. In UAE, the company can be opened without the actual presence of the shareholder. Our team will coordinate the processing of the company license and other documents. The team ensures a hassle-free company registration in the shortest possible time.

How To Setup A Company in Mainland

Company Registration in UAE

UAE Mainland is home to numerous large multi national companies, small and medium companies. There is a high demand for retail shops, restaurants, coffee shops, shopping centers and more. Brands around the world are looking for an opportunity to tap into the mainland of UAE. Mainland Company Registration in UAE is one of the most sought-after business investments. Investors can actively reach out to the multi cultural audience and expand to the local UAE markets. There are significant changes in the Mainland Company Registration Process after the Amendment of the Commercial Companies Law. Now, to register a Mainland Company in the UAE there is no requirement of a local sponsor/local service agent.

The mainland companies can now be completely expatriate owned across selected business categories ranging from commercial, industrial, trading, etc. However, there are a few strategic sectors such as energy, banking, Oil & Gas, etc., that do not allow 100% expatriate ownership. To add to the list are business sectors such as the security, defense & military activities. Also, services related to fisheries; banks, exchange shops, telecom, etc. do not allow 100% expatriate ownership.

There is a positive business activity list of around 122 business activities that can be fully owned by the expatriates. For selected business activities there is a minimum capital requirement to be met. In the case of the services sector, there is 100% foreign expatriate ownership in all business activities. Also, there is no local service agent to be appointed for liaising with DED for the administrative works. Following are the major company structures in the Mainland of UAE.

A. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC)

The Limited Liability Company structure is one of the popular company structures in the mainland of UAE. Investors choose Limited Liability Company usually when there are more than 2 shareholders (up to 50). There are various business benefits in setting up an LLC Company in the region for the entrepreneurs.

Liability in the LLC company is only to extent of the shares owned by the Investor. Limited Liability Companies can be formed in the Mainland of UAE for a variety of business activities. Commercial, Services, and industrial activities can be executed through the formation of an LLC Company.

For LLC Company Formation there is a 100% expatriate ownership on the selected list of business activities. There is no requirement of a local UAE National Sponsor for setting up an LLC Company in the mainland of UAE.

B. PROFESSIONAL COMPANY (CIVIL WORK COMPANY)

Professionals in the field of consulting, legal, accounting, doctors, etc., can form a Civil Work Company in the Mainland of UAE. The owner can retain 100% ownership of the company's shares. A Civil Work Company can be registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirates in UAE.
v To easily start a business in UAE, opening a Civil Works Company is a good option for skilled professionals. The Dubai Economy offers a wide range of Professional Licenses for entrepreneurs to choose from. Opening a Civil Works Company in UAE has numerous benefits for entrepreneur. The 100% ownership for the shareholder with no requirement of a UAE National as partner is a key highlight.

C. Branch Or Representative Office Of Foreign Companies

Investors having a Free Zone company in UAE or any company outside of UAE can form a Branch in the Mainland. There are certain requirements and criteria for the formation of a Branch or a Representative Office. Opening a branch office is a lucrative business investment for foreign companies. It is a perfect option for companies looking at actively expanding to the UAE Local markets.

Branch Office enables large organizations to streamline their business operations across new markets. It also enables investor to test the market conditions and audience response before investing in a wide expansion plan.

How To Open A Company In Freezone

Free Zone Company Registration in UAE is relatively easier than Mainland Company Formation. The Free Zones in Dubai are preferred for their ease of setting up a business, world-class facility and business ecosystem. One of the major advantages of a Designated Free Zone Company Setup is the exemption from VAT (Value Added Tax). Also, the running expenses for a Free Zone Company is minimal for entrepreneurs. All the payments for the usage of office space, amenities and utilities are paid upfront on an annual basis.

The Free Zone Company Registration in Dubai has a host of business benefits such as

-Exemption from VAT
-Exemption from filing audit report
-100% transfer of profits
-Easy transfer of ownership

Free Zones in Dubai offers one of the best Company Formation Packages at an affordable cost. The minimum cost of registering a Free Zone Company in Dubai is 3.790 US-Dollar. Free Zones in Dubai offers a wide range of business activities for investors to start their business in UAE. To know more on the list of activities and favorable Free Zone for your Company Setup, talk to our experts!

How To Open A Company In Offshore Jurisdiction

Offshore Company in Dubai is a legal business entity formed for coordinating international trade. Offshore Companies in UAE are registered as International Business Company (IBC). They are out of the scope of UAE's local business jurisdictions and Legal systems. Also, they fall outside the scope of VAT and UAE Customs. However, Offshore Companies are not eligible to trade in the local UAE market. Mostly international trading companies, holding companies, consulting services, property investors, etc., register for Offshore Companies.

Offshore Companies are not eligible to apply for any Residence Visa for their employees. Opening a bank account is possible but time consuming due to strict compliance checks. Offshore Company Registration is secure and offers the investor a whole lot of benefits. Various business incentives such as tax savings, profit transfer and foreign ownership.

Cost of Company Registration in Dubai

The cost of Company Registration in Dubai may vary depending on the nature of the business. Company Formation Cost in Dubai is mostly straightforward and there are no hidden costs. The cost component is split majorly into the following headers broadly - Documentation & Attestation, Business License, Visa Processing & Immigration. For certain business activities, there would be additional approvals and document clearance required from the concerned authorities.
 
Working with our experts can help streamline this process, providing valuable insights and tailored strategies to ensure successful outcome. Don’t hesitate any longer. Apply to become a client today to work with our experts on legal strategies to overcome barriers.
 

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