Company Registration in UAE

The United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s most promising business hubs in recent years. Acknowledged for its growing economy, strategic location, and business-friendly environment, the UAE has become the cornerstone for entrepreneurs. If you are planning to start your business here, then starting with company registration in UAE certainly puts you in the right direction.

This blog will help beginners get acquainted with all the important details related to company registration in Dubai and UAE.

What is Company Registration in UAE?

Company registration in UAE, also known as company incorporation, is a formal process of establishing a business legally in the Emirates. Through it, the business gains the status of a distinct legal entity by the UAE government, enabling it to operate legally within the country’s boundaries.

Once your business is registered, you can start conducting operations, open bank accounts, hire staff, and enjoy the UAE’s top-notch business environment.

Dubai company formation and registration remains a top choice for investors from around the world because of the benefits such as tax advantages, global market access, e-governance facilities, luxury lifestyle, networking opportunities, and an economy that supports growth.

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:

There are several advantages to registering your business in a freezone, including duty-free imports and exports, 100% ownership, tax exemption, and more. With over 45 top-class freezones options in the UAE, you can start and register your business in your ideal one at affordable costs. You will need to register your company with the respective competent authority of the specific freezone you choose.

Benefits of free zone company registration:

• 100% foreign business ownership.
• Exclusive tax exemptions.
• Advanced and industry specific support.

Offshore company registration:

While offshore companies are prohibited from conducting business within the United Arab Emirates, they enjoy benefits such as asset protection, tax discounts, and anonymity. For businesses that primarily engage in foreign commerce and activities, this is often the best option. Due to its unmatched tax advantages, the UAE stands as a top offshore business destination today.

Benefits of offshore company registration:

• International business opportunities.
• Protection of personal and business assets.
• 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.

Mainland vs Free zone Company Registration

Here are the main differences between mainland and freezone company registration in UAE:

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:

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).

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.

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 4: Acquiring the initial approval and submitting legal documents

The DET or respective freezone authority must provide an approval before you register your business in the United Arab Emirates. You will need to submit the essential documents like the MOA, your business plan, etc., for getting the NOC. The MOA for your business must be written and certified.

Step 5: Additional permits, if needed

Certain business operations might require further clearances from relevant authorities or departments. For example, all transportation businesses require getting the permit from the RTA. Similarly, healthcare businesses need permission from the Dubai Healthcare Authority.

So, in case you have decided to enter any such regulated industry, you must get the relevant permits.

Step 6: Lease agreement and business location

It is essential to obtain a lease agreement and secure a business space. Every UAE-based business needs an office address for their business operations. The commercial building and its location must adhere to the zoning laws set forth by the municipality or other appropriate authority, as well as the requirements of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in each Emirate.

Step 7: Apply for the registration and licensing

You need to apply for a business license, whether it be commercial, industrial, or professional, after completing all previous procedures. It will include submission of necessary documents, application form, and payment of associated fees. In the case of mainland, you will need to approach DET. In case of freezone, respective government authority of selected freezone will issue your license.

Step 8: Visa application

Additionally, if you are a foreigner starting a business in the UAE, you will need the appropriate visas to live and work here legally. You can also obtain visas for your employees if they are joining you in the business. If you plan to bring your family to UAE as well, then you can apply for the family visa.

Step 9: Open a business bank account

To manage your company’s finances effectively, you need to open a business bank account. Mind you that you cannot use your personal bank account for business purpose in UAE.

Explore more: How to Start a Business in Dubai

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.

Which Types of Business License Can You Get in UAE?

The activities you choose will dictate the type of UAE trade license you will need. Here are the broad three categories of trade license in UAE:

• Industrial license: You need this license if you want to manufacture, process, or assemble goods and products.
• Professional license: This license allows individuals and businesses to offer services based on your skills and qualifications.
• Commercial license: With this license, you can conduct activities like trading, importing, or exporting of goods.

Documents Required for Company Registration in UAE

The necessary paperwork required for company registration in UAE include:

• Application form for company registration.
• Copies of each director’s and shareholder’s passport and visa if they are non-residents.
• Business plan
• The articles of association (AOA) and the memorandum of association (MOA).
• Current sponsor’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for foreign nationals.
• Confirmation of the trade name reservation and original permission certificate.

Please note that besides these documents, you may need some more depending on your specific business. Get to know more at Dubiz Business Setup.

What is the Cost of Company Registration in Dubai?

The starting price for mainland company registration in Dubai is AED 17,900. For Free Zone company registration, you can expect to pay starting from AED 5,999, while offshore business setup starts at AED 19,000*.

However, these costs can vary based on several factors, including:

• Your business activity
• The license you are applying for
• The number of visas you need
• The selected location (mainland/freezone)
• Office requirements
• Additional services, such as PRO services, marketing services, accounting services

For an accurate cost estimation, you can seek guidance from Dubiz experts or alternatively you can use our cost calculator.

Conclusion

Company registration in Dubai and UAE is a straightforward way to start your business journey in one of the world’s most dynamic economies. It gives your business ideas a true form and provides you with legal permission to conduct business of your choice in the Emirates. You can choose mainland, freezone, or offshore based on your business goals and requirements.

Nonetheless, starting in any of these jurisdictions will bring you and your business profits, stability, and growth. Professional support from our experts will ensure smooth licensing, document submission, and approvals, so that your business gets started quickly and efficiently.

Dubiz Assists With Company Registration in UAE

Ready to explore the world of business opportunities? With the assistance of our professionals, discover the endless opportunities that the United Arab Emirates offers.

Our expert business setup advisors, with their in-depth knowledge and years of experience pertaining to company registration in UAE, will guide you through the entire process. We offer end-to-end business establishment services in Dubai, UAE:

• UAE company register
• Trade licensing
• Visa application and processing
• Bank account opening
• Tax and accounting services
• PRO services and document clearance
• Golden visa for entrepreneurs, investor, and professionals
• AML compliance and more

Need expert guidance to open company in Dubai? Reach out to our experts at Dubiz Business Setup anytime:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

Frequently Aksed Questions (FAQs)