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LLC Company Formation in Dubai
  • By Business Consultant
  • June 20, 2024

Thinking about LLC company formation in Dubai, UAE? You are on the right path. Today, the UAE stands as a premier destination for business setup. Dubai, with its robust economy, holds a significant position as an attractive avenue for businesses. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, 19,056 new companies joined as members during Q1 2024, marking a year-over-year growth of 17.6%. With startup-friendly laws, businesses here can set up LLC companies in the mainland, offshore, or free zones. Moreover, there are over 2000 activities to choose from.  

This blog provides comprehensive information on LLC company formation in Dubai, covering the process, requirements, and associated costs. 

LLC meaning in UAE: 

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of legal business structure in UAE. For expats and foreigners planning to start a business in Dubai, an LLC, or limited liability company, is often the top choice and the simplest option available. This legal structure requires a minimum of two and a maximum of fifty shareholders. Their liability is restricted to the number of shares they own in the company’s capital.  

An LLC shields its owners/shareholders from personal responsibility for the business’s debts and commitments, ensuring full protection under Dubai’s corporate regulations. 

Benefits of LLC company formation in Dubai: 

LLC company formation in Dubai offers various benefits including: 

  • Limited liability of each shareholder; limited to their respective shares in the company’s capital.  
  • Flexibility in shareholder count; LLC can have up to 50 individuals. 
  • A broad range of permissible business activities; DED offers a list of over 2,000 options 
  • Opportunity to apply for multiple visas for family members and employees. 
  • Empowerment to select any legal location for your business, numerous alternatives exist for leasing or acquiring office space. 

How to open LLC in Dubai: Step-by-step guide 

Following are the steps to be followed for LLC company formation in Dubai: 

Step 1 – Determine your business activities: 

Start your LLC company formation in Dubai by deciding the operations and activities your business will undertake, as they determine the type of license you will need. UAE offers over 2000 activities for LLCs in sectors like trade, tourism, retail, and education. You must do proper market research and check the potential of your business idea. 

Step 2 – Choose a business location: 

After deciding on your business activities, the next step is selecting the location. In Dubai, you can establish your LLC company in the mainland, free zone, or offshore. Each zone has its own laws and regulations for setup and permitted activities.  

DUBIZ experts can assist you in choosing the best location for your business according to your needs and requirements. 

Step 3 – Select and register your trade name: 

You must then select and register a trendy and unique name for your business. While selecting the name, make sure it follows the rules and conventions of the UAE. You can propose several names for your company, taking into account its nature, operations, and legal requirements. 

Step 4 – Apply for initial approvals: 

Next, you need to obtain an Initial Approval Certificate from the DED for your business. This certificate serves as proof that the UAE government has no objections to your business operations in the city. After obtaining the NOC, you can proceed with the next steps of your LLC company formation in Dubai. 

Step 5 – Prepare essential documents: 

Once you have obtained the necessary approvals, you must complete all required documentation, which includes drafting and signing the Memorandum of Association (MoA). The MoA is essential to start your LLC company in Dubai and must be duly notarized. Additionally, for a professional service license, you will need to have a Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement in place. 

Step 6 – Find a local sponsor, if needed: 

Whether you need a local sponsor in Dubai varies based on your business’s nature and the industry you plan to enter. In Dubai’s mainland, some sectors require a local sponsor, while others allow full foreign ownership. LLC companies in Dubai free zones enable you to have 100% ownership without the need for a local sponsor. 

Step 7 – Secure an office space: 

If you are starting a company in Dubai mainland, having a physical office space is a must. You will need to rent a suitable office and secure an “Ejari” agreement, which is a legal contract with the real estate agency. 

Step 8 – Get additional approvals: 

Certain business operations in Dubai may require additional approvals from relevant authorities. For instance, health-related ventures might need clearance from local health departments.  

Step 9 – Obtain your trade license: 

You can apply for your trade license by submitting all the necessary documents and fees to the DED. After successful submission and verification of your documents, you will receive your business license from the economic department’s service centres or through its website. 

Step 10 – Get a corporate bank account: 

After you have secured your license and documents back, you should open a corporate bank account for your business to manage the finances. Dubai provides options for both domestic and international banks. You will need to furnish documents such as your business license, shareholders’ passport copies, and any other paperwork as requested by the bank. 

Step 11 – Visa application: 

Finally, there is immigration and visa processing. You can apply for visas for yourself, your family, and your employees. This involves medical testing and submitting passport copies, photos, and other required documents. 

You can navigate through the process of LLC company formation in Dubai smoothly by following the above given steps. If you need any further details, please contact DUBIZ. 

Documents required to start an LLC in Dubai: 

Generally, following documents need to be submitted for LLC company formation in Dubai: 

  • Application form for the license  
  • Business plan  
  • Bank statements  
  • Several options for the company name reservation  
  • Shareholders’ passport copies  
  • Local sponsor’s passport copy 
  • Emirates ID copy (if applicable)  
  • Office space lease agreement  
  • Duly attested memorandum of association  
  • Receipt for initial approval  
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local sponsor or partner (if needed)  
  • Approvals from relevant government entities, if necessary  
  • Any extra documents requested by DED 

Please note that additional documents may be needed or asked for by relevant authorities. Please contact our experts at DUBIZ to determine your exact requirements for ensuring compliance. 

LLC company cost in Dubai:  

LLC formation cost in Dubai (including 1 Visa) is AED 28,000*. LLC License cost in Dubai usually starts from AED 18,500*, with license renewal cost around AED 13,500*. 

The cost for your LLC company formation in Dubai may vary depending on factors such as the number of visas requested, the chosen medical insurance, additional approvals from relevant government authorities, and the use of a foreign trade name. 

To know your exact cost, we advise you to get in touch with our experts. 

Get your LLC formed with DUBIZ! 

LLC company formation in Dubai requires a deep understanding of the UAE’s business landscape. But you don’t need to worry. Our experts at DUBIZ can guide you through the entire process, educating you about the requirements and intricacies involved. We can assist you with every step, including the paperwork, company registration in UAE, visa application, and more. All you need to do is partner with us and take a step towards success in Dubai’s thriving markets.  

Let’s do it together! 

Contact DUBIZ today at +971 562986853 or WhatsApp us at +971 569973630. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries. 

FAQS 

1. What does LLC mean in the UAE? 

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of legal structure of business. This legal structure requires a minimum of two and a maximum of fifty shareholders. Each shareholder’s liability is limited to the number of shares they own in the company’s capital. 

2. How much does it cost to form an LLC in Dubai? 

The cost of LLC company formation in Dubai, including one visa, is around AED 28,000*. The LLC license itself starts from AED 18,500*, and renewal is about AED 13,500* 

3. How to form an LLC in Dubai? 

LLC company formation in Dubai includes the following steps: 

  1. Determine your business activities 
  2. Choose a business location 
  3. Select & register your trade name 
  4. Apply for initial approvals 
  5. Prepare essential documents 
  6. Find a local sponsor, if needed 
  7. Secure an office space 
  8. Get additional approvals 
  9. Obtain your trade license 
  10. Get a corporate bank account 
  11. Apply for visa 

4. How to get an LLC license in Dubai? 

To acquire an LLC license in Dubai from the Department of Economic Development (DED), individuals must submit the necessary documentation to DED and pay the requisite fee. 

5. How many members can be there in an LLC Company in Dubai? 

In Dubai, an LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is permitted to have a minimum of 2 partners and a maximum of 50 partners.