Company Registration & Licensing

Company Formation
in Dubai (UAE)

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to launch your Blockchain and web3 business in the bustling city of Dubai? Look no further! Our firm is known for providing low-cost business setup services that can help you realize your dream of becoming a business owner. We understand the value of entrepreneurship and believe that everyone should be able to start their own business. And, with Dubai quickly becoming the Headquarters of the Metaverse, there’s no better place to launch your Blockchain business. Allow us to assist you in registering your start-up and turning your ideas into a successful business.

The United Arab Emirates offers a variety of company structures to potential business owners, due to the country’s division into three distinct business zones: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. Each of these zones provides unique tax advantages and regulatory controls.

SETTING UP A BUSINESS ON
THE MAINLAND (Onshore)

The Mainland in the United Arab Emirates refers to the region governed by the federal government and its local authorities, including the Dubai and Abu Dhabi municipalities. A Mainland company is one that is registered and operates in this region and is subject to federal and local regulations and legislation. These companies have access to the entire UAE market and can conduct business with both local and foreign parties.

According to Federal Law No. (2) of 2015 AD on Commercial Companies, the following are the various types of companies that can be formed in the UAE:

1.  Sole Proprietorship:A sole proprietorship or sole establishment is a legal entity formed by a single person or proprietor. The liability of this type of company is not limited because the owner is personally accountable for the liabilities of the company to the full extent of his or her personal assets.

2. Single-Owner Limited Liability Company (LLC-SO):The UAE has established an alternative to a sole proprietorship for entrepreneurs who want to reduce their liabilities. It is a sole proprietorship entity with limited liability.

3. Limited Liability Company (LLC):A limited liability company (LLC) is the most common type of legal entity formed in the UAE. The primary reason is that the liability of this type of legal entity is limited and does not extend to the personal asset or property of the owners.

4. Civil Company: A civil company is an organization or partnership in which two or more people have made an agreement to carry out a professional or consulting business. It is a professional corporate partnership for professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers, and accountants. Except for engineering civil companies, civil companies are 100% owned by the professional partners; nevertheless, a UAE National Local Service Agent is usually necessary.

5. Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC):a public joint stock company is as an organization whose capital is divided into negotiable shares of equal value and the partners are liable only to the extent of their shares in the capital of the company. According to the law, a minimum share capital of AED 10,000,000 is required, with a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) settled on subscription.

6. Private Joint Stock Company: (Pvt JSC):In accordance with the UAE Commercial Companies Law, a Private Joint Stock Company is defined as an organization whose capital is divided into negotiable shares of equal value and the partners are accountable only to the amount of their shares in the capital of the company. A minimum share capital of AED 2,000,000 is required to set up a Private Joint Stock Company.

7. Branch or Representative Office: A branch, also known as a representative office, is a legal entity that is registered independently but is regarded to be part of a parent company. A parent company owns 100% of a branch, which must have the same name and engage in the same business operations as its parent company.

ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS IN
FREE ZONES (FZs)

A Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates refers to a recognized free economic zone inside the country. These zones are intended to encourage foreign investment and provide a variety of incentives to businesses operating within them, including 100 % foreign ownership, exemptions from corporate and personal taxes, and lenient regulations. Furthermore, free zones have their own independent regulatory and legal frameworks.

There are currently more than 40 free zones in the UAE, each with its own focus and set of perks. For example, some free zones are geared towards specific industries, such as the Dubai Media City for media and advertising, while others have a broader focus, such as the Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) for technology and innovation. Each free zone has its unique set of regulations and requirements for establishing a business, so it is essential to select the one that best fits your business objectives.

Different Types Free Zone entities:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE)or Free Zone Limited Liability Establishment (FZ LLE): This is a single-person-owned entity with limited liability. A shareholder’s liability in this type of entity is limited to the number shares he or she has in the company.
  • Free Zone Company (FZCO)or Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): This type of legal entity can be formed with as few as two (2) and as many as five (5) shareholders, who can be individuals or business entities. The liability of the shareholders is this type of legal entity is limited to the number of their capital contribution in the company.
  • Branch:A branch is a legal entity that is registered independently but is considered as part of a parent company. Local and foreign businesses can open branches in free zones in the UAE.

Benefits of setting up a business in Free Zones:

  • 100% Foreign Ownership.
  • 100% Repatriation of Capital and Profits.
  • 100% Exemption from Corporate and Income Taxes.
  • 100% Exemption from Customs Duty.
  • Fast and Easy Business Set-up Procedures.
  • Independent Laws and Regulations.
  • Easy Regional, Global Market Access.
  • Modern and Sophisticated Infrastructure.
  • Developed Business Communities.
  • Numerous Options at Competitive Costs.

BUSINESS SET-UP IN OFFSHORE IN
THE UAE

Offshore zones in the United Arab Emirates refer to specific areas within the country designated as offshore jurisdictions, such as the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAKICC) and the Ajman Free Zone. These zones are separate from the mainland and free zones and are primarily used for international trade and investment. Offshore zones are “tax-free” jurisdictions that do not levy income or corporate taxes and allow for 100% foreign ownership.

In the UAE, you can set up an offshore company in the following offshore areas:

  • JAFZA Offshore (Dubai)
  • RAK Offshore (Ras Al-Khaimah)
  • AFZA Offshore (Ajman)

The benefits of incorporating an offshore company in the UAE’s offshore zones include:

  • Confidentiality and anonymity for shareholders and directors.
  • Exemption from taxes and import/export duties.
  • Ability to hold and manage assets and investments in the UAE and abroad.
  • Less stringent regulations and reporting requirements.
  • Ability to open bank accounts in the UAE and worldwide.
  • Protection of assets through the UAE’s stable political and legal system.

Most investors set up an offshore company in the UAE for the following reasons:

  • International general trading,
  • Holding company (buys, holds, and sells shares of companies in UAE and other countries),
  • Investments and joint investments company,
  • Property ownership and international business services,
  • commission agents for shipping and ship management services (outside UAE),
  • Have a corporate address and bank account in UAE,
  • Estate planning, wealth management, and tax planning etc.

Choosing the appropriate jurisdiction for your offshore company is a crucial choice that demands careful study. The international business community and various monitoring authorities do not evaluate all tax havens in the same manner. The UAE is the best place to register your offshore corporation because it provides the following incentives:

  • 100% tax exemptions.
  • 100% foreign ownership.
  • 100% profit and capital repatriation.
  • A high level of privacy.
  • No paid-in capital.
  • Less laws and regulatory oversight.
  • Flexible and easy business set up and administration.

It is important to note that offshore companies in the UAE are not permitted to conduct business within the UAE; instead, they are only permitted to conduct international business. When deciding to incorporate an offshore company in the UAE, it is also critical to consider the specific regulations and requirements of each offshore zone.

Company Formation Abroad
Global Entity Registeration

Want to expand your business internationally? We’ve got you covered. Expand your business horizons with our global business setup services. Our international business lawyers have in-depth knowledge of country-specific laws and regulations that can help you to navigate the complexities of establishing a legal entity in multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. From locating the ideal jurisdiction to registration, and obtaining licenses and permits, we have the experience required to set up your business for success. Whether you’re a start-up looking to expand or an established company ready to take your business to the next level, our custom-tailored solutions will make global expansion a smooth and stress-free process. Partner with us today and experience the benefits of a truly global business presence.

Global Entity Registration refers to the process of setting up a company in multiple countries. This can be done by establishing separate legal entities or registering a branch office of the company in each country. The process typically involves incorporating the company in the country where it will be headquartered, and then registering it in other countries as a foreign entity. This can involve obtaining licenses and permits, as well as complying with local laws and regulations. The specific steps involved in global company formation will vary depending on the countries in question and the type of business to be conducted.

Why set up your company abroad?

There are several reasons why a company may choose to set up operations abroad, including:

  1. Access to new markets:Setting up a business in a foreign country gives a business access to new customer bases and revenue streams.
  2. Cost savings: A company can save a lot of money by setting up a subsidiary in a country where labour or production costs are lower.
  3. Access to resources: Starting a business in a country with a lot of natural resources or a lot of specialized knowledge can be a strategic advantage.
  4. Diversification:Doing business in more than one country can help a company spread its risk and become less reliant on a single market.
  5. Incentives from the government:Some governments give tax breaks and other benefits to foreign companies that set up companies in their country.
  6. Buying a local company: Setting up a business in a foreign country can also be used to buy local companies and grow the business through mergers and acquisitions.
  7. To avoid tariffs and trade restrictions: Setting up a company in a foreign country can help a company avoid tariffs and trade restrictions put in place by the country of origin.

What can we do to help?

  • Advise on international tax minimization.
  • Conducting in-country name availability checks.
  • Obtaining a tax identification number if applicable.
  • Gathering and uploading your supporting materials.
  • Preparing incorporation and registration documents.
  • Serving as a contact with country-specific experts in international jurisdictions.
  • Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) screening checks.
  • Pre-filing due diligence as required by the jurisdiction (including identity verification).
  • completing and checking paperwork before submitting it to the concerned authorities.
  • Handling the payment of incorporation fees and other government taxes and charges.
  • Requesting and acquiring certificates of registration/certificate of incorporation, trade
    license and commercial register if applicable.

Let’s Go Global

We have assisted clients in registering companies in various jurisdictions, including the following:

  • The Philippines
  • United States
  • Liechtenstein
  • Great Britain
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Switzerland
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Mauritius
  • Germany
  • Portugal
  • Sweden
  • Ireland
  • Estonia
  • Nigeria
  • France
  • Cyprus
  • Malta
  • Qatar
  • Egypt
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Belize
  • India

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