Company Formation and Registration Services in UAE (United Arab Emirates)

Company registration in the UAE (Mainland Dubai)

Law&Trust International provides company incorporation services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over the past decades, the UAE has become the preferred jurisdiction for companies wishing to expand their business abroad and protect assets.

Main advantages of Mainland company:

• Ability to operate throughout the UAE: Different from Free Zone companies, Mainland companies are free to do business and offer their services throughout the UAE.
• Eligibility for government contracts: Only Mainland companies can tender for government contracts, which gives them access to lucrative and large contracts.
• No restrictions on business activities: A Mainland company can work with clients inside and outside the UAE, making it ideal for companies targeting both local and international markets.

Legal form of the company (Mainland Dubai)

Depending on the territorial mode of operation, UAE companies can be categorized into two groups:

• Local companies in the UAE (Mainland Dubai);
• Companies registered in the UAE Free Zone. Additional information can be found here.

Mainland companies are companies incorporated in the main territory of the UAE (other than the Free Zone) and are intended to be fully operational in the UAE. Mainland companies may operate both within and outside the UAE.

The following organizational and legal forms are most commonly used to establish local companies in the UAE:

• Individual private enterprise (Sole proprietor / entrepreneur);
• Limited Liability Company (LLC);
• Branch of a foreign company.

The lawyers and consultants of Law&Trust will help you to choose a favourable legal form of business. You can request an individual review of your case by phone or via the website.

Main stages of Company Registration in the UAE (Mainland Dubai):

1. Choosing the Legal Form of the Company: We will assist you in selecting the appropriate legal structure for your legal entity.
2. Defining the Company’s Business Activity: Choose the business activity for your company, as this will determine the licensing and additional permits requirements, if any. The UAE offers numerous categories of business activities, ranging from trading and manufacturing to consulting services.
3. Selecting a Company Name: The UAE has specific rules for names, which must be unique, not contain religious or offensive terms, not be the same as already registered names and reflect the type of activity.
4. Obtaining a License: The type of license depends on the nature of the business (e.g., commercial, industrial, or professional). For example, licenses can be issued for financial services, educational activities, healthcare, and other sectors. It may also be necessary to obtain additional permits for some types of activities, with which Law&Trust's lawyers and consultants can help you.
5. Office Space Requirement: Every Mainland company must maintain a physical office within the UAE. Space requirements that can vary based on the type of business activity.
6. Obtaining Residence Visa (upon request): After registering the company, you can apply for residence visa for owners and employees. It is almost impossible to open a corporate bank account in a UAE bank without obtaining a resident visa as well as an Emirates ID by the founder of the company.
7. Opening a Bank Account (upon request): A bank account is necessary for operating the business fully in the UAE.

Documents required for company registration

• Copies of passports of the founders and directors.
• Proof of residence address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.) in English.
• Power of Attorney: personal presence is not required when issuing a power of attorney.

Specifics of company registration in the UAE (Mainland Dubai)

Mainland company registration in Dubai requires a minimum of one director and one shareholder. There is no requirement that the director or shareholder be a UAE resident or citizen, so 100% foreign ownership is possible.

The UAE law directs investors to specify the value of capital in articles of incorporation and company statutes but does not require a minimum amount for limited liability companies, though certain licenses may have specific requirements.

Mainland companies are required to have a physical office in the UAE, verified through a rental agreement. An additional government fee equal to 5% of the annual rent for the office/premises must be paid at the time of registration.

Taxation

In the UAE, taxation for companies in the mainland jurisdiction includes several key elements.

The main taxes for mainland companies in the UAE:

• Corporate Tax
  From 1 June 2023, all companies in the UAE are required to register for corporate tax. The corporate tax rate is 9% on profits that exceed a threshold of AED 375,000. Profits up to this threshold are taxed at a zero rate. This applies to all companies, including branches and representative offices of foreign organizations registered in the UAE.
• Value Added Tax (VAT)
  The UAE imposes VAT at a rate of 5% on most goods and services. Companies whose annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000 are required to register for VAT. Certain categories of goods and services, including education and medicine are exempt from VAT or taxed at a zero rate.

Thus, the taxation system in the UAE is quite flexible and low compared to other countries.

Law&Trust's lawyers and consultants can help you register a company in the UAE. You can apply for an individual review of your case by phone or via the website.

F.A.Q.

Do I need a local bank account?

No

Can I be a sole shareholder of a company?

Yes, you can be a sole shareholder and director of the company.

What documents do I need to register a company?

• Passport
• Proof of address of shareholder and director not older than 3 months.

Can a foreign citizen register a company?

Yes, you can. Foreign investors can own the company 100% without a local partner or sponsor.

Can I register a company remotely?

Yes, you can, if a power of attorney is executed.