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

Company Formation in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, they are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain. UAE is a country located in Western Asia or the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, it is bordered to the east by Oman, south by Saudi Arabia, sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to the north. Each of the seven emirates has a ruler;together they form the Federal Supreme Council. One of the rulers serves as the President of the United Arab Emirates. 

The United Arab Emirates has a population of over 9 million people. Islam and Arabic are the official religion and language respectively of the UAE. The currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham. The UAE is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, OPEC, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. 

Company registration and incorporation in the United Arab Emirates is authorized by the Company Registry Office, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Federation of UAE.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPANY FORMATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

• Access to a diversified economy - even though the petroleum industry is very important to the economy, tourism, science, and technology are gaining grounds in the United Arab Emirates;
• A central point for world trade and commerce, the peninsula is located at some of the world’s most important trade and commerce routes; 
• Low or no taxes - attractive tax incentives for companies in the country;
• Technology advanced community;
• Free trade zones available in the territory of UAE, formed to attract foreign investment and formation of large and medium-sized international companies into the country;
• Strict level of confidentiality; information about directors or shareholders are not available to the public.
• Rapid development of businesses over the past few years in the United Arab Emirates.

STARTING A BUSINESS IN UAE: TAXES

The UAE government does not levy income tax, although, there maybe a system of corporate tax in place and value-added tax was established in 2018 at 5%.

Low or no corporate taxes on  profits gained for legal entities.

No income taxation for Company owners and  employees.

Simplified financial reporting system – no annual audit or a simplified report may be required.

Protection of the interests of the foreign business owners.

FORMATION OF COMPANY IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: FORMS OF BUSINESS

A company in the United Arab Emirates can be formed based on its incorporation jurisdictions: The mainland company incorporation, the Free zone company incorporation and the offshore company incorporation. These are the forms of business in the United Arab Emirates, they include:

• Sole proprietorship;
• General Partnership;
• Partnership in Commendams;
• Share Partnership;
• Public Shareholding Company;
• Private Shareholding Company;
• Joint Stock Venture;
• Limited Liability Company (LLC); Companies engaging in commercial activities including trading, technical services, construction etc. A UAE citizen should have a 51% stake in company;
• Branches and Representative offices;
• Free Zone Company;
• Offshore company;
• Civil Company - A business partnership for professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants and so on. This company form is 100% owned by the professional partners except for an engineering civil company.

FOREIGN COMPANY REGISTRATION OPTIONS

A foreign company can register a branch or representative office in the United Arab Emirates with complete foreign ownership but with one mandatory condition. A branch office in UAE is allowed to only engage in activities similar to those of its parents company but its not allowed to imports products of its parent company.

A representative office can only promote or advertise the parent’s company activities that is  get information or secure projects for the main office. Note that the mandatory condition is that a UAE citizen must be appointed in a branch and representative office (open overseas company also) as the ‘service agent’.

REQUIREMENTS TO REGISTER A COMPANY IN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The following are required when looking to set up a new company in the United Arab Emirates. Depending on the form or activity of a company, one of the following licenses will be issued:

• Commercial License – This license is issued to a trading company.
• Industrial License – This license is issued to companies looking to start up a manufacturing or industrial business.
• Professional License –  This licensed is issued to service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen.

Below are the essential registration requirements for a company in the United Arab Emirates, they include:

• The Memorandum of Association
• Approved companies’ name certificate
• UAE embassy attested  personal due diligence of shareholders and directors of the new company including passport, address, three months’ bank statement, resume and educational certificates;
• Certificate of share capital deposit in a UAE corporate bank account;
• Signed lease agreement for office premises or flexi desk in UAE;
• Service agreement with UAE citizen as the 51% local shareholder (mainland company only);
• Commercial service agreement with a UAE company to act as an agent for a free zone company (free zone company only).

COMPANY REGISTRATION PROCESS IN UAE

Step 1. Law and Trust works with the client to get a local  partner;
Step 2. Our experts work with the client to get the company’s name and activity approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED);
Step 3. L&T files the necessary document on behalf of the client to the relevant Government department of the relevant Emirate;
Step 4. We work to secure business premises and a tenancy contract (12months minimum) for the client’s company;
Step 5. Opening of a corporate bank account;
Step 6. Law and Trust with the client and local partner get a drafted Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Step 7. Law&Trust submits MOA, license application, tenancy agreement and other necessary documents to the DED for approval.

UAE COMPANY FORMATION FAQs

• How long does it take to register a company in the United Arab Emirates?

It takes from a week to three weeks for the registration to be complete. The company registration takes from a week to complete in the United Arab Emirates.

• How much does it cost to register a company in the United Arab Emirates?

The cost of registering a company depends on the form of company, the location in UAE and certain other factors. It usually starts from $3950. The total cost includes The total cost of registration includes comprehensive review, company registration service and certificate.

• How to register a company in UAE for VAT?

Registering a company in the United Arab Emirates for VAT can be done with the Federal Tax Authority but this is only mandatory for companies with profits exceeding AED 375,000 in thirty days.

• How to register a trust company in United Arab Emirates?

The registration of a trust company in the United Arab Emirates is authorized by the Companies Registry Office. The necessary documents will be filed to the registry to secure a license for the trust company.

• How to check Company registration in United Arab Emirates?

Contact Law and Trust International, our Lawyers get in touch with the ‘Companies Registry Office’, working with them closely to verify the registration of a company.

• How to register a foreign company in United Arab Emirates?

The registration process begins with a free consultation and expert assessment towards the company formation from our lawyers, ensuring it complies with the requirements of setting up a new company in the UAE. After that, our specialists collect and prepare the necessary documents and submit the application for company registration. At the end of the registration procedure, the certificate of registration may be delivered to you via courier service.

WHY INCORPORATE WITH LAW&TRUST INTERNATIONAL?

Benefits of business incorporation in the United Arab Emirates with  Law&Trust International team include:

• Full range of related services: Provision of a full range of legal, corporate, government, and business intelligence related services. 
• Professionals and expertise of Law: Worldwide registration and legal maintenance of companies, accounting services and audit, tax planning and optimization, trademark and patent registration, and many more. Best professionals are always available to help your business.
• Thorough domestic service: Law &Trust ensure our services cover every Emirate in the United Arab Emirates. No matter where you decide, be rest assured we cover that region.
• Free initial advice: Lawyers of Law and Trust provide free initial advice, as well as services for analyzing and developing a legal position on the issue you have raised.
• Fast and safe: Law&Trust keeps every clients’ details secured.
• Efficiency and productivity: Strategically providing up to date personalized services to help your business succeed.

READY FOR COMPANY FORMATION?

If you are interested in registering and incorporating a company in the United Arab Emirates, Law & Trust International can help. Simply send us an email or call now to take your business to the next level!