Company registration in UAE

Registration fee is from 5000 €

Registration period — 3 weeks

Minimum authorized capital - depends on the form of the company and type of activity

Remote opening — yes

Financial statements — yes

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federal state located in Southwest Asia. The UAE consists of 7 emirates, each of which is a microstate with an absolute monarchy. The capital of the UAE is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Maira Consult recommends using companies registered in the UAE as trading and logistics companies, for financial, investment and consulting services, for IT activities, as well as for international oil trade and agriculture business.

Benefits of registering a company in the UAE. Company registration in the UAE is an opportunity to enter the Asian markets and access to the stable banking system of the UAE. Also, registering a company in the UAE is an opportunity to obtain UAE tax residency.

The following types of companies can be registered in the UAE:

  • UAE local companies (local)
  • Companies registered in free economic zones
  • Offshore companies in the UAE

An offshore company in the UAE can be registered in the emirates of Ajman (Ajman Free Zone), Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC), Dubai (JAFZA). 

An offshore company in the UAE is a company with 100% foreign capital. Offshore companies in the UAE are not required to have a real office in the UAE and are exempt from paying taxes. Since offshore companies are not issued a licence to operate in the UAE, but only a certificate of incorporation, UAE offshore companies are not allowed to operate in the UAE. The cost of registering an offshore company in the UAE starts from 3000 EUR. 

Companies in the UAE registered in Free Economic Zones (FEZs). Each emirate of the UAE has several free economic zones. Every company in the UAE is required to obtain a licence to operate in the UAE. UAE companies registered in an SEZ can operate within the SEZ under the licence, as well as outside the UAE. Registration of a company in the UAE is a real opportunity to obtain a UAE tax resident visa and open a bank account in the UAE.

Today, there are more than 40 free economic zones in the UAE. The largest number is concentrated in Dubai. 

The main free zones of Dubai:

  • Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC) is a one-stop solution for registering a trading company in the UAE, especially for trading in petroleum products, gold and precious stones. A prerequisite for working with the DMCC is the availability of a real office in this free zone. The size of the office depends on the type of company's activity and the number of employees. 
  • Dubai Internet City (DIC) is the centre of IT companies, software developers, data centres and blockchain.
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) - this free zone offers service, trade, industrial, logistics, and manufacturing licences.
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is the best solution for trade, manufacturing and logistics companies.
  • International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) - this free zone issues various types of licences (trade, industrial, service).
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) - issues service, trade and manufacturing licences, most suitable for activities in the field of engineering and high technology.
  • Dubai Media City (DMC) - a hub for media companies, start-ups and independent media experts. 
  • Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) - issues service and trade licences, provides space for events and expositions.
  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - this free zone focuses on licensing all types of financial services.

Company registration in Dubai is an undisputed reputation, prestige and trust of UAE investors and banks.

Apart from Dubai, the most popular free zones for registering a company in the UAE by non-residents are: Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, Sharjah Aiport International Free Zone, Ras Al Khaimah International Free Zone, Ajman Media City, Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi.

The choice of a free zone for company registration in the UAE depends on the company's activities, the purpose of company registration in the UAE and turnover. In some free zones, there is a requirement to pay the authorised capital, prepare and submit an annual financial report, and undergo an annual audit, which affects the cost of registering a company in the UAE.

Business registration in the UAE is a comprehensive solution that consists of choosing the right free zone, registering a company in the UAE, obtaining a UAE resident visa for the director and shareholder of the company and opening a corporate account in one of the UAE banks.

UAE advantages

1

One of the top 10 countries for business registration

2

UAE resident visa for owner and employees

3

Stable banking system

4

Confidential information about beneficiaries

5

Access to international markets

General Information

Registration Features

Each emirate in the UAE has its own peculiarities: types of companies, types of licences, audit requirement, share capital payment requirements.

Company Name

The company name must be unique and depends on the number of shareholders and the emirate of incorporation.

Authorized Capital

The minimum amount of the authorized capital of a company in the UAE is determined depending on the nature of its activities and the requirements of the respective emirate.

Director

The individual, number and residency depends on the requirements of a particular emirate.

Shareholders

The individual or legal entity, number and residency depends on the requirements of a particular emirate.

Financial Reporting

The company is obliged to keep financial statements. In some free zones annual audit is required.

Taxation

Companies registered in free zones are subject to corporate tax: 0% on income up to AED 375 000, 9% on income over AED 375 000. VAT rate is 5% for transactions within the UAE.

Confidentiality

Information about the company's beneficiaries is kept by the registration agent of the free economic zone.

Stages of company registration

01

Choosing the name and form of the company

To register a company in the UAE, you need to choose a free zone, decide on the type of company and reserve the company name in the free zone register.

02

Preparation and collection of documents

Each company member is required to submit a full package of KYC documents, including a passport, utility bill, bank reference, and CV.

03

Identification of company participants

The identification process depends on necessity to obtain a UAE resident visa for the company owner and the requirements of a particular free zone. It is possible to register a company in the UAE in some free zones without a personal visit.

04

Formation of the share capital (if necessary)

The amount of authorized capital and the requirements for its contribution are determined depending on the type of company, its field of activity and the regulations established by a particular emirate.

05

Company registration

Registration of a company in the UAE is carried out electronically through the register of a particular emirate. The standard term of company formation in UAE is 1-3 weeks.

06

Receiving of corporate documents

As soon as a company in the UAE is registered, the company's corporate documents become available in the company's electronic cabinet on the emirate's portal. Upon request, it is possible to order paper originals of documents from the registry.

07

Legalization of documents (if necessary)

The UAE is not a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, so the UAE does not recognise Apostille. As a rule, the documents of a UAE company can be legalised through a consulate in the UAE.

08

Delivery of corporate documents

The original corporate documents of a company from the UAE are sent via courier service.

Answers to the Most Common Questions:


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