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Company Registration in UAE
Company Registration Process in UAE
If you’re planning to establish your business in the United Arab Emirates, this guide will provide you with essential insights into the process. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, understanding the different types of company structures, required documents, registration steps, estimated timeline, and associated costs will help you navigate the UAE’s business setup landscape with confidence.
With a well-regulated economy, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies, the UAE continues to be one of the top destinations for business formation in the Middle East. This guide aims to simplify the company registration process and ensure your venture complies fully with local laws and regulations.
Required Documents for Company Registration in the UAE
For Individual Shareholders:
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa page or UAE entry stamp (if available)
Passport-size photographs (white background)
Emirates ID (for UAE residents only)
Proof of residence (such as utility bill or tenancy contract – may be required in some zones)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if the shareholder is a UAE resident)
For Corporate Shareholders:
Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
Memorandum and Articles of Association (attested)
Board Resolution authorizing the setup in UAE (attested)
Shareholder structure chart
Passport copy of the authorized signatory
Power of Attorney granted to the representative (attested)
Note: Attestation may be required by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Other General Requirements:
Proposed trade name (minimum 3 options)
Initial approval from the relevant licensing authority
Office address or tenancy contract (Ejari for mainland companies)
Business activity details (description of planned operations)
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa page or UAE entry stamp (if available)
Passport-size photographs (white background)
Emirates ID (for UAE residents only)
Proof of residence (such as utility bill or tenancy contract – may be required in some zones)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if the shareholder is a UAE resident)
Types of Companies in the UAE
The UAE offers several company structures under Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore jurisdictions. Each type has distinct legal requirements, ownership rules, and operational scopes.
1. Mainland Company
A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate. It allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Ownership: Up to 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors (depending on activity).
Office Requirement: Physical office space (Ejari) is mandatory.
Government Contracts: Eligible to bid for public sector contracts.
Ideal For: Businesses targeting both local UAE and global markets.
2. Free Zone Company
Free Zones are special economic zones offering attractive benefits to foreign investors. There are over 40+ Free Zones across the UAE, each with its own rules and licensing authority.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership allowed.
Tax Benefits: Full repatriation of profits, 0% corporate and income tax (in most zones), and customs duty exemptions.
Limitation: Can operate only within the Free Zone or internationally (mainland trade requires a local agent or distributor).
Ideal For: Import/export businesses, logistics, consulting, e-commerce, media, tech startups, etc.
3. Offshore Company
Offshore companies are primarily used for holding assets, international trading, and wealth management. These are registered with jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore (Dubai) or RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah).
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership.
No Office Requirement: No physical office space needed.
Tax Benefits: No income or corporate taxes.
Limitation: Cannot do business within the UAE.
Ideal For: Holding companies, international trading, intellectual property management.
4. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
One of the most common and flexible structures, typically formed under Mainland regulations.
Shareholders: 2 to 50 shareholders.
Liability: Limited to the amount of capital invested.
Ownership: Now allows up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
Ideal For: Retail, general trading, contracting, manufacturing, and professional services.
5. Sole Establishment / Proprietorship
A business owned and managed by a single individual offering professional services.
Ownership: 100% owned by one person (UAE or GCC national for commercial; expats can own professional licenses).
Liability: Owner is fully liable for all obligations.
Ideal For: Freelancers, consultants, and solo service providers.
6. Civil Company
Formed for professional services (legal, medical, consulting) by two or more partners.
Ownership: Foreign professionals can own 100% in professional civil companies with a Local Service Agent (LSA).
Ideal For: Accountants, doctors, engineers, lawyers, consultants.
Connect with Marj International Business Solutions
Looking for a company Registration in UAE? Look no further than Marjinternational – the best business setup agency in UAE. Our team of experts can guide you through the entire process, from initial registration to ongoing compliance. Trust us to handle all the legal and administrative details, so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to get started!
To book a free consultation, call or WhatsApp on +968 9671 7108. To connect over email, send us your query at info@Marjinternational.com
