UAE ONSHORE, FREEZONE
AND OFFSHORE BUSINESS
SETUP
ARE YOU READY TO SETUP OR EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN DUBAI & THE UAE?
Your business setup in Dubai and the UAE starts with Creation, we provide complete company formation and market entry solutions for multinational corporations, small to medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, and those who are looking to setup and register their business in:
- Dubai
- Ajman
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Sharjah
- Umm Al Quwain
- Fujairah
- Abu Dhabi
WE TAILOR THE RIGHT COMPANY STRUCTURE FOR YOUR NEEDS
HOW TO SETUP OR REGISTER A COMPANY IN DUBAI OR THE UAE?
When setting up a business in Dubai and the UAE, it is crucial to have the correct corporate structure that is suitable for your business purposes.
Through a detailed risk mitigation analysis, we identify and implement the right corporate structure for your business needs that will maximise profitability, reduce risk, and enable you to retain 100% control of your business.
Once complete your business will be highly profitable, compliant and controlled by you; putting you ahead of your competition.
COMPANY STRUCTURES AVAILABLE IN DUBAI AND THE UAE
LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANIES
BRANCH OF FOREIGN
COMPANY
FREE ZONE
INCORPORATION
OFFSHORE
ENTITIES
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE
REPRESENTATIVE
OFFICE
HOLDING
COMPANIES
TRUST COMPANY
SETUP
SPECIAL PURPOSE
VEHICLES
FOUNDATIONS AND TRUSTS
LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANIES
BRANCH OF FOREIGN
COMPANY
FREE ZONE
INCORPORATION
OFFSHORE
ENTITIES
PROFESSIONAL
LICENSE
REPRESENTATIVE
OFFICE
HOLDING
COMPANIES
TRUST COMPANY
SETUP
SPECIAL PURPOSE
VEHICLES
FOUNDATIONS AND TRUSTS
EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UAE: ENJOY 100% FOREIGN OWNERSHIP, TAX BENEFITS, AND UNLIMITED GROWTH POTENTIAL
Why Choose the UAE for Investment?
The UAE stands as a leading global business hub, offering exceptional benefits for foreign investors. With its prime location, world-class infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies, the UAE is an ideal destination for businesses aiming for long-term success.
Key Advantages for Foreign Investors
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Benefit: Full ownership in key sectors, including technology, real estate, renewable energy, and healthcare.
- Impact: Eliminate reliance on local sponsors and retain complete control over your operations.
- Tax Incentives
- Benefit: The UAE offers the lowest corporate tax rates globally, with no personal income tax or capital gains tax.
- Impact: Lower operational costs, boosting profitability and overall business sustainability.
- Strategic Location
- Benefit: Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Impact: Effortless access to global markets, enhancing trade and business opportunities.
- World-Class Infrastructure
- Benefit: Advanced telecommunications, transportation, and internet infrastructure.
- Impact: Seamless operation and connectivity for businesses in any sector.
Government Support for Foreign Investors
The UAE offers a range of initiatives to support foreign investment:
- Golden Visas: for long-term residency and business stability.
- Investment Funds: designed to help businesses grow, providing additional financial support to startups and expanding companies.
WHAT CREATION BUSINESS CONSULTANTS OFFER
COMPANY
INCORPORATION
LEGAL
COMPLIANCE
VISA & WORK
PERMIT ASSISTANCE
TAX
REGISTRATION
BANKING
ASSISTANCE
ONGOING BUSINESS &
COMPLIANCE SUPPORT
We offer seamless company incorporation solutions in the UAE designed to simplify the process for business including:
- Tailored Guidance: We provide personalized assistance to help you select the most suitable business entity, whether it’s an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other structure.
- Comprehensive Support: From market research and analysis, paperwork, and legal formalities to tax considerations, we handle all aspects of incorporation, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
- Expertise in Compliance: We ensure that your business complies with all relevant regulations and requirements, minimizing the risk of legal issues down the line.
We offer comprehensive solutions for legal compliance, ensuring your business stays on the right side of the law:
- Thorough Assessment: We conduct a detailed assessment of your business operations to identify areas where legal compliance may be lacking or could be improved.
- Customized Compliance Plans: Based on our assessment, we develop tailored compliance plans designed to address specific legal requirements relevant to your industry and location.
- Regular Monitoring and Updates: Our team stays ahead of regulatory changes and updates, ensuring that your business remains compliant with evolving laws and regulations.
- Proactive Problem-Solving: If any compliance issues arise, we provide proactive solutions to rectify them promptly, minimizing potential legal risks and liabilities.
We simplify the process of tax registration for your business with our comprehensive UAE tax services:
- Initial Assessment: We begin by assessing your business structure, activities, and location to determine the specific tax registration requirements applicable to your situation.
- Guidance on Tax Obligations: Our experts provide clear guidance on the various taxes your business needs to register for, including income tax, sales tax, VAT, and any other relevant levies.
- Assistance with Documentation: We assist you in preparing and submitting all necessary documentation for tax registration, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Timely Registration: Our team ensures that your business completes the tax registration process in a timely manner, avoiding any penalties or legal issues due to late registration.
- Ongoing Compliance Support: Beyond registration, we offer ongoing support to ensure that your business remains compliant with tax laws and regulations, including assistance with filing tax returns and managing tax obligations.
We provide UAE visa and work permit assistance services to facilitate seamless international employment:
- Initial Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your visa and work permit needs, considering factors such as your destination country, nationality, visa type required, the purpose of your travel and relocation.
- Tailored Solutions: Our experts offer personalized guidance on the specific visa and work permit requirements applicable to your situation, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
- Documentation Support: We assist you in preparing and organizing all necessary documentation, including visa applications, employment contracts, and supporting letters, to streamline the application process.
- Liaison with Authorities: Our team communicates directly with relevant government authorities or embassies on your behalf, expediting the processing of your visa and work permit applications for your business employees (full-time, part-time, temporary workers), immediate and extended family, domestic workers and more.
- Ongoing Support: Beyond obtaining your visa and work permit, we provide ongoing support to ensure compliance with immigration laws, including assistance with renewals, extensions, and other related matters.
We offer complete corporate banking assistance in the UAE to streamline and support your business including:
- Bank Selection Guidance: We help you choose the right bank that aligns with your business requirements, considering factors such as services offered, initial deposit, fees, and location.
- International Banking Solutions: For multinational businesses, we offer guidance on international banking solutions, including multi-currency accounts and foreign exchange services.
- Account Opening Support: Our team assists you throughout the account opening process, ensuring that all required documentation is prepared and submitted accurately and efficiently.
We provide ongoing business and compliance support to ensure the sustained success of your business including:
- Regular Compliance Checks: We conduct regular assessments and business health checks to ensure your business operations remain compliant with relevant company, labour and tax laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties or issues.
- Updates on Regulatory Changes: Our team keeps you informed about any changes in company, labour and tax laws or regulations that may affect your business, allowing you to adapt and stay compliant.
- Documentation Management: We assist in organizing and managing essential business documents, ensuring they are up-to-date and easily accessible for compliance purposes.
- Advisory Services: Our experts offer proactive advice on best practices for maintaining compliance and optimizing business processes to enhance efficiency and reduce risks.
- Troubleshooting Assistance: In the event of compliance issues or challenges, we provide prompt assistance and guidance to help you resolve them effectively and efficiently.
WE GUARANTEE TO DESIGN AND EXECUTE AN EFFICIENT SOLUTION
We are a registered corporate service provider, with an in-house tax department and more than 2 decades worth of experience. We combine our insights and skills to allow you to leverage and capitalise on the favourable business environment of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Free expert consultation with tax and structuring advice.
In depth analysis of your business needs and requirements.
Complete support before, during and after the setup.
COMPANY FORMATION PROCESS IN DUBAI AND THE UAE
EFFORTLESS ENTRY INTO THE LUCRATIVE MARKETS OF DUBAI AND THE UAE
EXPERT CONSULTATION:
Start your journey with personalized guidance from Creation Business Consultants. We provide accurate insights and strategies tailored to your business goals.
BUSINESS REVIEW AND STRATEGY:
Collaborate with our Corporate Structuring, tax, and compliance experts to craft a winning business strategy. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of choosing the right business activity, license, and shareholding and tax structure.
SEAMLESS LICENSING, BANKING, AND VISA PROCESSES:
Let us manage the necessary procedures while you concentrate on growing your business. Creation assists you in:
- Selecting a preferred company name and securing initial or preliminary approval.
- Securing any necessary third-party government approvals.
- Completing the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- Finalizing the company’s registered address.
- Identifying and applying for the appropriate trade license based on your business activity, whether commercial, professional, or industrial.
- Completing business license registration with the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Registering the company with relevant government departments.
- Applying for investor, employee, and dependent visas.
- Completing post-license processes like Ultimate Beneficial Ownership registration.
- Opening a corporate bank account.
Depending on your company’s needs, we help you choose between forming a company in free zones or mainland Dubai and the UAE. From securing approvals to opening bank accounts and obtaining visas, we ensure a smooth and efficient process.
ONGOING BUSINESS AND COMPLIANCE SUPPORT
Our commitment doesn’t end with business setup. We offer continuous support to ensure your business remains compliant with local regulations and thrives in the dynamic markets of Dubai and the UAE.
Experience the ease of setting up and expanding your business in Dubai and the UAE with Creation Business Consultants.
POPULAR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN THE UAE
The UAE offers a wide range of business activities, each with distinct licensing and compliance requirements. Choosing the right activity is critical for ensuring legal compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment with your business objectives.
Below are some of the most popular business activities in the UAE:
Trading Activities
Consultancy and Professional Services
Technology and Innovation
Healthcare and Education
Manufacturing
Real Estate
Import and Export
Food and Beverage
TESTIMONIALS ABOUT BUSINESS SETUP SERVICES
Here are what some of our clients have to say about us
General Manager | SPP Pumps
Juliane Klein | Co-Founder | Rockboro
Founder & General Manager | Linen Obsession
OUR BUSINESS SETUP MODEL – AS EASY AS 1,2,3
Company formation in the UAE does not need to be difficult, we follow 3 seamless 3 stages process.
Expert
Consultation
Business Review
& Strategy
Business Licence, Bank
Account Opening & Obtaining Visas
COMPANY FORMATION FAQs
The UAE offers 6 main types of economic licenses:
- Commercial license
- Professional license
- Industrial license
- Tourism license
- Occupational license
- Agricultural license
Contact Creation Business Consultants for a free company setup consultation, email us at [email protected].
Depending on the legal structure and particular criteria of the chosen jurisdiction (mainland or free zone), the minimum capital requirement for establishing a business in Dubai and the UAE can vary. Certain licensing authorities may require paid up capital whereas, other licensing authorities do not require paid up capital.
Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a company in Dubai and the UAE. According to Federal Decree-Law no. (32) of 2021, foreign investors are allowed to own 100% of their companies in some sectors of the economy.
However, while certain industries and free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, there are still limitations in place for certain activities and licenses.
For an expert consultation to register your company, contact Creation Business Consultants via email at [email protected] today.
The process of business setup in Dubai and the UAE involves:
STEP 1: Expert Consultation
This stage typically involves consulting with Creation Business Consultants to provide accurate and up-to-date details on company formation in Dubai and the UAE.
STEP 2: Business Review and Strategy
This is where our Corporate Structuring team works with the business owner/investor to choose the business activity, company license, and shareholding structure.
STEP 3: Business Licence, Bank Account Opening and Obtaining Visas
Creation will assist the company owner to:
- Select a preferred company name and secure the initial or preliminary approval.
- Secure any third-party government approval, if applicable to the selected business activity.
- Complete the company’s Memorandums and Articles of Association.
- Finalise the company’s registered address – a physical office, retail shop, or warehouse.
- Complete the business license and registration with the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.
- Register the company with the Immigration Department to secure an Establishment Card.
- Register the company with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Apply for the investor, employee, and dependents visas, etc. as required.
- Complete all post-license processes such as Ultimate Beneficial Ownership registration.
- Open a corporate bank account.
Please note that depending on the specific needs of your company, such as location, timeline, nature of business, budget, and staffing, we are here to help you choose between forming a company in one of the many free zones or in mainland Dubai and the UAE.
For expert advice on opening an entity or expanding your business to Dubai and the UAE, contact Creation Business Consultants on email [email protected].
No, not all businesses require a local sponsor to setup a company in Dubai and the UAE. According to Federal Decree-Law no. (32) of 2021, also known as the Commercial Companies Law, Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai permits full ownership for foreign investors for many activities.
In general, freezone and certain mainland company structures that are basic can take about 3 days. However, for complex structures the timeframe for setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE can vary depending on several factors, including the type of company, ownership and structure, and business activities.
For an expert consultation contact Creation Business Consultants via email at [email protected] today.
The UAE imposed Corporate Tax on the profits of mainland businesses starting 1 June 2023. The Corporate Tax rates are:
- 0% for taxable profits up to AED 375,000.
- 9% for taxable income above AED 375,000.
For more information on tax services, visit our UAE Tax Consultancy Services page or contact Creation Business Consultants by email at [email protected].
- Documents required to establish a Limited Liability Company in Dubai and the UAE include:
- Identification documents of General Manager and Shareholder an (Passport, Entry Stamp/ Residence Visa, Emirates ID)
- No Objection Certificate if General Manager and Shareholder have an existing UAE residence visa
- Initial Approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism and Ministry of Economy e.g., Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Business Activities
- Ejari Certificate
- Notarised Memorandum of Association
- Documents required to establish a mainland branch in Dubai and the UAE include:
- Parent Company Documents – Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, and Certificate of Good Standing
- Board Resolution from the Parent Company
- Power of Attorney for the General Manager
- 2-year Audited Financial Statement
- Identification documents of Local Service Agent
- Identification documents of the General Manager
- Local Service Agreement
- Initial Approvals from the Department of Economy and Tourism and Ministry of Economy e.g., Trade Name Reservation Certificate
- Proof of address of the owners (Ejari Certificate)
- Notarised tenancy contract for the business location
- Completed and signed registration forms
- Documents required to establish a freezone company in Dubai and the UAE include:
- Corporate Shareholder: Parent Company Documents – Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Trade License, and Certificate of Good Standing, Board Resolution, Power of Attorney
- Individual Shareholder: Identification Documents of the Shareholder (Passport, Entry Stamp/ Residence Visa, Emirates ID)
- Identification documents of General Manager (Passport, Entry Stamp/ Residence Visa, Emirates ID)
- Business Activities
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
Yes, a director or shareholder of a UAE company can be non-resident of the UAE. The citizenship and nationality of shareholders and directors of businesses registered in the UAE free zones are not subject to any limitations. Certain activities call for the mandatory involvement of a local resident in the company as a shareholder for companies registered on the mainland. However, when it comes to corporate bank account opening, the director and authorised signatory of the company will require a UAE resident visa.
To explore your options for a UAE company formation, reach out on email [email protected].
The cost of setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE will vary on many factors such as depending on your type of business, the different free zone business setup packages, license type, legal structure and ownership type, and business facilities you wish to rent. The cost can often range from USD $5,000 to USD $10,000.
Contact Creation Business Consultants by email at [email protected] for an expert consultation to discuss your UAE business setup requirements, process, and fees.
Once you establish and register your UAE company, you will need to consider how to stay compliant with the UAE company laws and requirements. Some areas to consider are:
- Banking services
- Obtaining visas
- Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Payroll services
- Accounting & bookkeeping
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration
- Compliance with several legislations such as Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Anti-Money Laundering & Counter Finance Terrorism (AML / CFT)
- Human Resources services
Should you decide not to renew your company trade license and want to liquidate the company, you must follow the formal company closure process regulated by your licensing authority.
Visit our company liquation page for more information or contact our experts via email at [email protected].
On 9 December 2022, the UAE released the Federal Decree-Law No. (47) of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (Corporate Tax Law) which forms the basis for the implementation of the new Corporate Tax regime.
Visit our Corporate Tax page for more information or contact our experts via email at [email protected].
Through careful planning and professional advice, the risks connected to company formation in the UAE can be reduced. You can handle the registration procedure easily with the assistance of professional consultants, ensuring adherence to legislations and reducing potential risks.
For an expert consultation contact Creation Business Consultants via email [email protected] today.
Visit this page for information on Company Formation in Saudi Arabia
Visit this page for information on Company Formation in other Jurisdictions
RELATED POSTS
How to Set Up a Construction and Engineering Company in the UAE: A Complete Legal and Regulatory Guide
This article has been researched and written by the Business Development team at Creation Business Consultants. AI has not been used in generating this article. The construction industry in the UAE has seen massive expansion led by the country’s vision to lessen its dependency on the oil and gas sector. As a cornerstone of [...]
THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FORMING A TELEMEDICINE COMPANY IN THE UAE
This article has been researched and written by the Business Development Team at Creation Business Consultants. AI has not been used in generating this article. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quickly becoming an exciting global hub, and telemedicine is a big part of that growth. The UAE has a growing population, the largest [...]
ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL APPROVALS FOR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI
This article has been researched and written by the Business Development team at Creation Business Consultants. AI has not been used in generating this article. Dubai is a global business hub with a strong economy and policies that support business owners, SMEs, and large corporations. However, certain business activities require special approvals from regulatory [...]