Company Types in Dubai
When starting a business in Dubai, there are a number of company types available. Our professional business setup consultants in Dubai can advise on the various options available for businesses. The following are the UAE company formation types available when opening a company in Dubai.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) defines the liabilities of the company and it is limited to its shares. This is one of the oldest and most popular structures in the international market. A Limited Liability Company can be formed by a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 50 shareholders.
To incorporate a Dubai LLC, it used to be mandatory to have a UAE national (corporate or individual) owning a minimum of 51% shares and the remaining 49% of shares allotted to the other shareholder in the company. However, since the update the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL) in July 2021, it is now possible to own a LLC in the mainland 100% with the vast majority of activities. Read more
Free zones
A foreign investor can set up a company in the UAE, either in one of the many free zones or on the UAE mainland. Free zone authorities are the government bodies that register and issue business licenses in Dubai freezones, to non-resident companies in the UAE. Dubai Freezone company setup allows corporate structures to have a physical presence in the UAE, allow 100% foreign ownership and offer prebuilt facilities and modernised one stop-shop registration and administrative services. Read more
UAE Free zone vs Mainland Comparison
PRO Partner Group has formed over a thousand companies in the UAE Mainland and Freezone jurisdictions. Our clients are always particularly interested in the key differences between Freezone and Mainland company formation in Dubai. With our expert knowledge of the market, we help advise our clients on the best jurisdiction based on the company's business activities and target market. Read more
Offshore Company
An Offshore Company is defined as a legal business entity that operates outside its registered jurisdiction and place of ownership. Unlike an onshore company, which exists and operates within the borders of the country it is registered.
It is a tax efficient, cost-effective means for companies to carry out business globally. Read more
Branch Office
Setting up a Branch Office of a foreign company in Dubai is easy and an attractive prospect as it can be 100% foreign owned, provided a local service agent (like PRO Partner Group) is appointed. A Branch Office in Dubai is an extension of a foreign parent company registered outside of the UAE, it is a full-fledged business, permitted to perform contracts or conduct other activities as specified in its commercial license in Dubai. A foreign Branch Office may only be engaged in activities similar to those of its parent company. Read more
Trade Representative Office
If your foreign company is looking for exposure in the UAE market, you may want to set up a Trade Representative Office. This type of representation is useful in promoting a foreign company and introducing your products to UAE companies as a non-trading ‘shop-window’. Read more
Visa Types in Dubai
Professional Service Licence
A professional business is defined as “work based on investing mental talents and acquired information”. A Professional Licence/Civil Company is a business for professionals in recognised fields such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. A Civil Company can only practice professional business and is 100% owned by professional partners. Read more
Freelancer Permits
Freelancing has become increasingly popular in the UAE, and thankfully freelance permits are now available in many free zones based in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. These permits allow for specialised individuals in the media, technology and education sectors to offer their services on a consultancy basis, even if they have a full-time job. This initiative has been legalised (with the correct permit) by the UAE to increase the diversity of skills in the local market. Read more
Work Remote Visa
The new Dubai Work Remote Visa or Virtual Nomad Visa program allows individuals working for companies overseas to obtain a remote working resident visa in Dubai to allow them to live and work from the UAE. The program grants access to all the standard services that residents benefit from in Dubai, including banking, telecoms, utilities, workspace rental, healthcare and schooling. It allows global workers to live and work in UAE whilst undertaking work with companies all over the globe. Read more
Golden Visas
The UAE has recently announced the aim of attracting $150 billion in foreign investment over the next 10 years. In doing so, 50 initiatives, including the creation of new visas to attract talented individuals who can contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy, will be implemented. Read more
Retirement Visas
The UAE Retirement Visa recently announced allows retired residents over 55 years old to be eligible for a long-term visa of 5 years.
The Visa allows individuals who meet the criteria to retire in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the wider UAE.
The retirement visa holder can also then sponsor (and obtain a UAE resident dependant visa for) their spouse and children, at school age or student age. Read more
Mission Visas
A Mission Visa is a type of permit issued for professionals who would like to come to the UAE to work with a local company for a specific short-term project. An employee is considered as a probationary worker under these types of visas. Read more
Holding Companies & SPV’s
Company Services in Dubai
Feasibility Study
PRO Partner Groups feasibility study services can help to determine if a business or project is feasible in the GCC region. We conduct feasibility studies in Dubai, Abi Dhabi, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia markets.
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Bank Account Opening
A corporate bank account is important to ensure that businesses can receive and make payments, comply with tax regulations, and manage their financial transactions in a transparent and secure manner. PRO Partner Group can assist with opening the following bank account in the UAE:
- Open Resident Bank Account - Post incorporation, a UAE Resident can apply to open a personal or corporate bank account
- Open Offshore Bank Account - Opening an offshore bank account in the UAE
- Open Non-Resident Bank Account - Opening a business bank account for non-residents in the UAE
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General Pension and Social Security Authority Dubai (GPSSA)
Employers who have any Emirati employees will be required to register the company and its UAE Nationals with the GPSSA system. In line with the Emiratisation quota criteria, if your business has 20 or more staff, you will be required to hire Emirati employees and therefore will also need to register your UAE National employees in the system.
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Download our below free guide on setting up and Doing Business in Dubai: