Starting a business in Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Company Set Up

How to form your company in the Middle East?

There are several methods by which a foreign investor can set up their business in the Middle East. There are subtle differences to local rules and regulations surrounding each entity.

Utilising our experience and expertise of company registration in the Middle East, PRO Partner Group will help you determine the best fit for your company. PRO Partner Group have a strong physical presence in the region with offices based in

Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Other Emirates
Oman
Qatar

Saudi Arabia

PRO Partner Group provides a complete range of company setup solutions to help entrepreneurs turn business ideas into full-fledged companies. We combine our in-depth knowledge of government regulations and international standards and experience to accelerate company formation in the Middle East and process and deliver valuable services that benefit our clients. With our expertise, we have the team to accomplish even the most demanding setup tasks on time. We have a full specialist department whom you can trust to deliver fast, reliable formation solutions and a management team that is committed to providing a personalised service to each and every client.

In addition to helping with the setup and incorporation process, our team can also assist you in processing the necessary documentation for your staff members. We can facilitate and manage the employment visa process for your employees, taking the stress away from you and ensuring a swift and efficient transition for the team. 

For different types of company set up, see below.

100% Foreign Ownership in the UAE 

Companies carrying on activities with a “strategic impact” will continue to be subject to foreign ownership restrictions. We expect the issuance of a list of restricted activities that will still require local ownership, and a list of activities that will allow 100% ownership. Read more

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Limited Liability Companies (LLC) are one of the most common types of commercial entities that entrepreneurs and corporations can establish in the UAE. With a quick and easy setup process and a broad range of available business incentives, LLCs are widely preferred by entrepreneurs and corporations that want to penetrate the UAE market and establish a solid footing in the Middle East region. 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 licence. A foreign Branch Office may only engage 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

Professional Service Licence

A Professional Licence/ Civil Company (sole trader or partnership) is a business for professionals in recognised fields such as consultants, doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. The bearer of a Professional Licence can only practise professional business and the company is 100% owned by the individual partners. Read more 

Free zones

A foreign investor can set up a company in the UAE either in one of the many free zones or the UAE mainland. Free zone authorities are the government bodies that register and issue business licences to non-resident companies in the UAE free zone. Free zones allow corporate structures to have a physical presence in the UAE. They allow 100% foreign ownership and offer prebuilt facilities and modernised one-stop-shop registration and administrative services. Read more

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Expert Advice

Book a call with one of our company formation specialists.


Please enter a message