Opening a Company in the UAE

To optimize your business in order to obtain maximum effect and ensure comfortable, stable working conditions, the most attractive option is to open a company in the UAE. This state is today considered one of the most attractive jurisdictions for foreign businessmen. But registering companies in the UAE is not an easy matter, requiring knowledge of local laws and traditions, and the ability to build the right corporate structures. Dynasty Business Adviser specialists will help you do this.
Opening a Company in the UAE
Our advantages
Work experience
For more than 8 years, Dynasty Business Adviser has been successfully introducing new players to the UAE business market. Our employees' qualifications in international law and practical experience in solving the most complex problems allow our team to develop effective schemes for clients to start activities in the Emirates successfully.
Efficiency
From the moment of acquaintance until the end of cooperation, all tasks set by the client are solved quickly. We are available 24/7 and promptly attend meetings. Time is money, so our team acts professionally and harmoniously, achieving the desired result quickly.
Complexity
We plan and organize future activities considering the specifics of local legislation. We also handle all the formalities: company registration, legalizing documents, obtaining tax certificates and licenses, opening bank accounts, and accounting support. Your UAE business will work like a Swiss watch.
No intermediaries
Having its own office in Dubai allows Dynasty Business Adviser to work directly with clients. We do not transfer cases into the hands of intermediaries but independently represent your interests in government and commercial structures so we can guarantee the efficiency of our work and the achievement of our goals.
Privacy
Complete anonymity is one of the guarantees for the safe start and operation of the client’s business. That is why we pay attention to non-disclosing confidential information to third parties. Our goal is successful cooperation and an invaluable contribution to the impeccable Dynasty Business Adviser reputation.
VIP service
Our activity's main priority is finding ways to achieve clients’ goals. Our professionals will solve any assigned tasks, even if the situation requires a non-standard approach, and will complete the work they have started. With Dynasty Business Adviser, your business has every chance of success in the UAE.
Content

Registering a company in the Emirates attracts businessmen from different countries, as even after the introduction of corporate income tax in June 2023, the tax system in this jurisdiction remains one of the most favorable in the world. Opening a new company, purchasing an existing one, or relocating a business to this country allows for tax optimization and numerous other advantages. Based on our own experience — we have been providing consulting services for opening businesses in the Emirates since 2015 — we have developed and implemented our procedures for registration processes and offer assistance and support to anyone interested in company registration in the UAE.

Advantages and Benefits of Registering a Company in the UAE

The economy of the UAE is currently one of the most dynamically developing in the Middle East. With the government’s commitment to diversification, industries unrelated to oil and gas extraction are flourishing. The attractiveness of opening a company in Dubai or another emirate of the country (there are a total of 7) is ensured by the following:

  • Low corporate income tax rates and VAT, with the absence of most taxes ordinary in other countries.
  • The ability to avoid taxes in the home jurisdiction — the UAE has agreements to prevent double taxation with 138 countries.
  • Approximately 45 free zones.
  • The possibility of opening a company in the UAE with 100% foreign ownership.
  • Favorable geographical location and developed infrastructure.
  • A modern and reliable banking system.
  • No government control over currency transactions.
  • Free repatriation of profits and capital.
  • High levels of confidentiality regarding beneficiary data and business operations.

Main Requirements for Opening a Company in the UAE

To register a company in the UAE, foreign investors must adhere to the following requirements: 

  • Obtain permission to open the company from the General Directorate of Foreigners and Residents. Some types of activities may require additional approvals from relevant ministries.
  • Have constitutional documents, which must specify the number of shareholders (ranging from 1 to 50) and at least one director (residency requirements for top management are absent).
  • Enter into a contract with a local registration agent to represent the company’s interests with government authorities.
  • Have a registered address within the country’s territory (buy or lease an office, office space, or a virtual office for an offshore company).
  • Declare the authorized capital — its amount depends on the type of company and the free zone, with the requirement for its payment existing only in specific free zones.

Additionally, each company must annually submit financial statements and hold shareholder meetings (even if conducted remotely).

Requirements may vary in emirates and free zones, and details can be clarified with the experts at Dynasty Business Adviser! We will help you choose the right location for incorporating your business.

Who Is Suitable for Company Registration in the UAE? 

Opening a company in Dubai or any other emirate of the country is suitable for non-resident individuals, foreign companies, international holdings, or trust funds. This decision is ideal for businessmen and company owners who want to:

  • Reduce business expenses for tax payments.
  • Enter the prospective markets of the Persian Gulf, South Asia, and Africa.
  • Engage in international trade without paying duties.
  • Protect capital in a reliable banking system.
  • Develop business in favorable conditions with maximum government support.
  • Obtain a residency visa, providing the right to live in the country — equivalent to a permanent residence permit.
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Types of Companies You Can Open in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates, foreign investors can register the following:

Local (Mainland) Company

on the mainland outside the Free Zones in the form of an LLC, with no less than 2 shareholders, or as a Sole Establishment (with one founder). Such a company can conduct business throughout the country, but opening it requires a nominal local partner — a UAE citizen holding 51% of the shares for certain activities

More
Free Zone Company (FZC) or Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

— this type of company can be registered in one Free Zone. These companies are 100% owned by foreign investors but can only operate within their respective Free Zones and engage in international business. They need a local distributor to trade on the rest of the country’s territory

More
Offshore Company

— opening such a company in the UAE is possible only in specific Free Zones and only for conducting business outside the country. The owner is a 100% foreign investor, but they cannot obtain a UAE resident visa

More

Dynasty Business Adviser is a licensed registrar of onshore and offshore companies in the UAE and will help you open a company of any type in this country within an optimal timeframe.

Ready Business in the UAE: Is it Worth Buying? 

One of the ways to quickly enter the Emirates market is to purchase a ready-made business. This option has its pros and cons.

The significant advantage is that you start generating profits immediately after the purchase, benefiting from an established customer and partner base, without spending time on hiring employees and promoting products. 

However, a thorough audit of the purchased firm is required to avoid acquiring a company on the brink of collapse or burdened with debts and problems from previous owners. This will take time and money to pay for the services of specialists.

The decision of whether to choose to buy or register a company in Dubai or another emirate is up to you. Whether you opt for a purchase or registration, Dynasty Business Adviser specialists will help you implement your decision.

What Taxes Must Companies Pay in the UAE?

Companies registered in the Emirates must pay:

  • Tax on profit at a rate of 0 for taxable income not exceeding the threshold of 375,000 dirhams (AED) inclusive, and 9% on taxable income exceeding this amount. Companies may be exempt from paying this tax if they engage in qualified activities under certain conditions and at the discretion of the Federal Tax Authority.
  • VAT at a rate of 5% — most goods and services are subject to this tax, and local companies pay it if the turnover of these goods exceeds 375,000 AED.
  • Excise tax on goods harmful to health — 50% on products and beverages with sweeteners and sugar, and 100% on tobacco products and vaping products. Excise tax is paid by companies that manufacture, import, and/or store these goods.
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The Cost of Opening a Company in the UAE

The cost of registering a company in the Dubai IFZA (AED):

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

VISA

PRICE

Package with Trading License

1 visa

AED 16 900

$4,630

Package with Service License

1 visa

AED 16 900

$4,630

Cost of registering a company with a Service Trading license

Service license + Flexi desk

no visa

AED 12,900

$3,540

Service license + Flexi desk

1 visa

AED 16,900

$4,630

Service license + Flexi desk

2 visas

AED 18,900

$5,180

The cost of registering a company with a Trading license

Trading license + Flexi Desk

no visa

AED 12,900

$3,540

Trading license + Flexi Desk

1 visa

AED 16,900

$4,630

Trading license + Flexi Desk

2 visas

AED 18,900

$5,180

The cost of obtaining a resident visa in Dubai IFZA

Partner or investor visa – 2 years

AED 4750

$1,300

Resident visa – 2 years

AED 3750

$1,030

Average cost of registering a mainland trading company (AED):
   

PRICE

Company name reservation and license registration

 

AED 14,800

$4,050

Notary fees and memorandum of the company

 

AED 3,100

$850

Establishment card and E-signature card

 

AED 2,520

$690

Partner or investor visa

 

AED 5,110

$1,400

Total

 

from AED 25,530

from $6 990

The cost of registering a company with Trading / Service / E-commerce License in Umm al-Quwain UAQ FREE ZONE

TYPE OF ACTIVITY

VISA

PRICE

Trading / Service / E-commerce license + Flexi Desk

no visa

AED 8,000

$2,200

Trading / Service / E-commerce license + Flexi Desk

1 visa

AED 15,000

$4,110

Trading / Service / E-commerce license + Flexi Desk

2 visas

AED 22,000

$6,030

The cost of registering a company with a General trading license in Umm al-Quwain UAQ FREE ZONE

General trading + Flexi Desk

no visa

AED 15,000

$4,110

General trading + Flexi Desk

1 visa

AED 22,000

$6,030

General trading + Flexi Desk

2 visas

AED 29,700

$8,140

General trading + Flexi Desk

3 visas

AED 29,700

$8,140

The cost of registering a company with a Premium license in Umm al-Quwain UAQ FREE ZONE

Premium license + Flexi Desk

no visa

AED 15,000

$4,110

Premium license + Flexi Desk

1 visa

AED 22,700

$6,220

Premium license + Flexi Desk

2 visas

AED 22,700

$6,220

Premium license + Flexi Desk

3 visas

AED 34,700

$9,510

Cost of registering a company with Freelance license

Freelance permit

1 visa

AED 10,000

$2,740

     

 

The cost of opening a legal entity in the United Arab Emirates depends on various factors:

  • Incorporation location — the emirate and free zone.
  • Type of company.
  • Types of activities and the number of licenses.
  • Office size.
  • The number of required residency visas.

If you are interested in registering a company in the UAE, the exact cost can be determined only after consulting with a specialist from Dynasty Business Adviser.

Employee Expenses 

If you have decided to open a company in Dubai or another emirate in the UAE when calculating future expenses, it is essential to consider the costs related to employees:

  • Salary — for laborers, it reaches up to $1200, and for a software engineer, it starts from $4000;
  • Medical insurance;
  • Residence visa for expatriates;
  • Compensation for housing expenses;
  • Coverage of transportation expenses;
  • Subsidies for the education of expatriate executives’ children.

Stages of Opening a Company in the Emirates

The process of establishing a company in the UAE includes the following steps:

  1. Drafting a business plan.
  2. Choosing a unique name, type of company, legal form, and emirate.
  3. Collect and legalize the necessary documents.
  4. Reserve the name of the new company.
  5. Obtaining regulator approval for company formation in the UAE.
  6. Preparing constitutional documents (Articles of Association and Memorandum).
  7. Pre-approval and approval of corporate documents.
  8. Forming the share capital.
  9. Renting office space.
  10. Payment of registration fees.
  11. Completing the registration procedure and obtaining the certificate of incorporation. 
  12. Licensing.
  13. Obtaining a Company Establishment Card.
  14. Opening a bank account.
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Procedure and Timeline for Opening a Company in Dubai and the UAE with the Support of Dynasty Business Adviser

Our developed procedure for opening a company in the United Arab Emirates involves minimal client involvement. Our company’s specialists handle all the administrative work:

  1. You contact us remotely and provide all the details and preferences.
  2. We assess the business and agree on the company name, type, structure, and place of incorporation. We create a roadmap and estimate the budget. 
  3. You provide scanned copies of documents if your last visit to the UAE was within the last 5 years.
  4. We handle the legalization of documents and register the company.

The document preparation will take 1-2 working days, the registration procedure will take 3-7 days, and opening a bank account will require around 7 working days.

With the support of Dynasty Business Adviser, your presence in the Emirates will only be required when obtaining a residency visa in the UAE and submitting documents to open a bank account.

Who will you communicate with?
Customer Service
Manager
We will discuss your request and issue, find the optimal solution, and pass the project to the appropriate specialist. We will provide information about the company's services and introduce you to leading specialists within the company.
Legal
Consultant
After consultation with the customer service manager, the legal consultant conducts a more in-depth analysis of your request and develops project strategy options and preliminary organization of all processes.
Lead Company
Lawyer
Will coordinate with you the strategy and stages of further work and conditions. Will be responsible for coordinating the work of the legal consultant, ensuring the correct implementation of the strategy, providing individual approach, and ensuring compliance of the team's activities with legal norms.
Project
Manager
Manages your project within the company, coordinates team activities, and ensures that project goals are achieved on time. Responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring assigned tasks.
Public Relations
Manager (PRO)
Represents your interests in government agencies, including handling company registration and subsequent processes, obtaining additional permits, and accompanying you during visits to government agencies.
Accounting Department
Manager
Will communicate directly with you regarding accounting issues, transactions, and necessary documentation. Ensures the correctness and order of your financial flows functioning.

Documents Required for Company Registration in the UAE

The list of documents needed for company registration in the Emirates depends on various factors:

  • Legal status of the founder (shareholder) — whether they are a legal entity or an individual. 
  • Place of registration — each emirate and free zone has requirements for the documents submitted for registration.
  • Type of company — a new company, a subsidiary, or a branch.

You can consult with our company’s managers during the initial consultation to determine the specific documents needed in your case.

How to Legalize Corporate Documents

The UAE has not signed the Hague Convention on Apostille, so documents issued in another jurisdiction require consular legalization. They must be translated into Arabic and authenticated by

  • Notary in the issuing country.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
  • UAE Embassy in your country of permanent residence.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates.

Key Investment Sectors in the UAE 

If you have decided to open a company in Dubai or other emirates, it is advisable to choose the most profitable business sector. Good prospects in the UAE include investments in information technology, real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, services, trade, and logistics. 

The UAE government is committed to diversifying the economy and developing high-tech businesses, ensuring comprehensive support to foreign investors who invest in such sectors.

For detailed consultation on company registration in the UAE, you can contact the experts at Dynasty Business Adviser using any of the contact methods listed. We will help you open a company in the United Arab Emirates quickly, without delays and problems!


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