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DUBAI COMPANY SET-UP

Company set up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quick and easy and the UAE offers considerable benefits. Foreign investors usually choose to set up a UAE company mainly due to the 100% foreign ownership, tax savings, ease of doing business, advanced business infrastructure facilities, and the modern lifestyle.

 

There is a wide range of company registration options in Dubai and the UAE. Premier is a Corporate Services Provider that will guide you to the appropriate Dubai or UAE company registration and structure.

 

Company registration and set up in UAE is usually classified into three main aspects (1) UAE Mainland company, (2) UAE Free Zone company, and (3) UAE Offshore company in Dubai and the UAE. A foreign investor either individual or corporate wishing to do business in the UAE can opt to set up a UAE branch, representative office or company, or it can simply appoint a commercial agent to sell its products in the UAE market or export them.

SERVICES IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

 

1. Dubai, UAE Incorporation & Registration

Premier assists in UAE company set up including UAE free zone company, UAE offshore company, DIFC trust, RAK ICC foundation, funds, etc. Premier advises on choosing the right structure whether it is a UAE Free Zone, UAE offshore company. Premier offers a range of services with respect to formation/registration of companies, funds, trusts and foundations across Dubai and UAE

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2. Accounting Services in Dubai & UAE

Premier offers a range of services based on the requirements of each UAE free Zone company and UAE offshore company

 

3. Management and Corporate Services in Dubai & UAE

Premier provides wide range of corporate secretarial services to help keep abreast of your corporate governance. Premier provides a full range of post incorporation services and administrative services to keep your company up and running in terms of requirements in Dubai and the UAE.

 

4. Tax Advisory & Compliance in Dubai & UAE

Premier has the expertise to provide financial and corporate services together with tax advisory. Premier offers a wide range of services with respect to tax advisory and compliance in Dubai and the UAE

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5. VAT Registration & Compliance in Dubai & UAE

Premier offers services with respect to VAT registration, VAT Compliance and VAT Computation in Dubai and the UAE

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DOING BUSINESS IN DUBAI AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE) – MAINLAND/FREEZONE/OFFSHORE

 

Generally there are 3 types of companies in the UAE, namely, a mainland, a UAE free zone and a UAE offshore entity. The selection of the best entity depends on the structure of the entity, partners, business activities and targeted markets.

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UAE Free Zone

UAE Free zones are economic areas where goods and services can be traded, usually with preferential tax and customs rates.  UAE Free Zone entities do not require the involvement of UAE national shareholder and can set up wholly owned branches.   Each UAE free zone has its own specific requirements with respect to share capital, office or warehouse space and permitted activities. Some major benefits of free zone entities are as follows: 

  • 100% foreign ownership

  • 100% of profit and capital repatriation

  • 0% Income and corporate tax

  • No foreign Exchange control and free transfer of funds

  • No import, export duties and custom duties

  • Expat around the world can be hired

 

UAE Mainland

Mainland companies (often referred to as an onshore company) benefit by having access to the local market and outside the UAE. To get registered as a Mainland LLC company, you must obtain a licence by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate.

 

Before the introduction of the new UAE laws on commercial company ownership, foreign business owners established as a mainland company in Dubai could only acquire 49% of company shares, leaving the remaining 51% acquired by a local sponsor. However, as of December 1st, 2020, the UAE passed a law to permit 100% foreign ownership for mainland companies except for certain sectors. A company present in the mainland is free to do business anywhere in the UAE and are also eligible to do business inside any free zone in the emirates.

 

UAE Offshore

UAE Offshore and UAE International Business Companies (IBCs) mostly known as RAK ICC or RAK offshore have been introduced for entities that are not intended to do business within Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Typically, these types of entities are created to carry out business internationally and are not resident in the UAE. 

 

The UAE has a long positive and attractive reputation for its zero-tax jurisdiction and has always comply with all international requirements on anti-money laundering. The UAE is on the whitelist of the OECD and well known for its protection laws on confidentiality and investor rights. There are very few free zones offering offshore structures in the UAE.The differences and likes of the 3 types of entities can be summarised as follows: 

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FreezoneMainlandRAKICC.PNG

UAE FREE ZONE COMPANY SET UP AND LICENSING

United Arab Emirates has around 45 Free Trade Zones, with the majority located in Dubai where each UAE Free Zone has its own independent rules and regulations. Most of the Free Zones in the UAE have been established with a focus on sectors like financial services, IT, trading of specific agricultural products, manufacturing of equipment, ports and logistics and telecom industry. Free Zones in the UAE differ with each other in their policies and the types of business resources they offer. This gives its entrepreneurs ready access to a hub of knowledge and expertise from others within their field. UAE Free Zone entities do not require the involvement of UAE national shareholder and can set up wholly owned branches.   Each UAE free zone has its own specific requirements with respect to share capital, office or warehouse space and permitted activities. The 3 main structures available in most Free Zones are as follows:

 

  1. Free Zone Establishment (Single Shareholder)

  2. Free Zone Company (Multiple Shareholders)

  3. Branch of a foreign company or Representative Office

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Benefits of Free Zone in UAE

  • 100% foreign ownership

  • 100% of profit and capital repatriation

  • 0% Income and corporate tax

  • No foreign Exchange control and free transfer of funds

  • No import, export duties and custom duties

  • Expat around the world can be hired

  • A large pool of international skilled labour available

  • Quick recruitment and visa application

  • Best and latest infrastructure available

  • Readymade warehouses and factories available

  • English is widely spoken around the country

  • Modern and latest communication tools

  • Dubai airport accessible to over 270 destinations across the world

 

UAE FREE ZONES SET UP OPTIONS

The most common free zones in Dubai and UAE are as follows:

  1. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

  2. International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)

  3. Dubai Internet City (DIC)

  4. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

  5. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

  6. Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

  7. Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

  8. Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)

  9. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)

  10. Hamriyah Free Zone

  11. Dubai Silicon Oasis

  12. Dubai Media City

 

DMCC is situated in the heart of Dubai which is the best place to live, work and thrive. DMCC has been crowned 7 times “Global Free Zone of the Year”. It has a vibrant community, innovative infrastructure, world-class services, and stunning choice of properties. DMCC is known as a leading trade and enterprise hub for commodities. From trading of gold and diamond to services, DMCC is a one stop shop for registration of start-up enterprises and multinational companies. DMCC has extended its activities to cater for corporate, consultancy and other services and has also its own commodity derivatives exchange (DGCX).


Dubai Internet City is the leading Communication and Information Technology hub in Dubai, the UAE and Middle East and North Africa (MENA Region). It is an all-inclusive environment with the perfect commercial spaces, services, retail, and events for thousands of innovators. Dubai Internet City has been established to develop and support communication and information technology companies. The world most reputable ICT companies like Microsoft, Oracle, HP and IBM are present in the Dubai Internet City.

 

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an advanced financial centre and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA). DIFC provides a world-class platform for business in UAE and financial institutions to avail an international financial environment and reach out the regional and international market easily. DIFC has a legislative system consistent with English common law and has also its own court of law which is the DIFC Court and is within the common law framework. DIFC provides a bundle of financial services licences from investment holdings to assets management and fund management. There are also several supporting bodies attached to the DIFC like the DIFC Arbitration Centre, the DIFC Wills Centre and the DIFC FinTech Hive. NASDAQ Dubai is a Dubai-based stock exchange established in the DIFC that lists regional and international shares in the Middle East. READ MORE ON FREE ZONES.

 

Premier Global Fiduciary Services DMCC is here to advise you how best to set up your business in UAE specifically in Free Zones in Dubai or UAE and discuss all support services required. If you are interested in setting up a Free Zone company or for guidance and additional information, please feel free to contact us on contact@premier-dubai.com or call us on +97144696707. Know more about our Services. ( https://www.premier-dubai.com/copy-of-incorporation-registration-1)

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