Company Registration in UAE (Dubai)

Imagine launching your business in a stable, advanced economy with seamless access to global markets. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top destinations for investors and entrepreneurs seeking high‑growth opportunities.

By registering your company there, you’ll enter the Middle East’s premier commercial hub, enjoy modern, flexible business regulations, and retain 100% ownership. If you’re ready to expand your enterprise, secure residency in Dubai, and tap into international markets, there’s no better time to act.

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Types of Company Registration in Dubai, UAE

When setting up a business in Dubai, you can choose from three main jurisdictions—each with its own legal framework, ownership rules, and operating scope:

1. Mainland (Onshore) Companies

Licensed through the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai (or the equivalent authority in other emirates), mainland companies can trade freely anywhere in the UAE.

Legal Forms:

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

• 2–50 shareholders (individuals or corporate entities)
• Traditionally 51 % local ownership required; recent reforms allow 100 % foreign ownership for many activities
• Suited for trading, services, and manufacturing

Sole Establishment (Proprietorship):

• Owned by a single natural person
• Owner holds unlimited personal liability
• Ideal for small professional or service businesses

Civil Company:

• Up to five licensed professional partners (e.g., architects, lawyers, accountants)
• Local service agent (no equity or liability) required
• Partners share full liability

Branch or Representative Office:

• Branch: full scope of parent‑company activities
• Representative office: marketing and liaison only
• 100 % foreign ownership; local service agent required

Key Considerations:

• Full access to UAE market and government contracts
• Mandatory physical office with Ejari registration
• Annual audit and local‑sponsorship or service‑agent arrangements

2. Free Zone Companies

Free zones offer 100 % foreign ownership, profit repatriation, and customs‑duty exemptions. However, trading directly with mainland UAE requires a local distributor or a mainland branch.

Common Legal Structures:

Free Zone Company (FZCO) / Free Zone LLC:

• 2+ shareholders (individuals or corporations)
• Liability limited to share capital

Free Zone Establishment (FZE):

• Single‑shareholder entity
• Liability limited to share capital

Popular Free Zones in Dubai:

Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), DMCC (Multi Commodities Centre), Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone)

Advantages:

• 100 % foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
• 0 % corporate and personal income tax (in most cases)
• Simplified setup with bundled licensing and office packages

Limitations:

• Cannot trade directly with the mainland without a local distributor or branch
• Activity and office location confined to the free‑zone

3. Offshore Companies

Offshore entities are registered in jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore, RAKICC, or ADGM Global Markets. They are ideal for asset holding, intellectual property, and international trading—but not for onshore business.

Key Features:

• 100 % foreign ownership
• No minimum capital requirement in many jurisdictions
• Strong confidentiality and asset‑protection structures
• Ability to open UAE and international bank accounts

Restrictions:

• Cannot lease onshore office space or directly sponsor UAE residence visas
• Prohibited from conducting business within the UAE market

Choosing the Right Jurisdiction

Mainland: Best for full market access, government contracts, and local‑client relations.

Free Zone: Ideal for 100 % foreign ownership, international trading, and sector‑specific clusters—provided your operations remain within or beyond the free zone.

Offshore: Suited for holding companies, asset management, and cross‑border trade; not for local UAE commerce.

Tip: Base your choice on your intended business activity, ownership structure, market reach, and visa requirements. Consulting a licensed business‑setup advisor in Dubai ensures you select the optimal structure for your goals.

Company registration fees in Dubai

The cost of registering a company in Dubai varies by jurisdiction, license type, and additional requirements such as office space or special approvals. Below is a refined overview of typical expenses you can expect:

Free‑Zone Company Registration fee:

• Base package fee: AED 10,000–40,000, depending on the free zone and business activity
• Commercial or professional license: AED 5,000–15,000, based on the license type

Onshore (Mainland) Company Registration fee:

• Single‑member LLC setup: Approximately AED 33,500 (includes government registration fees, virtual office, Memorandum of Association, medical screening, and biometric enrollment)
• Single‑member General Trading license: Approximately AED 52,000 (comprehensive package as above)

Additional Setup Costs:

• Physical office space: From AED 10,000 annually (varies by location and size)
• Visa processing (tourist, work, or residency): From AED 2,000 per visa
• Legal and consultancy fees: AED 5,000–15,000, depending on the complexity of your application
• Ejari (tenancy) registration: AED 5,000–6,000 for a standard lease

Proof of Funds for Residency:

• Recommended savings: AED 50,000–100,000 to demonstrate financial stability
• Minimum required balance: AED 10,000 in your bank account after company incorporation

By planning for these expenses upfront, you’ll ensure a smooth company‑registration process and meet the residency requirements for the UAE.

Company Registration Steps in Dubai and the UAE

Registering a company in the UAE involves the following main stages, depending on the company type and registration zone:

Choose Company Type & Prepare Documents

• Decide on the company type (commercial, service, or industrial) and registration zone (mainland or free zone)
• Select and approve a trade name with the relevant authorities
• Gather required documents (passport copy, memorandum of association, etc.)
• At this stage, you must obtain a tourist visa to be physically present for signing the office lease and other legal documents, and pay the Ejari license fee.

Obtain Registration License

• Complete administrative procedures with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) or the free zone authority
• Pay government fees and receive the incorporation certificate
• Process handled by our legal representative in Dubai

Commence Operations & Secure Residency

• Convert the tourist visa to an Investor Visa
• Undergo medical testing and biometric screening for the residency permit
• Register for corporate tax and prepare to start operations

Visa & Family Sponsorship

• Investor Visa: 2-year residency, unlimited renewals (entry every 6 months)
• Dependent Visa: spouse, daughters (any age), sons under 18
• Employment Visa: for sons over 18 after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC)

Recruiting Employees

• The company can issue job offers to international candidates.
• Up to 10 foreign employees in free zones; no limit in mainland.
• Each employee can sponsor dependents under a Dependent Visa.

Required Documents Company registration in Dubai

• Copy of Trade License
• Copy of Passport
• Copy of Tourist Visa
• Ejari lease contract (if physical office)
• Memorandum of Association
• White-background photograph
• national ID card
• Local sponsor’s ID (if applicable)

Advantages & Disadvantages of Company registration in Dubai

Advantages:

• No language or academic degree requirement (except certain professional licenses)
• 100% foreign ownership without a local partner
• Family residency rights
• Fast registration and residency process
• Access to regional and international markets

Disadvantages:

• Mandatory entry every 6 months to maintain residency
• Physical presence required in initial registration phases
• Compliance with tax laws and regular reporting

Company registration tax in Dubai

• Corporate Tax: Register within 90 days of incorporation; annual filings required
• VAT (5%): Register once trading begins; quarterly filings required

Executive Summary

In summary, registering a company in the UAE and Dubai offers entrepreneurs the rare opportunity to enjoy 100% foreign ownership without a local partner, benefit from a swift incorporation and residency process (typically completed within one to two months), and secure a two‑year investor visa with unlimited renewals. You can sponsor your spouse, daughters of any age, and sons under 18, while taking advantage of corporate tax registration within 90 days and VAT compliance once trading begins.

The main steps involve selecting your company type and registration zone, preparing the necessary documents and securing a tourist visa for initial signatures, obtaining your trade license through the Dubai Department of Economic Development or a free zone authority, and finally converting your visa to an Investor Visa after medical and biometric procedures. With access to international markets, the ability to hire both local and foreign talent, and full support from Parsi Canada—from legal representation in Dubai to global bank account setup—there has never been a better time to establish your business in the UAE. Complete our two‑minute migration evaluation form now to receive personalized guidance and take the first step toward realizing your entrepreneurial ambitions.