Company registration in Dubai, UAE
Entrepreneurs have access to extensive opportunities for conducting commercial activities within the jurisdiction of the United Arab Emirates.
Thanks to a wide range of free economic zones and legal entity structures, everyone can select the most efficient and suitable way to do business.
Advantages of opening a company in the UAE
The UAE offers business owners excellent opportunities for establishing a company within its jurisdiction.
The variety of free zones and company types allows you to choose the most optimal and suitable option for your needs.
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Corporate bank account
Corporate bank account with no transaction restrictions
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Residence visa (permanent residency)
Emirates ID for company founders and their families
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Tax exemption
No dividend tax and low corporate profit tax
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Tax residence status
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Information confidentiality and security
Types of companies in the UAE
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UAE free zones are attractive jurisdictions for investors who want to have 100% ownership rights over their business. The concept of a "free zone" has been internationally recognized as a model for business development and promotion in many countries. UAE free zones offer company owners 100% foreign ownership, zero tax rates, and customs benefits. This makes free zones in the UAE the most favorable location in the Middle East for conducting international business and attracts many entrepreneurs to establish a company in a UAE free zone. UAE Free Zones include:
- DMCC Free Zone,
- DMC Free Zone,
- Dubai World Central (DWC) Free Zone,
- Fujairah Free Zone,
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA),
- RAK Free Zone (RAKFTZ),
- Sharjah Media City,
- KIZAD,
- Fujairah Creative City,
- Dubai Techno Park,
- Dubai Studio City,
- Dubai South,
- Dubai Silicon Oasis,
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC),
- Dubai Internet City,
- Dubai Industrial City,
- Dubai Airport Free Zone,
- Meydan Free Zone, and others.
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Mainland Dubai is the preferred location for establishing a company for many investors. The popularity of Dubai Mainland stems from the freedom to conduct business anywhere in Dubai and across the UAE. However, there is a comprehensive procedure for setting up a company in Dubai Mainland. Interested parties must fulfill several requirements to establish a mainland company in Dubai. Advantages of registering a mainland company in Dubai
- You can manage your company from any part of the UAE
- No capital requirement for obtaining a mainland company license in Dubai
- Access to a wide range of business activities
- Ability to conduct business on Dubai Mainland
- Simple process for obtaining employment visas
- Freedom to choose your office location anywhere in Dubai
- Mainland company registration ensures 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Mainland jurisdiction allows foreign entrepreneurs to trade and operate directly with the local market
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In financial parlance, the term "offshore" is used to define any business or investment carried out outside the country of residence. In other words, an offshore company is a legal entity established in an offshore financial center (offshore jurisdiction). An offshore company, most often referred to as an International Business Company (IBC) or a non-resident company, is a legal structure that provides low/tax-free conditions for legal entities or individuals, which in turn minimizes the tax burden and improves wealth management.
The process of company registration in the UAE
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Determine the type of business activity
Commercial/Trading, Consultancy, Professional or Industrial. You can select multiple activities within a single activity group. -
Choose the legal form of the company
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Choose a company name
It is advisable to suggest three variants of names in the order of preference — the names should be clear, meaningful, and not associated with any religion. At this stage, it is necessary to provide the documents of all partners and directors of the company. -
Submitting an application for preliminary approval
The preliminary approval by the state body confirms that the company can be established and its name is approved. -
Preparation of the Memorandum on the Establishment of the company (MOA)
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Lease Agreement (Ejari)
A rental agreement (Ejari) is required to complete the registration process in the mainland. This applies to either an office/business center/warehouse, or an exhibition hall. It can be rented or bought anywhere in the Emirate where you have registered a company. -
Additional permits from other authorities or Ministries
They may be required for certain types of business activities. -
Obtaining a business license
Key Stages of Establishing a Free Zone Company
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Select a Free Zone
Choose the appropriate free zone according to your business requirements. Some free zones support businesses on a broader scale, while others are designed for specific types of activities. Different free zones have their own rules and regulations for setting up a business. The number and type of required documents may also vary depending on the business activity. -
Determine your business activity type and select company activities
In most free zones, you can select multiple activities within a single activity group. Certain business activities may require additional approvals from other authorities or Ministries. -
Select a company name
It is advisable to propose three name options in order of preference. Names should be clear, meaningful, and not associated with any religion. At this stage, documents for all partners and company directors must be submitted. -
Submit an application to establish a company in the Free Zone
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Complete shareholder verification
The company shareholder(s) must undergo a verification process as part of the incorporation procedure. -
Receive your company license and other incorporation documents
Company Registration Stages
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Choosing the Business Structure
We select the optimal business activity and company type that align with your goals. -
Registration Process
We submit the application, liaise with government authorities, and initiate the registration process.
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Consultation
You contact us and provide information about your company's intended business activities. -
Document Preparation
We collect and prepare all the necessary documents for registration. -
License Issuance
You officially become the owner of a company in the UAE and receive a license to conduct business activities.
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Consultation
You contact us and provide information about your company's intended business activities. -
Choosing the Business Structure
We select the optimal business activity and company type that align with your goals. -
Document Preparation
We collect and prepare all the necessary documents for registration. -
Registration Process
We submit the application, liaise with government authorities, and initiate the registration process. -
License Issuance
You officially become the owner of a company in the UAE and receive a license to conduct business activities.
The cost of company registration in the UAE
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Company registration in mainland ADGM
Including virtual office rental, obtaining an immigration card for the company, 1 employment visa$12 600 -
Nominee service
If required, paid separately$3,150 (per year) -
Opening a bank account
A brief description herefrom $4,200
What is included in the price of the service
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Consultation and document analysis
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Support and assistance at all stages of company formation
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Visa processing
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Assistance with corporate bank account opening
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Available to clients 24/7
Get a customized solution for your business
Leave a request, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Cases
Feedback from our customers
Leave a request for a consultation
Describe your situation and we will find the best solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are several options available in the UAE:
- Free Zone – 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, but activity is limited to the territory of the zone.
- Mainland – the opportunity to conduct business throughout the UAE.
- Offshore companies – for international business without operating in the UAE.
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The term depends on the type of company:
- Free zone – 2-7 working days.
- Mainland – 7-14 days (longer due to DED approvals).
- Offshore – 5-10 days.
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In free zones – no, 100% foreign ownership.
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- A copy of the founder/director's passport
- Proof of address (for example, utility bill, lease agreement, ownership documents).
- Business plan (for some types of activities).
- bank statement (for some shareholders)
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Yes! After registration, you can apply for an investor visa/work visa for 2-3 years with the possibility of extension.
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- Income tax: 0% in free zones (if there is no activity in the UAE).
- VAT: 5% (if turnover exceeds 375,000 AED per year).
- Corporate tax: 9% (from June 2023 for profits over 375,000 AED).
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- In the free zones, you can choose a virtual office or a flexi-desk.
- A physical office is required on the mainland (but there are exceptions for some types of activities).
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Yes! We will carry out the entire procedure without your presence.:
- We will prepare the documents.
- We will open a corporate account.
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Depends on the activity:
- Commercial – for trading.
- Professional – for services (consulting, IT).
- Industrial – for production.
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We help with:
- Opening a bank account.
- Accounting support.
- Visa processing for employees.
Our partners
We have established strong working relationships with various free zones, notaries, banks, accounting and auditing firms, which enables us to comprehensively and, most importantly, promptly resolve any situation you may face. Our lawyers are always ready to answer your questions and provide recommendations whenever needed.
We cooperate with the following partners:
They will work with you
Our Russian and English-speaking team of lawyers has excellent knowledge of UAE legislation and business processes.
In the last year alone, we have helped more than 70 companies with registration, relocation and legal support.
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Irina Tarasyuk
Lawyer, business consultant