Company Incorporation Services

Navigating the UAE's regulatory environment requires a nuanced understanding of its various jurisdictions. We provide end-to-end assistance in establishing entities across Mainland, Free Zones, and Offshore jurisdictions, as well as obtaining Freelancer Permits.

Mainland

Mainland companies in the UAE are governed by Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 or 2021, also known as the UAE Commercial Companies Law. Each of the seven emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain—has its own Department of Economic Development (DED), which oversees business licensing and regulation within its jurisdiction. Mainland companies can obtain various types of licenses, including:

Commercial License: For trading activities.
Professional License: For service-oriented businesses.
Industrial License: For manufacturing and industrial operations.

Recent legislative changes now allow for 100% foreign ownership in many sectors, enhancing the appeal of mainland company formation.

Free Zone

The UAE boasts over 40 Free Zones, each designed to attract foreign investment by offering benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and full repatriation of capital and profits. Notable Free Zones include:

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai Development Authority(DED), Dubai World Central(DWC), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone(SAIF Zone), Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone, RAKEZ, Umm Al Quwain Free Zone(UAQ FZ)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): These are Financial Free Zones with their own legal systems and courts, based on common law, providing an international business environment.

Licenses issued in Free Zones typically fall into the following categories:

Trade License: For import, export, and distribution activities.
Service License: For service-oriented businesses.
Industrial License: For manufacturing activities.

Offshore

Offshore companies in the UAE are ideal for businesses seeking asset protection, tax optimization, and confidentiality. These entities are prohibited from conducting business within the UAE but can operate internationally. Key jurisdictions for offshore company formation include:

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA): Allows offshore companies to own property in Dubai and offers a high level of confidentiality.

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAKICC): Known for its cost-effective setup and flexible regulations.

Offshore companies benefit from:

100% foreign ownership.
No requirement for a physical office.
Confidentiality of shareholders and directors

Freelancer Permit

For individuals offering professional services, the UAE offers Freelancer Permits, allowing them to operate as sole practitioners. These permits are typically issued by various Free Zones, including:

Dubai Media City: Ideal for media professionals.

twofour54 in Abu Dhabi: Caters to freelancers in the media and entertainment sectors.

Fujairah Creative City: Offers permits across various creative fields.

Freelancer Permits provide the flexibility to work with multiple clients and are a cost-effective way to establish a presence in the UAE.

OUR COMMENTS:

As mentioned above; there are various options for setting up of an entity in the UAE and the choice of structure/location will depend on various factors such as:

Nature of activity
Area of operation
Requirement for infrastructure and facilities (office size, number of visas etc.)
Location preference (if any)

Please Note:

Government fees for registration depends upon the place of registration of the proposed entity.
Visa related process, procedure & requirement depends upon the place of registration of the proposed entity.

Key Contacts