All you have to know about company registration in Dubai to reach success

The UAE and Dubai are widely known for being hubs for investors from all around the world. Therefore, it’s one of the reasons why you should make a company registration in Dubai. You will find countless opportunities to make your business grow internationally and globally. Besides, as an investor, you will be able to receive the benefits and services you need.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the company registration process in Dubai. In addition, you will learn about the many options you have to complete this process. You will also find additional information related to this topic to complement your knowledge about the setup process. Let’s observe:

  1. What is the company registration process in the UAE?
  2. How many options do you have to register a company in Dubai?
  3. Facts you should know about mainland company registration in Dubai.
  4. All about free zone company registration in Dubai.
  5. What is offshore company registration in this UAE city?
  6. How can Connectfz help you register your company in Dubai?

1. What is the company registration process in the UAE?

It is the main process to establish a legal and efficient company in the UAE. In this country, many foreign investors decide to set up their business for several reasons. For instance, the many benefits and support services are some of them. Flexible regulations are also some of the reasons why this country is beneficial for investors like you.

But before learning how to register a small business in Dubai, you need to know every option you have. Depending on the nature of your business, you have to choose the most suitable option for it. It is important to choose well, and then you will have all the advantages to fulfill your company’s requirements.

There is also something else you must take into consideration when forming your company in the UAE. The location is really important to guarantee success for your business. For instance, if you choose Dubai, the process might be different than in other emirates. This emirate might also offer different benefits than other places.

Take a look at the details and the many advantages that Dubai offers to you. If you decide to set your company here, you will now have to complete the company registration in Dubai. Keep reading this article to learn more about the process and discover all the options you have.

Here you can learn about the company setup process in the UAE step by step.

2. How many options do you have to register a company in Dubai?

How many options do you have to register a company in Dubai?

Setting up your company in Dubai will only provide good results if you choose the right option. During the process of company registration in Dubai, you will have three main options to take into consideration. Each of them will provide you with benefits to ensure a good future for your business. These options are the following ones:

  • Mainland company registration.
  • Free zone company registration.
  • Offshore company registration.

It is also worth mentioning that each of them has subcategories. For instance, if you choose mainland company registration in Dubai, you have to choose between three types of companies. These types of companies are the ones we will mention next:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC).
  • Professional Company (Civil Work Company).
  • A representative or branch office of a foreign company.

And like the options we mentioned before, each of these types of companies has a different registration process. Besides, the benefits and the required documentation may also vary according to the option you choose. Now let’s take a better look at each of these options to help you understand all the available alternatives.

Here you can learn more tips and recommendations to form a free zone company in Dubai correctly.

3. Facts you should know about mainland company registration in Dubai.

With this option, you will find the opportunity you are looking for to establish a successful business. Dubai mainland is known for being home to thousands of foreign and local companies of all sizes. Some examples could be restaurants, coffee shops, retail shops, shopping centers, and many other kinds of businesses.

Although this place is already popular, Dubai mainland keeps growing and helping business people to expand their companies. Therefore, if you’re looking forward to reaching out multi-cultural audience and enter UAE markets, the mainland is the best option. Mainland company registration in Dubai is valid for the three types of companies previously mentioned.

3.1. What is a Limited Liability Company?

A Limited Liability Company (also known by its acronym “LLC”) is one of the main company structures in the mainland. It is of great use for those investors who work with two or more shareholders (the limit is 50). As an investor, you can receive many benefits from this type of business. For example, these are some of the advantages of choosing an LLC structure in Dubai mainland:

  • Any investor can form a Limited Liability Company in the Dubai mainland for a variety of business activities. It is possible since there is a wide range of available activities to choose from the DED list.
  • Personal wealth remains protected while the liability in the company is only to extent of the shares owned.
  • The investors can execute services, commercial, and industrial activities through the Dubai LLC company registration
  • Investors can add more staff to their companies if it is necessary. Besides, there are no hassles of visa quota.
  • LLC companies can freely trade in the UAE local market and the GCC region.

Most importantly, the investor must vest the majority shares (51 percent) with a UAE National or a corporate sponsor. It means that the investor will only retain 49 percent of the shares. Keep reading to discover more facts about this type of company and the process to establish it.

Here you can learn everything you need to know about sponsors in Dubai and the UAE.

3.2. What is a Professional Company or Civil Work Company?

This type of company is the best option for professionals who perform legal, consulting, accounting, medical, among other activities. Unlike the LLC companies, the owners of Civil Work Companies can retain 100 percent of the shares. If you want to develop this type of business in Dubai mainland, you will obtain certain benefits. For instance, you can get these advantages from a Civil Work Company:

  • The setup process is quick and simple. The only thing that you need to do is applying for a license to the Department of Economic Development.
  • It is a low-cost process, which means that you do not need to invest too much money in it. In Dubai mainland, the cost of setting up this type of company is around AED 17,000.
  • Investors can apply for multiple visas. However, it also means that the more visas you get, the more office space will be required. It is mandatory to acquire 100 square feet of office space per visa.

Take into consideration that appointing a Local Service Agent is necessary too. This is important for an annual fee to liaise with government authorities. On the other hand, it is not a requirement to have a UAE National as a sponsor.

3.3. What is a branch office of a foreign company?

Foreign investors who possess companies abroad can exercise their business activities inside the UAE. However, it can only be possible if the investors set up a branch office or representative office. If you desire to expand your business and do business in Dubai mainland, your best option is this. Setting up a branch office in Dubai mainland has its benefits, for example:

  • You can obtain 100% ownership of your branch office plus full exemption from income and corporate tax.
  • The import duty is very low (only 5 percent).
  • Sharing capital is not a requirement. It allows foreign investors to make their companies grow with a minimum upfront cost.

It is important to remember that the branch office must perform the same activities as the parent company. Therefore, performing other business activities is not allowed. Another essential aspect of branch offices is that the parent company is 100 percent liable for the actions. In other words, the branch is not considered a separate legal entity.

Here you can learn some business ideas you can use to establish a company in Dubai.

4. All about free zone company registration in Dubai.

All about free zone company registration in Dubai.

The free zone company registration in Dubai is also among the best options for all investors. Setting up a company in a free zone represents a lot of advantages that will help you reach success. To clarify, in Dubai free zones you will be able to obtain the following benefits:

  • 100% foreign ownership, no customs duty, and exemption from income tax.
  • World-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment.
  • Company formation packages at affordable costs.
  • A wide range of business activities to allow investors to establish their companies.

Depending on the free zone, you will be able to obtain other benefits. However, the ones we mentioned before are the ones you will get in any free zone. In Dubai, you can choose the free zone that suits your business better. Among the most outstanding free zones, you can find the following ones:

  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA).
  • DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre).
  • DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre).
  • Dubai Silicone Oasis Authority (DSOA).

Here you can learn about the possibilities for free zones companies to do business in Dubai Mainland.

5. What is offshore company registration in this UAE city?

The main purpose of the offshore company registration in Dubai is facilitating international trade. It means that offshore companies can be registered as IBC (International Business Companies). Besides, they all are out of the scope of UAE’s legal systems and local business jurisdictions. There are many advantages of establishing this type of company in Dubai, for example these:

  • 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits.
  • Invoice international clients.
  • 100% asset protection, security, privacy, and confidentiality.
  • It is not a requirement an audit report during the renewal process.
  • There is no public register of shareholders and directors.
  • It is a tax-free company set up with no capital requirements.
  • Investors can open an international corporate bank account.
  • Offshore companies fall outside the scope of VAT and UAE customs.

Although you can have these advantages, there are some limitations too. For instance, offshore companies are not eligible to trade in the local market of the UAE. However, it is the best option for international trading companies, holding companies, among others.

Here you can learn about the benefits of starting a business in an Abu Dhabi free zone.

6. How can Connectfz help you register your company in Dubai?

How can Connectfz help you register your company in Dubai?

If you are still not sure about which option you should choose, you can contact the Connectfz team. We will help you analyze each option and select the one that suits your business better. Our guidance and services will benefit your company and boost it in no time without spending too much money.

Besides helping you to choose the best option, we will also help you during the registration process. Our professional team can guide you through every step of the process to make it more efficient. Moreover, our team will keep providing you with the services you need after registering your company.

If you want your business to be more effective, you can request our different services. For example, if you need guidance to manage taxation better, you can request our tax advisory services. In case you need a better HR department, our HR consultancy services will help you improve it exponentially. We also provide staff outsourcing, recruitment, payroll services, and many more.

Would you like to contact Connectfz to know more about the company registration process in Dubai and the UAE? If you have any questions, call us on +97143316688. You can email us at info@connectfz.ae, and you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.