Entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish a company in the UAE need to go through an easy process of registration that differs depending on the type of company being set up. Therefore, the first stage is to define the sort of business to be established by the investor.
Below are the four main company establishment types permitted by UAE legislation:
Limited Liability Company
The most popular form of company registration in the UAE is a limited liability company or an onshore company. This sort of license is acquired when the objective is to utilise the country’s working rights. The license involves creating in-country real offices and having as shareholders one or more UAE citizens. The share of foreign investors ‘ ownership in an LLC is restricted to 49%.
Offshore Company
UAE offshore company incorporation allows an easy set up process for companies seeking to operate outside their country. The major organisations facilitating offshore company incorporation in the UAE are Jebel Ali Offshore Company (Dubai), RAK International Corporate Centre. Among the four types of companies listed here, an offshore company has the easiest incorporation process. It requires no license, is free of corporate taxes and can be incorporated with virtual offices.
Free Zone Company
Throughout the country, UAE has set up 35 free zones that provide entrepreneurs and organizations with appealing company establishment possibilities. Free Zone Companies may operate within the UAE, but only within the boundaries of the free zone. Free Zone businesses enable 100% foreign ownership, 100% import and export tax exemptions, and 100% capital and profit repatriation. The licensing processes involve a real office or warehouse to be established within the free zone.
Branch Office
A branch office is an extension of an international parent company and conducts business under its name. While a branch office is not allowed to import and export on its own, it can conduct other affairs of business within an established purview. These operations might need special licenses to be obtained from the Ministry of Economy. Branch offices require a UAE national to be appointed as a service agent for the branch.
