Company Registration in Dubai

Dubai, one of the most business-friendly cities in the Middle East, is a global hub for trade, finance, and innovation. With its world-class infrastructure, zero income tax, strategic geographic location, and a forward-thinking regulatory environment, Dubai attracts entrepreneurs and multinational corporations alike.

Dubai offers various business zones such as Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore, each catering to different types of business activities and ownership structures. Whether you're a startup, investor, or a large enterprise, company registration in Dubai can open doors to the Gulf, African, and South Asian markets.

Types of Business Entities for Company Registration in Dubai

Dubai offers a variety of business entity types, each designed to serve specific business models and ownership requirements. The three primary jurisdictions are Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore, each with different entity options.

 1. Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Mainland

• Most common structure for businesses targeting the UAE market.

• Requires a local service agent or Emirati partner (depending on the activity).

• Minimum 2 and maximum 50 shareholders allowed.

 2. Free Zone Company

• Operates within a specific Free Zone (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA).

• 100% foreign ownership allowed.

• Ideal for import/export, tech, media, or consultancy businesses.

• Restricted to operating within the Free Zone or outside the UAE unless partnered with a distributor.

 3. Offshore Company

• Registered in jurisdictions like JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC.

• Cannot operate within the UAE market directly.

• Used for international business, asset protection, and tax planning.

 4. Sole Proprietorship

• Owned and managed by one individual.

• Requires a UAE national as a local service agent for foreign owners.

 5. Civil Company

• Suitable for professionals like consultants, doctors, engineers.

• Can be 100% foreign-owned with a local service agent.

Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration in Dubai

To successfully register a company in Dubai, certain eligibility conditions must be met depending on the business structure and jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore).

 1. Shareholders

• Individuals or corporate entities can be shareholders.

• Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership.

• Mainland companies may require a UAE national partner or service agent (depending on activity).

 2. Directors/Managers

• At least one manager or director must be appointed.

• Can be a resident or non-resident of the UAE.

• Must meet minimum qualification requirements in certain regulated sectors.

 3. Business Activity Approval

• Business activity must be approved by the relevant licensing authority (e.g., DED for Mainland, respective Free Zone authority).

• Some activities may require special approvals (e.g., legal, financial, or healthcare services).

 4. Physical Address

• Must have a physical office space (Ejari for Mainland, office or flexi-desk in Free Zone).

• Offshore companies are not required to lease physical office space.

 5. Capital Requirements

• No minimum capital requirement for most Mainland entities.

• Free Zones may have capital requirements ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 300,000+ depending on the zone and license type.

Procedure for Company Registration in Dubai

Registering a company in Dubai involves a streamlined process, though steps may vary slightly between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore setups. Below is a general outline:

 Step 1: Choose the Jurisdiction and Business Activity

• Decide between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore based on your business needs.

• Choose the appropriate business activity from the list approved by the relevant authority.

 Step 2: Reserve a Trade Name

• Submit your preferred company name for approval.

• Ensure the name follows UAE naming conventions and is not already in use.

 Step 3: Finalize Legal Structure and Obtain Initial Approval

• Determine your company’s legal structure (e.g., LLC, FZCO, branch).

• Apply for initial approval from the licensing authority (e.g., DED or Free Zone authority).

 Step 4: Prepare Documents

• Draft and notarize the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other founding documents.

• Submit passport copies, visa copies, NOCs (if applicable), and lease agreements.

 Step 5: Office Lease Agreement

• Secure a physical office space (Ejari for Mainland or facility lease in Free Zone).

• Provide tenancy contract or lease agreement to authorities.

 Step 6: Submit Application and Pay Fees

• Submit all documents to the authority.

• Pay the registration and licensing fees.

 Step 7: Obtain Business License

• Receive your business license and company registration certificate.

 Step 8: Open Corporate Bank Account

• Choose a suitable UAE bank and open your corporate account.

Various Taxes Applicable to Registered Companies in Dubai

Dubai offers one of the most tax-friendly business environments in the world. However, companies are subject to certain federal-level taxes and compliance requirements.

 1. Corporate Tax (Effective June 2023)

• A standard 9% corporate income tax applies on net profits exceeding AED 375,000.

• Businesses with profits below this threshold are exempt.

• Free Zone companies may enjoy 0% corporate tax if they meet qualifying criteria and don’t conduct business in the UAE mainland.

 2. Value Added Tax (VAT)

• 5% VAT is applicable on most goods and services.

• Businesses must register for VAT if their annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.

• VAT returns must be filed quarterly or monthly.

 3. Customs Duties

• Typically 5% on imported goods.

• Free Zone businesses are exempt if goods are not brought into the UAE mainland.

 4. No Personal Income Tax

• There is no tax on personal income, capital gains, or wealth, making Dubai especially attractive for foreign investors and professionals.

 5. Excise Tax

• Levied on specific goods like tobacco, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages.

Documents Required for Company Registration in Dubai

The specific documents required may vary depending on whether the company is set up in the Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore. However, the general documentation needed includes:

 1. Passport Copies

• Valid passport copies of all shareholders, directors, and managers.

 2. UAE Visa or Entry Stamp

• UAE visa or visit entry stamp (for foreign nationals currently in the UAE).

 3. Proposed Company Name

• At least 3 name options for initial approval.

 4. Business Activity Description

• Clear outline of intended business activities.

 5. Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)

• Drafted and signed by shareholders; notarized if required.

 6. Tenancy Contract or Office Lease Agreement

• A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) for Mainland or a Free Zone lease agreement.

 7. No Objection Certificate (NOC)

• Required if a shareholder or manager is employed in the UAE and holds a residence visa.

 8. Bank Reference Letter (for Offshore or some Free Zones)

• Letter from the bank verifying the applicant’s financial status.

Benefits of Company Registration in Dubai

Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for global entrepreneurs and investors due to its exceptional business environment and infrastructure. Below are key benefits:

 1. Strategic Location

• Gateway to Asia, Europe, and Africa.

• Major logistics and transport hub with world-class ports and airports.

 2. 100% Foreign Ownership

• Allowed in most Free Zones and certain Mainland business activities under recent reforms.

 3. Tax Advantages

• 0% personal income tax.

• 0% corporate tax for qualifying Free Zone companies.

• Low VAT rate of 5%.

 4. Modern Infrastructure

• Access to state-of-the-art commercial spaces, digital services, and smart government portals.

 5. Full Repatriation of Profits

• No restrictions on sending back capital and profits to your home country.

 6. Business-Friendly Ecosystem

• Streamlined company registration, licensing, and visa processes.

• Multiple Free Zones tailored for different industries.

 7. Access to Global Talent

• Ease of hiring skilled professionals from across the globe.

• Flexible visa options for investors, partners, and employees.

Why Choose YKG GLOBAL for Company Registration in Dubai?

At YKG GLOBAL, we bring expertise, speed, and complete transparency to make your business setup in Dubai smooth and stress-free.

 1. End-to-End Business Setup Solutions

• From name approval to license issuance and visa support — we manage everything for you.

 2. Expertise Across All Jurisdictions

• Whether Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, we help you choose the best structure for your goals.

 3. Compliance-First Approach

• We ensure your company is compliant with all legal, tax, and regulatory requirements from day one.

 4. Strategic Advisory

• Professional guidance on business activity selection, location, cost planning, and scalability.

 5. Fast & Transparent Process

• Real-time updates, clear documentation checklists, and minimal delays.

 6. Dedicated Support Team

• Multilingual support available throughout the registration and post-incorporation phase.