Company formation in Dubai and the UAE

Feasibility analysis and jurisdiction advisory

Where and how you incorporate should support the business idea. We take time to understand your short, medium and long-term goals, then advise on the company type and jurisdiction that suit you, weighing the nature of the business, its activity, logistics, facilities, finance, tax and convenience.

We know the rules, legal requirements and advantages of the UAE's free zones and offshore jurisdictions for different kinds of business. Ownership and licensing rules change, so we advise on the requirements that apply to your activity at the time you set up.

Mainland company (LLC)

A Dubai mainland company can trade within the UAE and with the rest of the world. The limited liability company (LLC) is the most common form of business in the UAE. We handle the following mainland structures.

• Sole establishment: owned by a single proprietor, who is responsible for all of its financial obligations
• Limited liability company (LLC)
• Branch office: may promote the parent company's products, enter into transactions and serve customers
• Representative office: may only promote and market the parent company's activity
• Civil company or professional firm
• Joint venture
• Public and private shareholding companies

For each, we advise on structure, help select a location, coordinate the business plan, and take care of paperwork and documentation.

Free zone company formation

Free zones are special economic zones designed to support international business and offer full foreign ownership. Each is run by its own authority, which issues licences and visas under its own rules. Many are attached to a port or a specific industry.

Free zone companies can trade within their zone and outside the UAE. To sell goods on the UAE mainland they generally work through a mainland distributor or agent. Typical structures are a single-shareholder establishment (FZE), a company with two or more shareholders (FZC), or a branch of a local or foreign company.

• 100% foreign ownership
• Repatriation of capital and profits
• Residency visas
• Flexible, rented or owned offices
• Shared services and synergies with neighbouring companies
• Modern infrastructure

Offshore company formation

A UAE offshore company is based in an offshore jurisdiction within the UAE and conducts business outside it. It can hold assets inside and outside the UAE and bank with institutions in either.

• Complete foreign ownership
• Ownership of real estate in areas approved by the authority
• Multi-currency bank accounts
• No foreign currency restrictions
• Low set-up costs

Offshore companies can only be formed through registered agents approved by the relevant authority. We form offshore companies in the UAE's offshore jurisdictions.

Business plans and feasibility studies

We listen to your aims and reasoning, then work with you on a business plan that is put through a rigorous market test. You receive the test conditions and results in detail, with our assessment, positive or negative, and any suggestions to strengthen the idea.

Registration and licensing

We take care of the registration and licensing processes and their requirements. You tell us your preferences and we carry the company through to formation.

Investor visa services

Investors and partners in a UAE company need an investor or partner visa. We manage the process from start to finish.

• Visa application, with supporting documents and fees
• Visa issuance
• Medical examination
• Emirates ID application
• Residency finalised

PRO services

We handle visa processing, company licence renewals, and amendments to legal documents and shareholding structures.

DIFC and ADGM services

We provide services for the Dubai International Financial Centre and Abu Dhabi Global Market, whether you are establishing a company, need accounting or audit, or are changing your legal structure.

Company liquidation

Liquidation, or winding up, brings a company's operations and existence to an end. It is a required step once you decide to cease business in the UAE. We provide liquidation services for limited liability, free zone and offshore companies. The procedure varies by company type, but usually involves the following.

• The company has no outstanding liabilities
• All UAE residence visas under the company are cancelled
• Utilities in the company's name are closed and settled
• Company bank accounts are closed
• Remaining assets are transferred to the shareholders or liquidators
• Government charges and dues are cleared
• Notice of the liquidation is published in a UAE newspaper
• A resolution to liquidate is passed and a licensed liquidator appointed, with a letter of consent
• Clearance letters are obtained, for example from the free zone authority, utility providers, customs, banks and the landlord
• The liquidator issues a liquidator's report

Once appointed, we manage the whole process and obtain the company termination certificate.