Business Formation Mainland , Freezones & Offshore
Mainland Company Formation
A Mainland Company in the UAE is an enterprise that is registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the emirates in which the investor desires to start the company in the UAE. A mainland company establishment in Dubai is licensed by the DED in the UAE to conduct business both locally as well as internationally. The government body is in charge of the setup, monitoring, support, and functioning of economic growth. Mainland Company Formation in UAE is an ideal choice for investors seeking to establish a strong presence in the UAE local market. Mainland Business Setup gives investors greater options in terms of business development. It allows investors to simply hire more personnel, build an extra office or warehouse space, &much more. It enables the investor to quickly increase the number of employees and develop additional branches in the UAE. For a firm looking to expand locally or internationally, registering as a Limited Liability Company on the UAE’s mainland is extremely helpful in terms of facilitating seamless commerce & customs clearance. Furthermore, your consumers will be able to stroll into your business representing office without having to go to the outskirts of town.
How to Start your Business in Mainland?
According to the commercial companies laws, the companies are segregated for better growth. If you’re looking for company setup in mainland, there are different choices. Find out the different mainland zones and make the best choice for your business.
Dubai Mainland
Dubai offers a range of facilities for entrepreneurs. Business setup in Dubai mainland allows you to trade in the local markets or even proceed internationally. We guide you throughout the process with comprehensive support.
Steps For Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Select your business activity
When you decide to start your company in the mainland, we have a team of company setup experts to help you in the selection of business activity and jurisdiction. Additionally, we guide you through some of the cost-effective alternatives.
Choose your business structure
Depending on your company activity, you can choose between a sole proprietorship and an LLC. A sole proprietorship allows you to own 100% of the company, as well as Liability Company (LLC).
Obtaining approval for the trade name
Our team of professionals at Business Consultant can ensure the availability and registration of a company name. We will also suggest catchy alternatives if the company name you picked is not available.
Get your first license
We allocate a personal business setup consultant to guide you in the Dubai company formation process. We guarantee that you finish the licensing process swiftly and easily.
Obtaining a licence
If you want to process visas for yourself or your staff, your relationship manager will process the same by preparing your Establishment Card and labour file.
Opening a bank account for your company
We have a large network of banking specialists who can help you create a corporate bank account.
Establishment Card
Once this is obtained, the owner will be able to apply for visas.
Obtaining your visa
Our visa specialists will assist you with any visa-related questions you may have.
Advantages of Establishing a Business
One of the main prerequisites to start a business in the mainland is that the investor or the shareholder must be physically available in UAE for initial approval. Previously, only certain legal business forms permitted for majority foreign ownership, but a new Decree changed that. Foreigners can now hold a full ownership position beginning March 30, 2021, rather than the previous maximum ownership stake of 49%. This implies that foreigners are no longer required to recruit a local Emirati sponsor with a membership share of at least 51%, with the assistance of RMC professionals, Foreigners can now effortlessly own 100% Ownership of the company in UAE.
If you engage in commercial or trade operations, you are required to maintain your company registration as an LLC. Thus Branch firms will also no longer require a local agent, as they did previously. Please keep in mind that some vital industries important to the Emirati national interest are still excluded from these modifications.h
Mainland Business Set Up Jurisdictions
A mainland company establishment in Dubai is licenced by the Department of Economic Development(DED) in the UAE to conduct business both locally and internationally. The government body is in charge of the setup, monitoring, support, and functioning of economic growth. The Commercial Companies Law (CCL) controls the mainland in the UAE. In the UAE mainland, the most popular business types are a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a division of a foreign corporation. With Business Consultant at your side, you can breeze through the legal complexities required to start your own business in the mainland of Dubai.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
What are the advantages of business setup in mainland?
Mainland business setup has its own advantages. Some of the benefits include, trading access to other parts of UAE and GCC countries, easy to participate in government tenders, recruit employees without any restrictions and more.
What is the time required to start a company in the UAE mainland?
The time required to start a business in the UAE mainland depends on your business activity. For few business activities, it takes longer time for approval. In an ideal situation, it takes around 8 to 10 days to register your company in the mainland.
What is the common legal structure for mainland business setup?
LLC or Limited Liability Company is one of the common legal structures while setting up a company in the mainland. LLC provides flexibility for business expansion in the UAE.
Do you need a rented office space for Mainland Company?
Yes, you need a rented office space and tenancy contract while registering your company in the mainland. Before issuing the license, authorities review your tenancy contract.
How to start a business in Dubai?
Starting a business in Dubai is fairly easy if you have the right guidance to back you up at every stage of the process. From registering a trading name to obtaining the initial approval required to finding the perfect spot to set up your business, we at Business Consultant will assist you so that you can concentrate on the more important aspects of your business development.
Is Dubai a good place to start your business?
Dubai is one of the finest cities in the world to start and flourish your business. The entrepreneur-friendly rules and regulations make it pretty easy and straightforward to establish your business. However, it could still be a challenge for a foreigner to grasp the depth of the legal formalities. Our experts at Business Consultant are extremely competent in making the whole endeavor a walk in the park.
Which is the best business in Dubai?
There are 2000+ business activities to choose from to start a business in the UAE. Finding the right business suitable for your skill set will require a thorough understanding of the legal rights and wrongs being followed in the United Arab Emirates. At Business Consultant, we have a history of helping out clients from various business verticals. So speak to our experts today to understand the best opportunities available for you at the earliest.
Freezone Company Formation
UAE Free Trade Zones (FTZs) are specific economic zones where UAE mainland taxes, employment, and import-export limitations on business, as well as bureaucratic regulations, are not applicable. Corporate entities can have a physical presence in the UAE through Free Zones, which allow for 100% foreign ownership. This makes them a desirable location for international businesses. Setting up a business in one of UAE’s Free Trade Zones may be a highly appealing choice for international investors, but selecting the correct Free Zone for your firm takes extensive industry expertise. There are over 45 distinct Free Zones in the UAE. Based on your business requirement, we will propose the appropriate that best resonates with your company conditions, visa requirement, office needs, and of course investment budget. Always carefully evaluate all variables when finalizing the ideal spot to register your business in the UAE in order to facilitate the most ideal progress.
Freezone Company Setup License
Dubai Freezone business setup Licenses are issued according to the specific business activities. Certain new free zone regions are under construction and therefore the total number of Free Zone would rise in the coming years.
Trade License
A Trade license is granted to companies that are lawfully formed outside of the UAE and engage in imports and exports. Ownership can remain entirely foreign, and no permission from the Economic Department is necessary.
Industrial License
Industrial license is issued to companies that lawfully incorporate industrial production outside of UAE and located in the free trade zone. Foreign ownership is permitted as its whole, and no Economic Department License is necessary.
Service License
Companies in the UAE with a valid license from the relevant government entity can provide banking, contracting, and other services, but must adhere to any limitations imposed by the governing authority.
National Industrial License
A Trade license is granted to companies that are lawfully formed outside of the UAE and engage in imports and exports. Ownership can remain entirely foreign, and no permission from the Economic Department is necessary.
Freezone Business Setup Process
Determine The Legal Entity
Dubai has two types of freezone legal entities freezone limited liability Company or freezone Company, and freezone establishment. Here, the classification depends on the number of shareholders and whether the shareholder is a legal or natural person.
Choose A Trade Name
The trade name chosen has to be unique and in accordance with the guidelines set for the same by the UAE government. It should align with the nature of the business and should not contain terms that resemble the official name or abbreviation of the governing authority.
Apply for a Business License
Dubai has two types of freezone legal entities freezone limited liability Company or freezone Company, and freezone establishment. Here, the classification depends on the number of shareholders and whether the shareholder is a legal or natural person.
Choose Office Space
In free zones, you have to buy or lease an office space. The size of your office depends on the number of employees and the nature of your company's operation. Keep in mind future expansion plans when selecting the office space.
Register Your Business
The trade name chosen has to be unique and in accordance with the guidelines set for the same by the UAE government. It should align with the nature of the business and should not contain terms that resemble the official name or abbreviation of the governing authority.
Documents Required - Free zone Company setup In Dubai
Freezone Formation Documents Required
- Passport copy or copies if more than one shareholder
- 3 trade name suggestions
- Phone number
- Email address
- Proof Address in Home country or Residence country
- Residency Visa copy or tourist visa
- Picture with white background
Initial Approval
- Business plan
- Submit the copy of existing registration certificate or trade license
- Company’s shareholder/s and appointed manager’s passport copies
- Specimen signature of appointed manager and shareholders of the company
- Reference certificate from a personal bank of individual shareholder or if it’s a corporate entity, submit 2 years audited financial reports.
- NOC from current sponsor (for individuals)
- Unit title deed
- Letter of Intent
- Registry Identification Code Form (RIC) for Manager/Director (Original and notarized)
Documents for Freelancers
- Application for registration
- Resume
- Bank reference letter
- RIC or Registry Identification Code Form (Original and notarized)
For Business Registration
- Completed application for registration
- Board Resolution appointing Manager/Director (Notarized and attested)
- Notarized and attested power of attorney to the director or manager
- Notarized and attested MoA and AoA
- Specimen signature of Manager/Director (Notarized and attested)
- Manager/directors passport-size photo with a white background
- Share capital information
Licensing and visa process
- Authority will prepare the lease agreement.
- Then trade license will be issued.
- Visa processing will start.
Steps for Establishing a Free Zone Company in Dubai, UAE
Step
01
Select Business Activity and the respective license Type
The amount of activities that can be added to a single license varies per Free Zone. The main guideline for all Free Zones is that no commercial activity can be merged with service activities.
Step
02
Choose the Corporate Structure
The corporate structure can be one of the following: a Subsidiary Company (with a corporate shareholder(s)), a New Company with individual shareholder(s), a Joint Venture Company (a mix of the individual.
Step
03
Finalize a Trade Name that complies with the guidelines
List trade name choices in order of preference (3 recommended names are necessary). You have to follow the below given regulations, – The name should not be in conflict with the …. ness activity performed.
Step
04
Select the Preferred Freezone
Every Free Zone in the UAE has its own list of permitted business operations that may be carried out within the Free Zone; the sorts of available amenities and visa quotas may also differ from one.
Step
05
Initial Approval
Initial approval often comprises permission for the firm name, selected business activity, and intended company structure.
Step
06
Sign Company Incorporation Legal Documents
After receiving initial permission, a face-to-face meeting (or video call) with a Free Zone representative will be scheduled. It is sometimes possible to prevent it by giving your representative.
Step
07
Establish Business Location
To proceed to the final level of licensing, you must identify a commercial property for your firm within the selected Free Zone. When you’ve chosen an acceptable choice, you’ll need to sign.
Step
08
Business License
All permissions and payments are made when the registration paperwork is signed. The license, together with other company paperwork, will be granted.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Is it possible to start a free zone company with 100% ownership?
Free Zone companies in Dubai can be established and operated with 100% ownership without the need for a local sponsor or a local service agent. Based on the business activity, different free zones can be selected.
What is the customs duty applied to free zone Company in Dubai?
Free zone companies are allowed to import products from a foreign country without paying the custom charges. Customs duty would only be paid when goods leave the free zone (imported into the UAE). A deposit equal to the entire amount of the customs duty is required, which is repaid upon re-export.
Should I be a UAE resident to own a free zone company?
The best part of starting a company in the Free Zone is the complete ownership of the same. The goal of these zones is to attract international investment and boost economic activity in the city. The first emirate in the UAE to use the free zone model was Dubai.
What are the different types of freezone companies?
Freezone allows two different company types,
- Free zone establishment (FZE)
- Free Zone Company (FZC) or Free zone limited Liability Company (FZLLC)
Why should we choose Free zone business setup in Dubai?
- 100 % foreign ownership of the enterprise and repatriation of capital and profits
- No corporate or personal income taxes
- State of the art infrastructure
- No restrictions on hiring expatriates
- No trade barriers or quotas
- Can be liquidated anytime
Offshore Business setup in UAE
UAE supports offshore companies on its territory. The offshore company setup process is governed by the JAFZA offshore companies regulations 2003. These enterprises differ from the companies registered in the UAE free zones. Offshore company conducts its operation outside the location of origin or registration. Business consultant is a leading offshore company setup provider in Dubai and UAE. We’re licensed and regulated by the governing authorities. With decades of expertise in setting up offshore companies, we understand your requirement and provide the best solution.
Documents Required for
Offshore Company Setup
While comparing free zone and mainland company setup, offshore business setup requires very less paperwork in the UAE. However, if you submit any fraud or incorrect documents, you get banned from the company setup process. With expert business setup consultants, we validate the documents with great attention to detail.
Documents required to setup offshore company in Dubai,
Application in the appropriate format
Address verification
Bank documents confirming the information, as well as a bank reference letter
Copies of the owner’s and shareholders’ passports
A copy of the designated manager’s passport
Memorandum of Association Notarized (MOA)
Business strategy
Resume including the owner’s professional information
Documents Required for Offshore company setup
While comparing free zone and mainland company setup, offshore business setup requires very less paperwork in the UAE. However, if you submit any fraud or incorrect documents, you get banned from the company setup process. With expert business setup consultants, we validate the documents with great attention to detail.
Documents required to setup offshore company in Dubai,
- Application in the appropriate format
- Address verification
- Bank documents confirming the information, as well as a bank reference letter
- Copies of the owner's and shareholders' passports
- A copy of the designated manager's passport
- Memorandum of Association Notarized (MOA)
- Business strategy
- Resume including the owner's professional information
Steps to setup an Offshore Compay
UAE provides two main offshore jurisdictions including RAK or Ras Al Khaimah and JAFZA or Jebel Ali free zone. Both the jurisdictions are free from paying various taxes. Here, you don’t have to pay corporate or income tax. Additionally, you get 100% ownership of the company. Almost 114 countries have accepted the Double tax treaty with UAE. The offshore businesses are allowed to create multi-currency accounts and operate worldwide commerce. However, they should do business with a resident of UAE or have their physical presence in the country.
Both RAK and JAFZA have their own advantages. RAK is a less expensive option to start your business but JAFZA allows you to legally acquire a property in Dubai.
Steps to start your offshore business,
Find the right jurisdiction based on your business needs
Select the best professional CSP or corporate service provider agent
Plan a structure based on the business activity
Submit all the necessary documents
Open a bank account in the name of your offshore business
Get your certificate of incorporation
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Why should you choose offshore business setup?
- Simple registration process with low start-up expense
- Complete ownership with operational flexibility
- Double taxation avoidance agreement benefits
- No minimum share capital required
- Entry to worldwide market
- Business-friendly and reliable judicial system
- Enhanced access to worldwide financial system
- Extreme privacy and confidentiality for investors
Do you need a rented office space for offshore company?
Offshore companies are not allowed to have an authorized physical office. However, to receive mail and secretarial services, you need a registered address and we can help you with it.
What is the time to setup an offshore company in Dubai?
If you follow proper registration formalities, the process can be finished within 5 working days in RAK offshore. On the other hand, it approximately takes around 4 weeks to register your offshore business in JAFZA.
Do we need a bank account for offshore company setup?
Yes, we need a bank account to start any transactions in your offshore company. We help you open a bank account within a very short time.
Will I get a resident visa, being owner of a offshore company?
Unlike business establishments in free zone and mainland, Offshore company owners cannot own a resident visa permit in the UAE.
