Company Formation Services

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global business haven, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations seeking lucrative opportunities in the Middle East. For those starting a business in UAE or establishing a new company in Dubai, navigating the legal intricacies of company formation can be a daunting task. Philip Jones Legal, with its combined expertise, eases and speeds up the processes of company registration in the UAE. Our services are designed to streamline the complexities involved in setting up your business, ensuring a smooth transition for new ventures in this dynamic region. 

The UAE’s strategic location, state-of-the-art infrastructure, tax advantages, and business-friendly environment make it an appealing destination for setting up companies. Business setup in UAE, particularly in the free zones like Dubai freezone business setup, is simple and straightforward. However, the options are many, and you should know them right to make the right decisions. We can help you with the legal considerations and key steps involved in company formation in the UAE. But before we look into the services, here’s a quick look at the economic zones and legal structures you can adopt.

Legal Structures: Mainland and Free Zone Companies

The UAE offers distinct legal structures for the formation of mainland companies and free zone companies in various economic zones, each catering to different business needs and goals.

Mainland Companies

Mainland companies, also known as onshore companies, enable businesses to operate across the entire UAE market as well as internationally. However, mainland companies must comply with UAE commercial laws and regulations. The most common legal structures for mainland companies include Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Civil Companies.

Previously LLCs required at least one UAE national (sponsor) holding a minimum of 51% ownership in the company. However, by a recent amendment in the Commercial Companies Law, expatriates can now own 100 percent of the business in certain activities, a significant change for those considering starting a business in UAE.

Free Zone Companies:

Free zone company formation offers unique incentives like full foreign ownership, customs privileges, and exemptions from import and export duties. Dubai freezone company formation and business setup in other UAE free zones like DMCC or JAFZA offer 100% repatriation of profits and capital, drawing significant interest from those opening a company in Dubai.

Essential Steps and Documentation

Irrespective of the chosen legal structure, there are crucial steps and documentation required for successful company registration in UAE.

1. Choose the Business Activity: This foundational step in starting a business in Dubai or other UAE regions determines the type of license required and the regulatory framework that will apply.

2. Select a Trade Name: This step is regulated in the UAE. The name should be relevant to the business activity, culturally appropriate, and available for registration. It’s also vital to consider registering a trademark to protect your brand identity, especially when undertaking Dubai free zone license procedures or new company registration in Dubai. This comprehensive approach ensures that your journey in starting a business in UAE or specifically in free zone company formation is well-informed and strategically planned.

3. Determine the Share Capital: While free zones, such as those involved in Dubai freezone business setup, often have no mandatory minimum share capital, mainland companies in various emirates might have specific capital requirements depending on the business activity. This is an essential consideration in business setup in Dubai freezone and mainland company formation.

4. Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA): Our service ensures that the MOA for your new company in Dubai or free zone company formation is not just legally compliant but strategically aligned with your business goals. We meticulously define the scope of business activities and shareholder rights and liabilities.

5. Choose the Location and Premises: For mainland companies, choosing a suitable location is crucial, impacting accessibility to the UAE market and local regulations. This step is integral in starting a business in UAE and opening a company in Dubai.

6. Obtain Approvals and Licenses: We streamline the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and licenses, a critical step in business setup in UAE. This includes navigating the requirements for a Dubai free zone license or mainland business license, ensuring full compliance and readiness for operation.

7. Manage the Visa and Immigration Procedures: Handling visas for employees and directors is a vital part of company registration in UAE. We ensure adherence to UAE immigration rules in both free zone company formation and mainland setups.

8. Open Bank Accounts: Establishing a local bank account is essential, with requirements varying based on the legal structure and location, whether it’s a start business in UAE initiative or a more established setup.

Compliance and Regulations

1. Ownership Restrictions: Mainland companies need to navigate UAE’s ownership requirements carefully. This includes understanding the potential for 100% foreign ownership in certain activities, a crucial aspect of how to start a business in Dubai.

2. Employment Laws: Complying with UAE labor laws is vital when hiring employees for your new company in Dubai.

3. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Registering trademarks and copyrights is essential for protecting IP rights in the UAE, particularly for those in the process of Dubai freezone company formation.

4. Tax Regulations: Understanding the UAE’s tax regime is key for strategic financial planning, especially for businesses in Dubai freezones.

5. Adapting to Regulatory Changes: Staying updated with evolving business laws is critical for ongoing compliance in the dynamic environment of starting a business in UAE.