A Comprehensive Guide for Company Registration in Dubai, UAE

The UAE is one of the most powerful countries in the world to start a business. But it’s not as easy as you think. You have to work a lot for company registration in Dubai. To start your business in the UAE, you require appropriate documents, government approval, and much more. To make the business setup process easier, we are sharing a guide that will assist you in your company formation in Dubai.

A Comprehensive Guide for Company Registration in Dubai

You require a “Trade License” for your company registration in Dubai. It gives you the right to start any kind of business in the UAE. The approval of trade licenses depends on the particular category of the business. And the business owner has to take the permissions from relevant agencies, organizations and government bodies, which vary.

To start your business in the UAE, you require these three licenses as per the business structure you choose.

1. Commercial Licence
   If the company is involved in any kind of trading activity, a commercial license is required.
2. Industrial Licence
   If the company is involved in any kind of industrial activity or manufacturing process, it will require an industrial license.
3. Professional Licence
   A professional license is mandatory for a person who is a professional artisan or any individual who specifically practices any profession.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the responsible government organization for issuing local Dubai company licenses. This department operates from various locations. To get the information and license for a comprehensive range of all services, the license seeker must visit the main office, which is located near the clock tower in Dubai.

Here is some information about which authority you connect to for your business setup in Dubai.

• The licenses issued for banks and other financial institutions must have the approval of the UAE Central Bank.
• For banks and other financial institutions, you can choose the institution that can provide complete information as per your needs.
• If you want to open a manufacturing company, you must have to take approval from the Finance and Industry Ministry.
• If the firm is engaged in insurance and other relevant fields, then they have to take approval from the Economy and Commerce Ministry.
• The approval of the Health Ministry is the most important one if you are planning to issue a license for medical and pharmaceutical products.
• In the process of company registration, the involvement of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is also important.
• If you want to start a business in the UAE and you want to pursue a valid business license, you have to acquire a UAE national who holds no less than 51% shareholding, except for holding a professional license.

Here are some things you must know for Company Registration in Dubai, UAE:

1. Choose any of the free zones of Dubai for the company registration.
2. The owner must acquire 100% local ownership.
   The company must have a partnership with another company that is owned by UAE nationals and the company is completely owned by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
3. For different types of activities, 100% ownership for GCC nationals or entities is permitted.
4. The registration of a representative or a branch office in the UAE is the most required thing in the case of a foreign entity.
5. If you want to acquire a foreign license, the foreign ownership can be 100%, but still, you have to take the local national into consideration as a ‘service agent.’

There are Seven Legal Structures of Business Organizations Defined by the Federal Law for Company Registration in the UAE

1. General Partnership
2. Partnership in commendam
3. Public Shareholding
4. Private Shareholding
5. Joint Venture
6. Share Partnership
7. Limited Liability

A Complete Procedure To Register a Company in Dubai, UAE

1. For your business setup in Dubai, you have to find out your primary local business partner.
2. Your local partner will be responsible for various roles that you will assign him or her. If you choose a reliable local business partner for your company formation, then he/she can save you from various potential problems.
3. Share the details of your business name and services and take the approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED). You have to fill out the standard application form for this and submit it to at DED.
4. Submit a Memorandum of Association (MOA) to DED that will specify the arrangement and ownership among all partners.
5. Visit DED and submit the license application as well as the MOA. Also, submit a tenancy contract along with all the legal documents. Once you complete this step, you will have to pay the necessary charges and the fees to acquire the license.

The company registration process in the UAE is a tough task. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a business setup consultant by your side. They can complete the work on time and with all the required documents.

Make My Firm, the most trusted and reliable business setup consultant in Dubai. We offer professional company registration services in the UAE from start to finish. We have a team of professional business consultants who can complete the process without any hassle. Call us on +971526739777 or email us your requirement at infommf@makemyfirm.ae.