Company registration in the UAE

Company registration in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Company registration in the UAE can be quite varied depending on the type of company, place of incorporation and other factors. The UAE provides different types of business structures for foreign investors such as:

• Free Zones (Free Zones): The UAE is known for its freezones where foreign companies can register their business with certain incentives and benefits such as no income taxes, full ownership and independence from Emirati partners.
• Offshore company registration in UAE: UAE also offers the option of registering offshore companies for international asset management and tax purposes.
• Local Companies (Local Companies): For a business that plans to trade in the local market, registering a local company may be preferable.

Company registration in the UAE usually requires the following:

1. Choosing the right type of company and where to incorporate it.
2. Preparing the necessary documents such as articles of incorporation, directors' passports, contracts and so on.
3. Payment of necessary state fees and registration fees.
4. Finding and renting office space (depending on requirements).
5. Obtaining a business licence (depending on the type of business).

It is advisable to contact legal advisors or agents on how to incorporate a company in the UAE for more information and assistance with the incorporation process. The final requirements may vary depending on the type of company chosen and the place of incorporation.

Legal steps

The legal stages of company registration in the UAE can vary depending on the type of company chosen and the place of incorporation. Here are the common steps that are often included in the process:

• Document Preparation: This step involves collecting and preparing all the necessary documents to register a company. This usually includes incorporation documents, passports of directors and shareholders, contracts and so on.
• Selecting the type of company and place of incorporation: Determining the type of company (e.g. freezone company, local company, offshore company) and selecting the appropriate jurisdiction for incorporation.
• Filing: Filing an application for company registration with the relevant UAE authorities, such as the Chamber of Commerce or the freezone registration authorities.
• Obtaining a business licence: Depending on the type of business the company is engaged in, it may be necessary to obtain the relevant business licence.
• Registration of the company in UAE: After reviewing the application and verifying all documents, the company is registered in the official registry. Opening a bank account: After company registration, opening a bank account with a bank in UAE is often required.
• Tax Registration: In some cases, it may be necessary to register the company with the UAE tax authorities for the payment of taxes. Office Space Rental: Some types of companies require office space rental as per the requirements of the registration authorities.
• Obtaining visas for employees and owners: If the company plans to employ foreign employees, visas for them may be required.
• Compliance with rules and regulations: It is important to ensure that you comply with all laws and regulations during the registration process and in continuing to do business in the UAE.

Under what conditions can the service be provided?

Services regarding business registration in UAE can be provided under various conditions, which usually include:

1. Preparation of required documents: The client must provide all the necessary documents and information to register the company. This may include incorporation documents, passports of directors and shareholders, and other documents specific to the chosen company type and jurisdiction.
2. Financial terms on the legal issue of registering a company in the UAE: The client should be prepared to pay for company registration services, which may include government fees, registration fees, and agency or law firm fees.
3. Selection of the type of company and place of incorporation: The client should decide on the type of company and place of incorporation in the UAE, depending on their business objectives and requirements.
4. Legal Compliance: The client should be prepared to comply with all UAE laws and regulations during the incorporation process and in the future conduct of the business.
5. Interaction with an agency or law firm: The client may choose a company registration agency or law firm to provide incorporation services. In this case, it is important to maintain open communication and co-operation with the chosen partner.
6. Personal presence (depending on requirements): In some cases, the personal presence of the client or his representative may be required for signing documents or other procedures.

Under what conditions can the service not be provided?

It may not be possible or difficult to register a firm in the UAE in the following cases:

• Insufficient preparation of documents: If the client fails to provide all the required documents or information for company registration, it may result in difficulty or impossibility in providing the service.
• Failure to comply with legal requirements: If the business activity that the client plans to undertake does not comply with UAE legal requirements, the company registration agency or law firm may refuse to provide the service of company registration in UAE to open a company.
• Financial Restrictions: If the client is not prepared to pay all necessary government fees, registration fees and agency or law firm fees, the company registration service may not be possible.
• Non-compliance with the requirements of the selected type of company or place of incorporation: If the selected type of company or place of incorporation does not meet the client's business objectives or has restrictions that are not satisfactory to the client, the service may be impeded.
• Unacceptable actions of the client or his representatives: If the client or his representatives violate the rules or principles of lawful and ethical behaviour in the process of company registration, this may also lead to the refusal of the service.
• Unacceptable political or economic situation: In some cases, the company registration service may be hampered due to unacceptable political or economic situation in the UAE or in the client's country.

 How to sort it out on your own?"

Figuring out the UAE company registration process on your own is possible, but will require some time, research and familiarisation with the relevant rules and procedures. Here are a few steps that can help you understand the process on your own:

1.  Research company types and incorporation locations:Do your research on the different types of companies available for incorporation in the UAE, as well as Freeport Zones and localised companies. Understanding your needs and objectives will help you choose the most appropriate company type and place of incorporation.
2. Familiarise yourself with the requirements and procedures for incorporation: Learn the requirements and procedures for incorporating a company in your chosen UAE jurisdiction. This includes required documents, licensing conditions, application procedures, etc.
3. Gather the required documents: Determine what documents are required to register your chosen type of company and start preparing them. This usually includes incorporation documents, passports for directors and shareholders, business plan, etc.
4. Research the tax and legal aspects: Understanding the tax and legal aspects of registering a company in the UAE will help you avoid unforeseen problems. Explore tax rates, accounting and reporting requirements, and other legal obligations.
5. Contact the registration and licensing authorities: Once you have prepared all the necessary documents, contact the registration and licensing authorities in your chosen UAE jurisdiction for more information and instructions on how to apply and how to register a company in UAE prices without intermediaries.
6. Follow the process: Follow the registration process, make sure all documents and payments are sent on time, and respond to any queries or requirements from the registration authorities in a timely manner.
7. Seek professional help if necessary: If you have difficulties or questions during the process of proceeding on your own, do not hesitate to contact legal advisors or company registration agents in the UAE for help and advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the cost of services depend on?

The cost of services may vary depending on the type of company chosen (e.g. freezone, local company, offshore company) and its structure (e.g. number of directors, shareholders, etc.). The cost of services may also vary depending on the chosen jurisdiction or freezone for company registration in the UAE. Some zones may offer more favourable conditions and benefits, but this may affect the cost of services. Some company registration agencies offer additional services such as assistance in opening bank accounts, obtaining licences, renting office space, etc. The cost of such additional services may be included in the total cost or calculated separately.