Company Registration in the United Arab Emirates
Registration of a company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular procedure for entrepreneurs from all over the world who seek to develop a business in one of the most stable and economically attractive regions in the world. The UAE offers a favorable tax policy, developed infrastructure and access to international markets, which makes the country attractive for startups and large corporations.
However, the process of registering a company in the UAE may have its own characteristics depending on the chosen zone for doing business (free economic zone or national territory), the type of activity and requirements for foreign capital. Legal support at this stage is important to ensure the correctness of all documents and compliance with local laws.
Types of business structures for registering a company in the UAE

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:: UAE also offers the option of registering offshore companies for international asset management and tax purposes.

Local Companies: For a business that plans to trade in the local market, registering a local company may be preferable.
Legal Stages of Opening a Company in the UAE
The process is complex and multi-stage and requires compliance with precise requirements and procedures:
- 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: 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.
It is important to follow each step, take into account the requirements for documents, licenses, taxes and other legal aspects in order to successfully register a company in the UAE.
Under what conditions can the service of opening a company in the UAE be provided?
Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand the conditions under which this service is provided:
- 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.
- Financial terms: The client should be prepared to pay for company registration services, which may include government fees, registration fees, and agency or law firm fees.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Knowing these conditions will help avoid delays and ensure success in implementing a business plan in the UAE.
Under what conditions can the service of registering a company in the UAE not be provided?
Although the process is quite transparent, there are certain conditions under which the service may be denied:
- 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.
To avoid possible problems during the registration process, it is important to be prepared for the fact that some conditions may complicate or make registration impossible.
How to register a company in the United Arab Emirates yourself?
Understanding the process on your own can be difficult, but it is quite possible with proper preparation:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Thorough research and preparation for registering a company in the UAE will allow you to go through all the stages yourself, saving money and time. However, if difficulties arise at any stage, you can always seek help from specialists.
Frequently asked questions about opening a company in the United Arab Emirates?
Question
Company registration in UAE - cost?
Answer
The cost of company registration in the UAE can vary depending on several factors, including the type of company, the chosen jurisdiction or freezone, and the services included. However, in general, you should consider the following costs when registering a company in the UAE: Registration fees and government fees: These are mandatory fees that you need to pay to register a company in the UAE. The amount of these fees may depend on the type of company and jurisdiction chosen. Agency or Law Firm Fees: If you use the services of a company registration agency or law firm, you will have to pay their fees for providing incorporation services. Additional services: If you choose additional services such as assistance in opening a bank account, obtaining a business licence, renting office space and others, the cost of incorporation may increase. Administrative costs: These may include document translation, notarisation, courier services and other administrative costs associated with the incorporation process. The total cost of incorporating a company in the UAE can start from a few thousand US dollars and go up to significant amounts, depending on all of the above factors and your business requirements. To get a specific company registration cost for your case, it is advisable to contact several company registration agencies in UAE to get quotations and service cost estimates.
Question
Offshore company registration in UAE, how long will it take?
Answer
Registering a company offshore UAE can usually take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on several factors: Document preparation: The time it takes to prepare all the necessary documents such as incorporation documents, directors' and shareholders' passports depends on your preparation and the speed of obtaining the required documents. Application processing: Once the application for offshore company registration is submitted to the relevant UAE authorities, it is processed and reviewed. This process usually takes from a few days to a week. Receipt of documents: Once the company is successfully incorporated, you will be provided with the relevant incorporation documents such as the company registration certificate and incorporation documents. This may take a few more days. Additional services: If you order additional services, such as opening a bank account or obtaining a licence, this can also increase the overall registration time. Time for audits and inspections: Depending on the requirements of the jurisdiction or bank, your documents and company may be subject to additional checks and audits, which can take additional time.
Question
Company in UAE price to register a cheque?
Answer
The price to register a company in the UAE can vary depending on the type of company and jurisdiction of incorporation, as well as the services you choose. However, registering a 'cheque' (short for Commercial Company, a general trading company) in the UAE usually includes the following costs: Registration fees and government fees: These are mandatory fees that must be paid when registering a company. The amount of these fees may vary depending on the type of company and jurisdiction chosen. Agency or law firm fees: If you use the services of a company registration agency or law firm, you will have to pay their fees for providing the incorporation services. Additional services: If you choose additional services such as assistance in opening a bank account, obtaining a business licence, office rental services and others, the cost of incorporation may increase. Administrative costs: These may include document translation, notarisation, courier services and other administrative costs associated with the registration process. Licence and certificate fees: Depending on the requirements of the jurisdiction, cheque registration may require payment of licence and certificate fees.
What determines the cost of the service of registering a company in the UAE?
The price may depend on several factors. First of all, this is the choice of company type and jurisdiction - whether it will be a company in a free economic zone (FEZ) or a national company that must have a local partner. The second important aspect is the scope of business activity, as certain licenses may require additional costs. In addition, the cost may vary depending on the need to engage additional services, such as opening bank accounts, preparing corporate documents or hiring local directors. The time period required to complete registration can also affect the cost of the service.
ConclusionThe process of registering a company in the UAE is complex and multi-stage, but with proper preparation and knowledge of the necessary procedures, it becomes quite feasible. It is important to be aware of the requirements, terms of service and possible obstacles on the way to registration. Careful study and organization of all stages will minimize risks and ensure success in opening a business in the UAE.