Navigating Dubai’s company Landscape: A Guide for Indian Entrepreneurs

A company formation: what is it?

The legal process of establishing a new company or corporate organisation is known as company formation. It comprises creating the organization’s structure, registering the company with the appropriate government offices, and fulfilling any legal requirements.

This procedure includes selecting a company name, outlining the objectives of the organisation, outlining the ownership structure, and regularly filing important documents such as articles of incorporation.

For example, suppose you and a friend want to start a small tech company called “TechSavvy Innovations.” One stage in the process of creating a company is selecting a suitable company form, such as a corporation or limited liability company (LLC).

After that, you would choose a unique name, outline the distribution of ownership and profits, register the company with the relevant government office, and complete any paperwork that would be required.

Types of company Licenses in the UAE for the Formation of Companies

The United Arab Emirates grants a variety of company licenses that let you do certain economic operations. The four main categories are commercial, industrial, tourist, and professional.

• A professional licence is necessary for persons who provide their specific talents, such as doctors, artists, or artisans.
• The commercial licence is intended for companies who wish to make money via commerce and the buying and selling of items.
• The industrial licence is available to companies that make goods, such as manufacturers and factories.
• Lastly, the tourism licence covers everything in the hotel and tourism industry.

The type of licence you need depends on how your company operates. Thus, it is like dressing appropriately for the occasion, but for your company!

United Arab Emirates’ Jurisdiction-Based Company Types and Formations

Companies can be established in the United Arab Emirates on the mainland, in the free zone, or offshore.

You must get the necessary permissions from the local authorities. It is the Department of Economic Development for the local emirate on the mainland.

In Free Zones, it is the local Free Zone Authority. The Offshore Authority is also responsible for issuing licenses to offshore companies. Consequently, depending on where you want to open your company, you will collaborate with the appropriate authorities to secure the required legal permits.

The Mainland Company

The Department of Economic Development (DED) of the specific emirate in which the firm plans to operate must formally authorise the establishment of a mainland company in the United Arab Emirates, which is regarded as an onshore company. The great thing about mainland enterprises is that they can do business anywhere in the United Arab Emirates and anywhere in the world without any restrictions.

Knowing what “Mainland” means to DED will assist you as an entrepreneur decide if this is the right move.

companies on the mainland can apply for a variety of permits, such as:

• A professional licence
• Licence for commerce
• licence for industry
• Licence for tourism

It is nice that foreigners may hold every stake in these companies. A recent decree brought about this change.

The Freezone Company

Setting up shop in one of the Free Trade Zones (FTZs) of the United Arab Emirates might be a smart move for foreign investors.

Over 20 of the United Arab Emirates’ 35 FTZs are located in Dubai. One of the main advantages of starting a company in a free zone is that you are not required to have stock owned by UAE nationals. You have complete control over your company as a foreigner.

1. There are no export or import taxes.
2. You keep all of your gains.
3. No inconvenient currency controls are present.
4. You are given a 15-year exemption from corporation taxes, which can be extended for another 15 years.
5. No personal income tax.

The issue is that companies that operate in free zones are frequently only allowed to carry out the activities that are approved by their permits. You also have to rent office space in the Free Zone, which might be a small room for a few employees or a larger, dedicated facility.

The Free Zone in which you are registered also allows you to get UAE resident permits for yourself, your employees, and the shareholders of your company.

An offshore company

Creating an offshore firm in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most often used strategies for doing business in the Middle East. Three offshore options are available in Dubai from the United Arab Emirates: Jebel Ali Offshore Company, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman.

All of these options offer similar services, but they each focus on distinct strategic objectives for offshore company development. The Jebel Ali Offshore firm is recognised as an International company Crown as it is the only offshore firm permitted to acquire real estate in Dubai and do business within the JAFZA Free Zone.

Conversely, RAK Offshore and RAK International Company (RAKICC) are global commercial entities. They provide a dependable and flexible alternative for foreign investors who want to establish an offshore company in the United Arab Emirates without physically being there. Notably, RAKICC is allowed to own freehold property in Dubai.

The establishment of companies in the United Arab Emirates

All the requirements in the UAE are very similar to those in international commerce, albeit we need to talk about the specifics in the LLC, civil, and branch office domains.

As you can see, we will discuss the five branch offices later in this section.

Let us examine the basics of each company formation type before moving on to the explanations of the three company structures I mentioned before.

1. Sole Proprietorship: In the United Arab Emirates, a sole proprietorship is a simple company structure in which one person owns and runs the whole company. The proprietor is solely responsible for the company’s operations, profits, and obligations, just like in a one-person organisation. Even though it is a simple way to start a company, your assets might be at jeopardy if the firm experiences financial issues.
2. Civil Company: In the United Arab Emirates, a civil company is a specific type of partnership. It is primarily intended for professionals that wish to collaborate and provide their skills jointly, such as consultants, engineers, or attorneys. Professional standards are upheld by this system, which complies with laws unique to various fields.
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC): In the United Arab Emirates, an LLC is a flexible option for companies. It is similar to having the best of both worlds. On the one hand, it enables several owners to participate in the management and earnings of the company. Conversely, it offers a crucial advantage: reducing your responsibility. This implies that your assets are protected against any potential financial problems the company may encounter.
4. Partnership: In the UAE, a partnership is when two or more individuals or groups get together to run a company. They split up the responsibilities, profits, and losses. This cooperative approach could be ideal for companies where collaboration is crucial. Depending on the type of connection you choose, the specific rules may change.
5. Private ShareHolding Company: In this structure, a small group of people or organisations may own firm shares. It is widely used when you want to maintain a high level of control over who may invest in your company and keep it extremely exclusive.
6. Public Share Holding Corporation: A public shareholding corporation is a powerful player in the company sector. A stock market lists the publicly traded company’s shares. This suggests that anybody can buy and sell the company’s shares. It is a significant action that often necessitates more regulatory requirements and public reporting.
7. Foreign Company Branch/Representative Office: International companies may establish branches or representative offices in the United Arab Emirates for a number of purposes, including market research and client communication. They are frequently unable to carry out direct company operations from these locations, but they are able to search for company opportunities in the UAE market.
8. GCC Company Branch: Companies from other GCC countries are allowed to establish branches in the UAE. This enables the GCC to develop smoothly. It is an option for companyes who want to export their products or services.
9. Branch of Free Zone Company: Free zone companies can reach a wider audience outside of their free zone boundaries by establishing branches in the broader UAE market. This gives the ability to employ the benefits and regulations of the free zone while still having access to other marketplaces.
10. Dubai-Based companies: By establishing branches in other UAE emirates, companies with their headquarters located in Dubai may expand their market share. It is a strategic move to grow and serve a wider customer base while keeping ties with Dubai strong.
11. UAE-Based Company Branch: To grow and diversify their activities, companies with their headquarters in one UAE emirate may open branches in other emirates. It is a way to grow inside the United Arab Emirates’ local market while maintaining the same legal structure.

What are the different types of branch company structures?

A branch office operates in the United Arab Emirates in the name of the parent firm and enjoys the same legal standing as the main office. However, the parent company’s products cannot be imported since local trade agents handle it. Occasionally, the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates may need additional permissions for branches of foreign companies.

A representative office, on the other hand, is subject to further limitations. Its main goal is to promote the parent company’s activities by gathering information and asking for orders or projects that the parent company may oversee.

A UAE national must be designated as a “service agent” by both branch and representative offices in accordance with the legal system.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many options and opportunities when establishing a company in the United Arab Emirates. Because there are so many different company types and company structures available, entrepreneurs may tailor their endeavours to suit their own goals and preferences.

With its mainland, free zone, and offshore options, the United Arab Emirates has established a reputation as a desirable destination for both domestic and international investors.

The UAE’s dynamic company climate reflects its commitment to welcoming companies and fostering international trade. With contemporary laws and a vibrant economy, this country has a bright future for company owners looking to launch and grow their enterprises.

Regardless of the type of company you run, maintaining it requires sound financial management.