Company incorporation in the UAE
A practical solution to enter UAE markets, operate globally, and a mechanism for effective international tax planning
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A company in the UAE is a highly profitable tool that allows you to solve a variety of business problems. Registering a local, Free Zone or offshore company, and forming international holdings and trust structures, opens the way to a tax-free business, universal cash departments, UAE tax resident (domicile) status and access to international tax planning advantages. SORP Group offers the vital expertise and support you need to establish and grow your business in the United Arab Emirates, from initial licensing to the day-to-day operations.
Types of legal entities in the UAE
There are three main types of companies. The legislation gives each of them different opportunities for business development and determines the geographic extent of their market activities:
Local company (Mainland)
Unlimited business opportunities in any field of activity both in the UAE and abroad
For a LLC, a local partner (the UAE national) must hold 51% of the company (possibly on a nominee basis with registration of a waiver of ownership rights in Dubai court).
A company with professional activity (SE or CC) signs a contract with a local agent. The local agent is not one of the founders.
Can manufacture and trade freely both in the domestic market and internationally.
Visa procedures for shareholders and employees are simplified. Enjoys tax resident (domicile) status and support of UAE banks.
Find out more A company with professional activity (SE or CC) signs a contract with a local agent. The local agent is not one of the founders.
Can manufacture and trade freely both in the domestic market and internationally.
Visa procedures for shareholders and employees are simplified. Enjoys tax resident (domicile) status and support of UAE banks.
Company in Free Economic Zones
Onshore legal entity that is authorized to operate in any international markets
100% foreign ownership allowed and intended for all international operations, with some restrictions on permitted activities in the UAE domestic market.
Free international trade, export and re-export. Wholesale trade possible in the UAE through intermediaries and distributors.
No restrictions on operations and services in the territory of the FZ and in international markets.
Resident visas are granted for shareholders and employees. Needs to confirm financial presence (economic substance).
Find out more Free international trade, export and re-export. Wholesale trade possible in the UAE through intermediaries and distributors.
No restrictions on operations and services in the territory of the FZ and in international markets.
Resident visas are granted for shareholders and employees. Needs to confirm financial presence (economic substance).
International business company (IBC)
Offshore company for formation of business entities and structures with protection of owner information
An efficient and cost-effective tool for conducting business as well as international transactions. Provides confidentiality about beneficiary and company structure.
The ability to act as a shareholder and controller of companies and entities within the UAE or in other countries.
Ownership of real estate allowed only for permitted projects in the Emirate of incorporation.
Does not have the right to issue resident visas. Difficult to open UAE bank accounts. Restrictions related to offshore status.
Find out more The ability to act as a shareholder and controller of companies and entities within the UAE or in other countries.
Ownership of real estate allowed only for permitted projects in the Emirate of incorporation.
Does not have the right to issue resident visas. Difficult to open UAE bank accounts. Restrictions related to offshore status.
Unique opportunities of company incorporation in the UAE
Potential solutions based on UAE legislation to improve the efficiency of business dealings and regulations:
Set up a holding company
Manage international businesses from the UAE. Consolidate assets
Allows you to create an optimal central mechanism to effectively organize the activities of other enterprises or dependent entities.
Conceal the information about the business owners.
Combine different enterprises and areas of activity in a common management structure.
Form ownership of shares, register real estate, as well as other assets. Freedom of movement of capital.
Consolidate business and assets to improve financial performance in the overall balance sheet structure.
Find out more Conceal the information about the business owners.
Combine different enterprises and areas of activity in a common management structure.
Form ownership of shares, register real estate, as well as other assets. Freedom of movement of capital.
Consolidate business and assets to improve financial performance in the overall balance sheet structure.
Form an Arab Trust
Owner has complete data privacy and asset protection
It provides complete anonymity for asset owners, signatories and management decision-makers so they can maintain confidentiality.
Dividends from the trust's activities in the UAE are tax-free.
Property registered in a trust cannot be seized by third parties, not even foreign governmental agencies.
Re-registration of real estate into a trust provides the right of ownership without the need for Declaration.
Inheritance: Trust owners determine the disposition of property and their assets.
Find out more Dividends from the trust's activities in the UAE are tax-free.
Property registered in a trust cannot be seized by third parties, not even foreign governmental agencies.
Re-registration of real estate into a trust provides the right of ownership without the need for Declaration.
Inheritance: Trust owners determine the disposition of property and their assets.
Buy an existing company
Re-establishing companies with a genuine trading history
Allows you to obtain tax resident status of the UAE quickly with the opportunity to protect your data from automatic tax exchange.
A solution for requirements where the company's age is important.
Get leasing and lending products from UAE banks and financial institutions.
Gives rights to act as a guarantor as well as participate in local and international tenders.
Generate a valid financial history confirmed by the auditor for the previous reporting periods.
Find out more A solution for requirements where the company's age is important.
Get leasing and lending products from UAE banks and financial institutions.
Gives rights to act as a guarantor as well as participate in local and international tenders.
Generate a valid financial history confirmed by the auditor for the previous reporting periods.
Essential services for your business in the UAE
When registering a company in the UAE, you will need a range of support and professional services for your business
Office accommodation in the SORP business center
Offices and flexi-desks to rent, which include registering and licensing a company in the UAE
Prestigious address in Dubai. Comfortable fully equipped offices and meeting rooms, also with virtual solutions.
Save on rent by occupying minimal space while also obtaining a license for your company and passing the banking and immigration checks.
Offset the cost of office rent by registering a mainland company on a sustainability contract (Estidama) with the possibility of renewal
Find out more Save on rent by occupying minimal space while also obtaining a license for your company and passing the banking and immigration checks.
Offset the cost of office rent by registering a mainland company on a sustainability contract (Estidama) with the possibility of renewal
Assistance with opening bank accounts
Guidance through the bank’s KYC procedures when opening a corporate account
We prepare necessary business documents, company profile, and signatory CV, and meet with the bank’s representative.
Use our office space to confirm a location for management of a corporate bank account for the KYC verification procedure.
We liaise with a bank representative in order to simplify communication and interaction in the framework of settlement operations.
Find out more Use our office space to confirm a location for management of a corporate bank account for the KYC verification procedure.
We liaise with a bank representative in order to simplify communication and interaction in the framework of settlement operations.
Nominee services
Utilize professional nominee services such as shareholders, directors and personnel
Appoint us as your local partner or agent, and as the nominees required to complete licensing procedures.
We act as your fully outsourced management personnel, being residents of the UAE, to meet criteria for Economic Substance.
We can provide for you limited rights director and shareholder appointed to shield beneficiaries and interconnected entities.
Find out more We act as your fully outsourced management personnel, being residents of the UAE, to meet criteria for Economic Substance.
We can provide for you limited rights director and shareholder appointed to shield beneficiaries and interconnected entities.
With SORP Group, you can register a new company, or transfer domicile from another jurisdiction by issuing a power of attorney for registration actions remotely. Our experts will help you open bank accounts, issue a tax resident certificate, and optimize business processes in the UAE.
A solution for setting up a company in the UAE that meets your goals
Contact us on WhatsAppWhat benefits do business owners enjoy in the UAE?
Government guarantees
The Emirates protect the rights of investors by providing equal business opportunities for foreign and local entrepreneurs.
Data protection
Legislation ensures the confidentiality of information about foreign business owners who have registered a company in the UAE.
Financial freedoms
Freedom to deposit and withdraw funds, no currency controls, simplified KYC procedure for transactions in the local currency.
Tax payer registration number
A company operating in the Emirates receives a TRN number, which provides confidence and validation for foreign financial institutions and others.
Tax resident status
All business owners can get a residence permit and then a tax resident (domicile) status, which shields them from CRS (exchange of tax information).
Prestige and validity
Despite their tax-free nature, the UAE jurisdictions are not offshore and are not included in any "black” or “grey” list of the OECD and FATF.
Tax benefits
0% basic tax (corporate and personal income, dividends). 5% VAT for a number of internal operations.
Free trade market
Unified tax and customs regulations mean duty-free free trade agreements across 6 of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Strategic trading location
As the Middle East’s trading hub and with the largest cargo port in the region, the UAE is perfectly placed as the unique intersection of Europe, Africa and Asia.
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SORP's core incorporation and business support services
Choosing the best location for your company
Where you register your company in the UAE is important. We will assess your objectives, advise on the best legal entity for you, and the best jurisdiction to register it in.
Defining your individual business model
We devise development strategies for you based on the competition and the law. Then we choose the right operating license and tell you what you must do to obtain it.
Company registration and licensing
We are registration agents for several FZ. SORP experts can process incorporation of your company quickly as for local so for Free Zone businesses.
Dubai business address
Rent an office or a flexi desk in our 54000 sq.ft. of prime office space. Get a prestigious address, help with licensing and space for staff accommodation.
Local nominee partner or agent
We act as your nominee local UAE partner or agent, all properly registered, with a waiver of rights in the Dubai court to protect your interests.
Opening bank accounts
We guide you through KYC compliance with your choice of leading UAE banks. Our know-how gets things done quickly with top quality support on hand for you.
PRO business support
We act on your behalf with UAE government agencies for issuing resident visas to partners, staff and their families, and obtaining all licenses, registrations and permits.
Outsourced business processes
It makes sense to use SORP’s expert professional, recruiting, administrative, accounting, tax competencies, saving the cost of employing highly paid staff.
Legal support
SORP Group corporate lawyers, and strategic partnerships with the best lawyers in the UAE and around the world, provide superb legal support for your business.
Obtaining tax residency status
Enjoy tax resident (domicile) status shielding you from CRS requirements for sharing your tax details and for preventing double taxation.
International tax planning
Optimized tax solutions for international businesses within the full scope of UAE legislation, drawing on our wide experience in this field.
Confirmation of economic substance
Proof of economic substance (ESR) based on the registered location of your company, its localized decision making and management, and tax compliance.
Enjoy the many significant advantages of owning a company in the UAE
Contact us on WhatsAppSORP’s long experience and priceless know-how gets results and achieves your goals
Start Your Company in the UAE
Submit your request and you will be contacted by one of our managers who will advise you on starting your company in the UAE.
Let us know what you have in mind and what you want to achieve. Our SORP Group experts will find the most appropriate solution for your business to simplify starting a company. Get full knowledgeable and professional support from us.
You are just one step away from starting a successful business in the UAE.
Let us know what you have in mind and what you want to achieve. Our SORP Group experts will find the most appropriate solution for your business to simplify starting a company. Get full knowledgeable and professional support from us.
You are just one step away from starting a successful business in the UAE.