Company incorporation in the UAE
A practical solution to enter UAE markets, operate globally, and a mechanism for effective international tax planning
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
100% foreign ownership is now available for mainland companies according to a resolution by the UAE Cabinet of Ministers
On June 1, 2021, amendments to the Commercial Companies Law of 2015 entered into force. Now a Mainland company is by far the most trusted entity in the eyes of counterparties, for conducting international activities and for confirming economic presence according to a simplified scheme, as well as an ideal option for building complex structures. Bank accounts for Mainland companies can be opened quickly, and the flexibility of the statutes allows a nominee service to be used to solve numerous business problems.
What 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.
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.
SORP’s long experience and priceless know-how gets results and achieves your goals
Start 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.