Company formation/setup

Mainland Company Setup

Dubai mainland is one of the most sought-after destinations in the UAE with great business potential and rewarding possibilities. The government policies and the growing corporate landscape makes it a highly attractive space, pulling aspiring investors and established enterprises to the arena. The government also promotes these investments and supports incoming businesses by offering incentives. However, any company looking to establish their business in Dubai mainland or any or Emirates, they must go through an elaborate Mainland company formation process and register themselves with the government.

Off the various options, being a mainland business has its benefits.

• The company can acquire office space at any location within the UAE territory. 
• You have the freedom to form trade relations with any business within or outside the UAE. Thus offering extensive business opportunities.
• You require no capital for local Dubai mainland license
• The process for employment visas, permits and license are fairly simple for mainland businesses
• The company can participate in and undertake governmental projects without restrictions.

Free Zone company setup

Dubai, along with the other Emirates of the UAE has made a mark on the map with their iconic infrastructure, luxurious lifestyles and extravagant achievements. Quickly rising to its glory, the UAE has transitioned into one of the most rewarding and attractive business hubs and holds an important position on the global scale. Observing a steep increase in the number of foreign investments and entry of major business enterprises into the market, Dubai is seen as a great place for going business. 

The business layout in the UAE is divided into 2 groups – onshore and offshore. The onshore sector is primarily occupied by the local businesses and is marginally unfavourable for foreign ventures. On the contrary, the offshore sector is mainly composed of foreign organisations and is created to attract outside capital. This sector is also called the free-zone and the regulations are structured to attract international operations. There are various geographical sectors dotted around the UAE territory, labelled as free zones where free-zone companies can setup their offices.

The government offers numerous incentives to promote foreign investments and to do business in the UAE.

• Minimal or no corporate taxations for 50 years.
• Exemptions on import duties
• Access to high-class infrastructure to facilitate business growth
• Easy registrations and permits for employees and skilled workforce
• Unified sections for hassle-free recruiting and licenses services.

Off shore company formation

Dubai is among the fastest-growing economic zones in the Middle East and is transforming into a major business hub on an international scale. Along with the Emirates of the UAE, it is a hot destination for investments and business that attracts numerous corporations looking to reap the benefits. In the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in foreign investments and the government policies are formulated to create a favourable corporate landscape.

From advanced amenities and infrastructure to low taxation, easy registrations and licensing processes; all aimed at encouraging growth and attracting new businesses to the emerging market. There are various types of companies in the UAE – Mainland, onshore and offshore companies. Each of these differs in their business markets, benefits, licenses and trade rules that are defined by the various commerce departments. 

In the UAE, the concept of an offshore company is quite popular and a large number of foreign corporations have setup their companies here as offshore or non-resident ‘paper’ organisations. This offers them numerous financial as well as economic benefits, with limited liabilities.

• An offshore company does not require any physical settlement or office space
• There is a freedom to choose shareholders and no obligation of having a UAE national as a local sponsor.
• The business has the flexibility to maintain their books at their discretion. 
• Offshore companies enjoy a wide range of tax benefits
• They have no tax obligations or annual accounting responsibilities.
• Public disclosure of shareholders and invested members of the offshore company is not mandatory.
• The UAE offers an exemplary infrastructure of banking, trade, telecom and legislature framework, which benefits the corporations on numerous fronts and promotes business growth.
• No restrictions on international trade, setting multicurrency bank accounts or foreign transactions.