Commercial Licensing

Commercial licenses covering all kinds of trading activities. This type of company is most common type of registration in the UAE, where the purpose of the entity is to trade within the whole region. Kindly note that the 100% foreign ownership of this company type in the UAE is not permitted. The features of such company:

  • Recommended Share

    The minimum recommended share capital is AED 300,000.

  • Foreign Investors

    Foreign investors are allowed to hold only up to 49% equity ownership in UAE companies.

  • Shareholders

    From 2 to 50 shareholders can be included.

  • UAE Nationals

    51% of shares must belong to one or more UAE nationals.

  • Business Activities

    Different business-related activities can be provided under the one trade license.

  • Corporate Taxes

    No corporate taxes, no income taxes.

Sole Establishment

This type of company/Business applies to professionals, service activities, and consultancy. Setting up such type of a company a foreign investor can get 100% ownership in a UAE. The features of such company:

  • Recommended Share

    The minimum recommended share capital is AED 300,000.

  • Foreign Ownership

    100% foreign ownership

  • Minimum Capital

    No requirement for minimum capital

  • UAE Nationals

    The UAE National will act as an agent with 0% ownership.

  • National Service Agent

    Set up through a national service agent

  • Shareholder

    One shareholder only

  • Corporate Taxes

    No corporate taxes, no income taxes

Civil Company

A civil company is a company owned by 100% foreign ownership with up to 3 shareholders and a local service agent. It’s applicable for professional and service activities/license. The features of such company:

  • Shares and Profit

    Local service agent owns 0% of business shares and profit, whereas a foreign partner or a – company owns 100% of business shares

  • Role of a Signatory

    Local service agent main task is to perform the role of a signatory for the fulfillment of all government-related tasks

  • Administrative Powers

    Local service agent has no administrative powers and is only entitled to annual payment – for government services

  • Service Agent

    The local service agent can be a professional, a UAE Government employee, or a company owned by a UAE National

  • Professional Qualification

    For certain activities, the professional qualification of a local service agent is required

Foreign investors wanting to start a business in the UAE can choose to register their company in mainland or any other Emirate, let 1PRO Centre DMCC guide you in choosing the most effective way to register your business. 1PRO Centre DMCC can help you register your business along with providing support for obtaining UAE Residence Visa and Bank Account opening.