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Guide to Legal Forms for Businesses in Dubai Mainland
Setting up a business in Dubai Mainland requires understanding various legal forms, each with unique procedures and requirements. This guide provides a concise overview of the key legal forms available for businesses in Dubai Mainland.
1. Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship is owned by a single individual who is fully responsible for all financial obligations. This form is suitable for industrial, commercial, and professional activities. UAE and GCC nationals can establish sole proprietorships for any business activity. Nationals from other countries can only own professional businesses under this form if they appoint a UAE local service agent.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution (for branches), authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
2. Civil Company
A civil company is owned by two or more partners engaged in professional activities like consultancy or training. UAE nationals, two or more GCC nationals, or two nationals from other countries (with a UAE local service agent) can form a civil company.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
3. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
An LLC requires at least two partners and can have up to 50. Each partner’s liability is limited to their share in the capital. This form is open to all nationalities and is suitable for a wide range of business activities.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
4. One-Person Limited Liability Company
A one-person LLC can be owned by a single individual, either a UAE national or a foreigner. This form follows the same rules as a regular LLC and is suitable for all business activities.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
5. General Partnership
A general partnership is formed by two or more UAE nationals who share joint and separate liability for the company’s obligations. Only UAE nationals can establish a general partnership.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
6. Public Shareholding Company
A public shareholding company divides its capital into equal, negotiable shares. Shareholders are only liable to the extent of their shares. This form is suitable for large-scale industrial, commercial, and professional activities.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
7. Private Joint-Stock Company
A private joint-stock company can have between two and 200 shareholders. Its shares cannot be publicly offered. This form is suitable for commercial and industrial activities.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
8. Limited Partnership
A limited partnership includes general partners who are fully liable for the company’s obligations and limited partners who are liable only to the extent of their shares. Any natural or legal person can be a limited partner.
Required Documents:
Initial Approval: Business registration form, passport copy, residence permit/visa, articles of association, feasibility study, board resolution, authorization letter, commercial registration certificate, memorandum of association, and parent company license.
License Issuance: Initial approval receipt, lease contract, attested memorandum of association, and government approvals.
How Can Choose UAE Help
At Choose UAE, we simplify the process of obtaining the right business license for your venture. Our expert team provides tailored advice and handles all necessary paperwork, ensuring a smooth setup for your business in the UAE. Let us help you navigate the legal landscape and start your business journey with confidence.
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