COMPANY INCORPORATION IN UAE/ DUBAI

Jotwani Associates assists individuals and corporations to incorporate a Company in UAE and open a bank account. We have extensive expertise in setting up Mainland Company and Freezone Company in UAE. The first stage in company incorporation in the UAE is deciding whether to create a Mainland or Freezone company.

Mainland Company: is an economic zone monitored by the Department of Economic Development (DED). In the case of Mainland Company, one needs to have a physical office with a minimum required space of 200 square feet. A sponsor, who is a UAE resident, is required for the establishment of a mainland company.   The shareholding pattern will differ between Trade and Service Activities. In a Trade Activity setup, for certain activities, the shareholder (UAE national) would own 51% while the expat shareholder would own 49%. On the other hand, in a Service Activity setup, the foreign national would be able to own 100% of the company.

Freezone Company: is a special economic zone providing regional benefits. An independent government or non-government free zone entities monitor Freezone Companies. Business setup in Freezone can be owned by 100% foreign ownership. In the case of Freezone Company, one can have a virtual office, as the requirement of a physical office is not mandatory.

Businesses will be liable to UAE Corporate Tax beginning with their first fiscal year that begins on or after June 1, 2023, in accordance with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Taxation of Corporations and Businesses (“Corporate Tax Law”).

The following information will be required from your end to incorporate a company in UAE.

1. Choosing whether to incorporate a Mainland or Freezone company is the first stage.
2. The next stage is to decide what type of business activity the prospective company will engage in after deciding whether to incorporate the Mainland firm or the Freezone Company.UAE provides investors and business owners with various business licences based on the type of operation, including commercial trade, eCommerce, warehousing, manufacturing, consulting services, education, and others.  Therefore, let us know the type of business this company will do in UAE.Based on the information provided by you, Jotwani Associates shall apply for a business license(s) for the proposed company by applying in compliance with the commercial activities the proposed company plans to engage in based on the nature of the intended business activity of the Company.
3. Suggest us the name of the proposed company. We will reserve the company name with two (2) names in order of your preference. 
4. The next stage is to choose the prospective Company’s location and commercial space in the United Arab Emirates. In the case of Mainland Companies, a physical location in the UAE is required, but, as was already indicated, a physical site is optional for Freezone Companies.
   

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN CASE THE OWNER/ SHAREHOLDER OF THE PROPOSED COMPANY IS A LEGAL ENTITY (Company)

1. Certificate of Incorporation/Registration of the parent foreign company
2. Articles and Memorandum of Association – of the parent foreign company
3. Board Resolution – draft shall be provided later upon confirmation of the assignment (and to be printed on the letterhead of the parent company, duly signed by the authorized signatory of the parent company and to be stamped and then after full legalization to be completed.
4. Certificate of Good Standing/Incumbency – of the parent company. This is issued by a CPA or Auditor of the company.
5. Passport copy of the proposed licensed manager, director, and secretary of the company (specs as below) Clear colour copy with all 4 corners showing, no obstruction on the passport copy
6. Photograph of the proposed licensed manager, director, and secretary of the company (specs as below)
   • Directly facing the camera + color photo with white background + no teeth showing
   • No jewellery, eyewear, hats or accessories in the photograph, but head and shoulders showing
7. At last, please confirm if you (who shall be the licensed manager, director and secretary of the company have  travelled to Dubai in the past — if yes, then please share a copy of the last tourist/visit visa page in clear colour PDF format.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN CASE OF INDIVIDUAL/ HUMAN BEING ARE THE SHAREHOLDER/ OWNER OF THE COMPANY

1. Passport copy of the proposed licensed manager, director, and secretary of the proposed company (specs as below)
   Clear colour copy with all 4 corners showing, no obstruction on the passport copy
   
2. Photograph of the proposed licensed manager, director, and secretary of the company (specs as below)
   
   •   Directly facing the camera + color photo with white background + no teeth showing
   • No jewellery, eyewear, hats or accessories in the photograph, but head and shoulders showing
3. The Ministry of UAE may require any other KYC documents. 

At last, please confirm if you (who shall be the licensed manager, director and secretary of the company have travelled to Dubai in the past — if yes, then please share a copy of the last tourist/visit visa page in clear colour PDF format.

Estimated time: Approximately as below.

• 4 weeks for company incorporation after submission of each required document
• 2 weeks to obtain approval on the UAE residence visa (entry visa employment permit)
• 4 – 6 weeks to obtain approval on the company bank account opening