COMPANY SETUP SERVICES

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Smart EDGE Corporate Services is a Comprehensive One – Stop – Shop business setup solutions provider in UAE with core commitment to transparency and service excellence.

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Company Licensing in Dubai

If you are an investor wanting to start a business in the United Arab Emirates, you will first need a license. This document outlines the activities that the aforesaid company will carry out in the country. Obtaining a business license in Dubai, UAE depends upon the type of business you are conducting, the jurisdiction, besides other variables. To ensure smooth set up processes, it is best to seek a reputable and professional consultant service to help you.

To obtain a license in the UAE for your commercial, industrial, professional or other types of businesses, in the mainland, freezone, and off-shore domains, reach out to our experts. We will assist you in obtaining the appropriate licenses for the seamless running and upkeep of your business entity, depending on its nature.

1. Mainland License

Mainland Company Setup in Dubai is indeed one of the most preferred options for entrepreneurs and investors as Dubai Mainland offers the most favourable environment to run business. The most typical mainland firms are businesses registered with the DED or Department of Economic Development in the UAE.

A mainland business is a good choice for companies that are comfortable with functioning within an Emirati jurisdiction and following certain regulations amended by the government. Benefits of a mainland business include more freedom to trade (both internationally and across the UAE), not having a minimum capital requirement, no visa limitations and more options for your business activities.

Benefits of setting up a Mainland company

By setting up a Mainland company in Dubai, investors can enjoy 100% Corporate Tax exemption on yearly net profit upto AED 375,000
To obtain a Dubai Mainland license, there is no requirement for immediate capital deposit in bank
The investor can choose the office location and operate anywhere in Dubai
Comparatively, the legal procedures to acquire a Dubai Mainland license and to get the registration done are simple
Employment visa processing is easy
Dubai Mainland Company registration provides 100% repatriation of capital and profits

Types of Mainland licenses

Professional License

A professional license enables foreign investors to own 100 percent of the business, granting them the privileges of a sole proprietorship. To complete the judicial formalities, it is necessary to appoint a UAE national as a local service agent

A Professional License is required in the UAE for individuals or business groups that deliver expertise as a service to the public such as:

Computer, IT infrastructure consultancies
Insurance, tax, legal consultancies
Marketing consultancies, public relations management
Auditing & accounting
Waste management & recycling consultancy

Commercial License

All companies on the mainland require a commercial trade license to conduct any form of business, including sale and purchase of commodities in the UAE. Mainland licenses can be used for both specialised and general trading activities.

A Commercial License is required in the UAE for businesses involved in trading and supplying of goods such as:

Mobile phones & accessories trading
Building material, cleaning and safety equipment trading
Oil & gas, chemicals trading
Automobiles, spare parts trading
Gold & precious metals trading

Industrial License

Businesses engaging in manufacturing and industrial activities must obtain an industrial license enabling them to carry out operations involving conversion of natural resources. This may also include incorporating natural resources into their finished products.

An Industrial license is required in the UAE for manufacturing or other types of industrial activities such as:

Garments, uniforms manufacturing
Meat, dairy products manufacturing
Animal & birds feed manufacturing, fishing net making
Pastry & sweets manufacturing, mineral water bottling
Fabrics & textiles embroidery, carpets manufacturing

2. Freezone License

Initially established to promote international trade, Free Zones or Free Trade Zones enable corporations to enjoy 100% foreign ownership besides favourable rates and taxes. These areas began specialising in particular industries and market segments as they spread throughout the UAE, each with a unique set of competitive advantages. The ease and potential cost-effectiveness of starting up a Free Zone firm is only one of its many benefits. However, choosing the right zone is absolutely imperative for your company.

Types of Freezone Companies:

Setting up a business in a free zone is relatively easier. Free zone authorities require minimum paperwork and duration. In a free zone, you can set up one of the two types of companies:

There are few significant advantages of free zone that inspires the investors to choose it. A few of them are listed below.:

100% ownership for foreign investors
100% repatriation of capital and profits
Free Zone authorities keep your assets-related information confidential
Exclusion from all import and export duties
100% tax exemption on personal income, corporate income and gains, Subject to meeting FTA Criteria.
Versatile office facilities
Easy & Cost effective immigration and labour recruitment processes
Wide range of activities that can be licensed

3. Offshore License

A corporate entity that operates outside the UAE but is registered within the country are considered offshore businesses. Since 2003, formation of such companies has increased multi-fold, resulting in the transformation of the UAE into a global commercial hub. Offshore companies may serve a variety of purposes for investors and entrepreneurs.

Also, while such companies are allowed to have bank accounts within the UAE, they cannot provide work visas nor can they establish physical offices. Offshore licenses are frequently used as holding companies and are primarily established to conduct operations in foreign countries with financial, legal and tax advantages. The UAE, however, allows offshore firms operating in free zones like JAFZA and RAK ICC to buy real estate.

Benefits of setting up an Offshore Company

Business Anonymity

Offshore companies provide anonymity in doing business in UAE. Secrecy is one of the key advantage of operating an offshore company in UAE which has been attracting investors, entrepreneurs and businessmen form all around the globe.

Asset Protection

Offshore companies in UAE have asset protection jurisdictions that offer a strong and reliable platform for the investors. This enables them to create a legal wall between the creditors and the assets secured within the company.

Taxation

Offshore companies help the investor to gain complete returns from their business as it enjoys 100% tax free regime. More over Value-added taxes (VAT) or assessments on capital gains or retaining charge are not applicable for Offshore Companies

Lawsuit Protection

Lawsuit protection is another significant benefit of an offshore company which protects the entrepreneurs assets in case of any adverse legal judgments.

Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement is tax treaty signed among countries to support investors. The treaty state that the taxpayers and international residents can avoid paying tax in two countries, the is Source country and the Residence country. As UAE has signed the "DTAA" with over 40 countries in the world till now.

Hassle-free Administration

A lack of auditing and financial obligations keeps the running costs for offshore businesses very low compared to other jurisdictions. Moreover, AGMs can be held anywhere in the world, manhours required to run the business are minimal.

Phone Number

+971 56 684 8833
+971 4 340 1600

Address

306/1, Shaikha Mahara Bldg Near Al Twar Centre Al Twar 1, Dubai, UAE PO BOX: 87556

Email

team@smartedge.ae