| Trading LLC | Services LLC | Offshore Company | Free Zone Company | LLP | Rep Office | Branch Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Name | Dubai Trading LLC | Dubai Services LLC | RAK Offshore LLC | DMCC Free Zone | Dubai LLP | Representative Office | Branch |
| Company Setup Time | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | 20 days | 30 days | 20 days | 20 days |
| Bank Account Opening | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days | 5 days |
| Government Grants Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Government Contracts Bidding | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Legal Liability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Client Required to Travel | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry | Inquiry |
Corporate Structure Explained
UAE Free Zone Company
- A free zone company can be incorporated using a limited liability company (LLC) without UAE national stake in the company. One shareholder and one director are required. The minimum share capital varies depending on the Free Zone and the Emirate.
- A free zone company is the perfect distribution center for an international trading company, where most of its operations are outside the UAE.
UAE Professional Services Company
- International clients can establish a limited liability company (LLC) to offer professional services without having a local partner.
- This entity must appoint a local service agent and a local approved auditor before starting its operations.
- A Professional Services Company is recommended for clients providing professional services related to accounting, legal, marketing, management and IT consulting.
UAE Branch Office
- A branch can sign local sales contracts, invoice UAE customers, and receive revenue from local customers.
- A branch established by an international company is not a separate company, but rather a part of an international company. The international company has unlimited responsibility for the operation of the branch office.
UAE Representative Office
- International companies can also establish a representative office. The scope of this business entity is limited to market research and activities that support the parent company.
- A representative office can not conduct commercial activities within the local market.
Offshore company
- There is no minimum share capital requirement. This entity type is established in a business center in the UAE and does not require a physical presence. It can only conduct business activities outside the UAE. Its not permitted to conduct business UAE Free Zones.
Limited liability company (LLC)
- Depending on the Emirate the minimum share capital varies from US$1 to US$50,000. A minimum of two shareholders is required, one of whom must be a local with 51% share capital.
- An LLC can conduct any lawful business except banking, insurance and investment activities.
Joint Stock Company (JSC)
- Joint Stock Companies can be private or public.
- A private JSC requires a minimum share capital of AED 5 million (USD 1 million) to be paid in full. Its required three shareholders and 51% of the shares must belong to a national resident in that country.
- A public JSC requires a minimum share capital of AED 30million (US$8 million) where 25% must be paid on business setup. It must have a minimum of five members who must be UAE nationals holding between 30% and 70% of the capital shares.
Limited Partnership
- It must have at least one general partner who is liable for the partnership to the full extent of its assets and one participating partner who is liable only to the extent of their individual participation in the business.
- The general partner must be a UAE national and must reside in the UAE. A limited partnership is recommended for accounting, law and audit activities.