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Company Formation

At Manifest, we help you select the most suitable jurisdiction, identify the right license for your business activity, and ensure your company is set up and running smoothly.

Establishing a business in the UAE requires careful planning and informed decisions for a smooth setup. The process starts with choosing the right jurisdiction—Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore—each offering distinct advantages based on business goals and market access. Selecting the correct license type, whether commercial, professional, or industrial, is equally important.

 

Understanding these essentials early helps simplify registration, reduce regulatory challenges, and speed up operations. With the UAE’s business-friendly environment, Manifest ensures a seamless, compliant, and stress-free company launch.

Why Company Formation in UAE?

The UAE offers one of the most business-friendly environments in the world, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and investors. With minimal taxation—no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and corporate tax exemptions in many free zones—business owners can retain more of their earnings and reinvest confidently.

 

Companies registered in the UAE can also repatriate 100% of their profits, giving investors complete financial freedom without unnecessary restrictions.

 

Beyond tax advantages, the UAE stands out as a major global business hub. Strategically positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide easy access to international markets. The country’s advanced infrastructure, modern ports, efficient airports, and high-speed connectivity create a seamless environment for trade and operations.

 

UAE free zones further simplify business ownership by offering full foreign ownership, zero import and export duties, and streamlined administrative processes. Each free zone is designed to support specific industries, making it easier for businesses to operate and grow.

How to Open a Company in the UAE?

Step-by-step guide to Open a Company in Dubai.

1. Choose Your Business Activity

Decide your business type. This determines the license category :
➤ Commercial (trading)
➤ Professional (services)
➤ Industrial (manufacturing)
➤ Tourism

2. Select the Business Jurisdiction

Dubai offers three main jurisdictions :
Mainland – allows you to trade across the UAE
Free Zone – 100% foreign ownership, ideal for international trade
Offshore – no physical presence; for asset holding or international business

3. Choose a Company Structure

Examples include :
➤ Sole Proprietorship
➤ Limited Liability Company (LLC)
➤ Civil Company
➤ Free Zone Company (FZCO or FZE)

4. Reserve a Trade Name

Apply to reserve a company name with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone authority.

5. Apply for Initial Approval

Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the UAE government or Free Zone to proceed with the company setup.

6. Prepare Legal Documents

Common documents include :
➤ Passport copies
➤ Visa/entry stamp
➤ NOC (if applicable)
➤ Business plan (sometimes)

7. Choose Office Space

Options vary by jurisdiction :
➤ Mainland : Must lease a physical office
➤ Free Zone : Flexi-desk, virtual office, or physical office

8. Submit Application & Pay Fees

➤ Mainland : Apply via Dubai DED
➤ Free Zone : Apply via relevant Free Zone Authority

Fees vary based on :
➤ Business type
➤ Office size
➤ Number of visas
➤ Government charges

9. Receive License

Once approved, you’ll receive your business license.

10. Process Visas (if needed)

Apply for investor and employee visas through :
➤ GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
➤ Relevant Free Zone authority

11. Open Corporate Bank Account

Choose a UAE bank and provide :
➤ Trade license
➤ Shareholder documents
➤ Company MOA
➤ Lease agreement

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