From Registration to Operations: A Comprehensive Guide to Starting Your Foreign Company in the UAE
Starting a foreign company in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be a complex process. However, with the right guidance and preparation, it is achievable. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the steps involved in starting a foreign company in the UAE, from registration to operations.
Step 1: Select a Legal Form for Your Business
The first step in starting a foreign company in the UAE is to choose a legal form that suits your business needs. The legal forms available to foreign companies in the UAE are:
???? Limited Liability Company (LLC)
???? Free Zone Company (FZC)
???? Branch or Representative Office
Each legal form has its own set of requirements and regulations. Therefore, it is important to consult with a legal advisor to determine which legal form is best suited for your business.
Step 2: Choose a Location for Your Company
Once you have decided on a legal form for your company, you will need to choose a location. The UAE has two main types of locations for foreign companies:
???? Mainland
???? Free Zone
If you choose to set up your company on the mainland, you will need to obtain a local sponsor who will own 51% of the shares of your company. On the other hand, if you choose to set up your company in a free zone, you can own 100% of your company without the need for a local sponsor.
Step 3: Register Your Company
After choosing a legal form and location, the next step is to register your company. To do this, you will need to give the right authorities the documents they need. The documents you need may be different depending on how your company is set up and where it is located. However, some of the common certificate attestation required for registration include:
???? copies of each director’s and shareholder’s passports
???? A business plan
???? Proof of share capital
???? Articles of association
Step 4: Obtain necessary licences and permits
After you’ve registered your business, you’ll need to get the licences and permits you need to run it. The types of licences and permits required may vary depending on the nature of your business. Some of the common licences and permits required include:
???? Commercial licence
???? Industrial licence
???? Professional licence
Step 5: Hire employees.
After getting the licences and permits your business needs, the next step is to hire people to help you run it.The process of hiring employees in the UAE is regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. To hire employees, you will need to obtain the necessary work permits and visas.
Step 6: Open a Bank Account
To operate your business in the UAE, you will need to open a bank account. The process of opening a bank account may vary depending on the bank and the legal form of your company. However, you will typically need to provide the bank with the following documents:
???? Company registration documents
???? Articles of association
???? Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Step 7: Start Operations
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can begin operations. It is important to note that the UAE has strict regulations on business operations, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal action.
In conclusion, starting a foreign company in the UAE can be a complex procAXZAess. However, with the right guidance and preparation, it is achievable. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully start and operate your foreign company in the UAE.
Starting a foreign company in the UAE can be a profitable venture, but it’s important to plan ahead and think about the laws and rules. By following the steps in this guide, it will be easier for you to get your foreign company registered and running in the UAE. Getting help from legal and financial advisors is important throughout the process to make sure that all laws and rules are followed. Your foreign company can do well in the UAE’s fast-paced business environment if you plan and get help.
How can we help you?
Contact us for all your certificate attestation requirements and for a free consultation, or submit a business inquiry online.