Dubai is one of the top global hubs for business and investment. Attracted by its strategic location, tax-free environment, world-class infrastructure and open economy, investors from across the globe look to set up companies here.
If you too are looking to establish your entrepreneurial venture in Dubai, going for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) structure would be the best way forward. LLCs make up over 75% of all company registrations in Dubai.
This comprehensive guide takes you through a 4-Step Process to form an LLC in Dubai.
Step 1: Understanding LLCs
An LLC or Limited Liability Company provides investors with the benefits of a corporate business structure while also giving the flexibility of a partnership firm. Some key features of LLCs:
- It is a separate legal entity from its owners
- Gives protection to owners’ personal assets if business goes into debt
- Owners are called “members”
- Offers advantage of limited liability like a corporation
- Operates based on partnership style flexibility
In simple words, an LLC makes sure your personal wealth or belongings like house, car, bank accounts don’t get impacted if your business runs into losses or debt. This makes it a very popular choice for entrepreneurs.
Step 2: Documents Needed for Registration
If you decide to set up your company as an LLC in the Dubai mainland, you will need to prepare the following documents:
From Owners/Partners:
- Passport copies
- UAE residence visas (if living in UAE)
- No Objection Certificates from sponsors (if on employee visa)
- Proof of address documents
About the Business:
- Proposed company name and activity details
- Managerial profile/CVs of owners
- Business plan with financial projections
- Bank reference letter
- Office lease agreement
Additional Requirements:
- Special approvals if dealing in products like food items, medicines, etc.
- Attested educational certificates if seeking professional licenses
We will hand-hold you on getting all Dubai LLC registration documents ready.
Step 3: Easy 7-Step Registration Process
Follow these 7 easy steps to form your LLC hassle-free:
1. Reserve Unique Company Name: Run a name search to ensure your chosen name has not been taken. Then reserve it under your profile by paying the fees.
2. Obtain Initial Approval : Submit the name reservation application along with the proposed activity to get an initial go-ahead.
3. Draft Memorandum of Association (MOA): The MOA is your company’s statute defining activity, roles of directors/partners, profit-sharing ratios, etc.
4. Submit Documents, Pay Fees: Submit all documents, licenses, MOA and registration fees online to Department of Economic Development (DED).
5. Obtain Trade License: You will receive the digital trade license copy on your registered email upon approval by DED within 2 weeks.
6. Apply for Establishment Card: This card functions as your commercial registration certificate.
7. Process Visas: Apply for residence visas if you wish to relocate to Dubai or hire staff.
Our PROs actively follow-up throughout the approval process for quick LLC registration.
Step 4: Post-Registration Formalities
Upon completing registration, you must wrap up these post-formation formalities before starting operations:
- Rent Office Space: As per DED, having an office is mandatory to obtain the trade license.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account: To receive capital injections, route business transactions via the LLC account.
- Register for VAT: VAT registration is compulsory if making taxable supplies over AED 375,000 per annum.
- Attest Trade License: Submit the license for attestation by the DED to verify authenticity.
- Design Letterheads & Other Stationery: To reflect new LLC name, details on all official documents like invoices, contracts, etc.
We offer comprehensive post-registration services as well for smooth running of your Dubai LLC.
Conclusion
We hope this guide gave you in-depth clarity on the process to set up an LLC in Dubai. LLCs offer entrepreneurs the combined advantages of limited liability, operational ease, tax efficiency and flexibility.
With our specialized Dubai company registration services, you can swiftly establish your LLC in a hassle-free manner. Our experts handle all legal formalities efficiently while keeping you updated at each step.
Contact us today to bring your business vision to life through an LLC!
FAQs
You need to budget around AED 15,000-18,000 per year for license renewal, office rent, PRO commission, document clearing charges, etc.
As an LLC owner, you can sponsor your investor/entrepreneur residence visa for 3 years. You can also hire staff and sponsor their employment residence visas.
No, in an LLC majority 51% ownership must be held by a UAE national. The remaining 49% can be owned by expat investors.
You need to apply for establishment card, immigration card, VAT registration, trade license attestation before kickstarting operations.
