UAE BUSINESS SETUP – LLC, FREE ZONE & OFFSHORE

“We offer expert and quick company incorporation services and have been assisting clients in establishing Limited Liability Companies, Free Zone Entities and Offshore Companies and opening their bank accounts across the seven emirates of UAE”

UAE BUSINESS SETUP – LLC, FREE ZONE & OFFSHORE

UAE has always been a strong business incubator in the Middle East region and has been a favorable business hub for ambitious entrepreneurs who are looking to grow their businesses both regionally and internationally. The UAE government has always provided a very favorable, positive and stable economic and political environment for the set-up of businesses for both multinational companies and aspiring entrepreneurs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. Incorporation of a new company is an easy task though there are still particular rules and regulations that need to be adhered to and documentation to be completed as per the legal requirements of the respective authority. At Sun Management, we provide most suitable solutions for those planning to incorporate, establish and run their business in UAE.

Company formation decision in the most suitable jurisdiction is a wise choice and deciding factor which may catapult and shape up your visionary business. There are many alternatives available and one of them may suit for your business and governance, but without speaking to experts you may land into uncalled difficulties and unseen troubles. Many times, it can be quite daunting without having access to the right and ever-changing information, wherein simple processes can still be complicated for an outsider. We would always advise you with the best option which would take off to flourish your business with all the factors and ensure that your business runs smoothly with sufficient number of visas, required trade license activities, office space, land or a ready to move warehouse.

We can register your company with the respective authority with all necessary documentation including but not limited to Memorandum and Articles of Association which are needed to make your business compliant and ready to begin trading. There is a lot on the initial checklist, but our experienced team can make this process as smooth as possible. In addition, we can assist you in getting import export code, registering your business with FTA for excise and VAT and Chamber of Commerce as and when required.

Analysises of Market

We offer a quick company incorporation service and can assist you with establishing the following entities across the seven emirates of UAE:
  • Mainland limited liability company
  • Branch of a foreign company
  • Sole establishment
  • Civil company
  • Representative office
  • Free zone company
  • Offshore company – UAE
  • Offshore company – Overseas

A mainland Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most popular and excellent vehicle to be used by entrepreneurs doing business within UAE and globally. An LLC can be formed by a minimum of 2 and maximum of 50 shareholders whose liability is limited to their shares in the capital of the company.

Most foreign companies have opted for an LLC due to the fact that this is the only mainland option that will give maximum legal ownership i.e. 49% to the foreign investors for a license issued by the economic development department of the respective emirate. The remaining 51% ownership must always remain with one or more UAE nationals who are also known as local sponsors. This is a mandatory requirement for a Limited Liability Company.


Salient features of an LLC:

  • While foreign equity in the company does not exceed 49%, profit and losses can be shared at a ratio different from the shareholding ratio
  • The most popular method of establishing a commercial company across the UAE
  • No specific minimum capital requirement but with adequate capital
  • The investor becomes the partner in the company
  • The investor gets the investor visa
  • Under investor’s status in the emirate he / she can sponsor his/her family
  • Option to open branches anywhere in UAE
  • The investor can manage the business without the day-to-day interference by the local sponsor
  • The assets and capital created will remain in the name of the company and not in the name of the local sponsor
  • Most of the activities can be done by an LLC apart from the restricted ones like insurance, banking and investment of money for others
  • Easy to open global / local corporate bank accounts
  • Banks also offer credit facilities after few years of operations

Companies which are established for activities like tourism, healthcare, architectural & engineering consultancy, shipping, freight forwarding, and logistics etc. also require special approvals from ministries and / or government departments.

How can we help?

  • Applying and getting approvals and clearances from government departments
  • Drafting memorandum of association
  • Drafting POA
  • Introducing local sponsors
  • Finding a proper office location
  • Handling other documentation formalities
  • Getting you the trading license
  • Completing A to Z incorporation formalities
  • We can also provide all other integrated services

A Free Zone Company is registered with one of the several free zone authorities in UAE and does not require any local UAE citizen shareholding. Expatriates and foreign companies can own 100% shares in a free zone company. There are a wide range of Free Zones across the seven emirates of UAE that offer a vibrant, dynamic working environment and encourage innovation and investment.

Salient features of a free zone company:

  • 100% Foreign ownership is allowed
  • 100% Exemption from corporate income tax
  • 100% Exemption from personal income taxes for the owners
  • 100% Exemption from personal income taxes for employees
  • 100% Exemption from import and export duties (subject to terms & conditions)
  • 100% Repatriation of capital and profits
  • 100% Free transfer of legitimate funds
  • No requirement of local sponsor

  • Easy and fast track incorporation
  • No restrictions on hiring of expatriate staff
  • Strategic location in the Middle East and Asia
  • Availability of extensive logistics network including air, sea and land
  • Safe and friendly working environment
  • Availability of high quality and modern infrastructure
  • Availability of land, prebuilt industrial warehouses and hi-tech executive offices
  • On site accommodation for employees

Free Zones in UAE

There are number of free zones exist in the United Arab Emirates, these are different in terms of the location, cost, and permitted activities and number of allocated visas and available infrastructures. We can incorporate your company in the following free zones which are located in different parts of UAE

DUBAI

  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
  • Dubai Multi Commodity Centre (DMCC)
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
  • Dubai Internet City (DIC)
  • Dubai Media City (DMC)

 

  • Dubai Car and Automotive City Free Zone (DUCAMZ)
  • Dubai Academic City
  • Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park
  • Dubai Gold and Diamond Park
  • Dubai Healthcare City
  • Dubai Knowledge Village
  • Dubai Logistics City

  • Dubai Flower Centre
  • Dubai Maritime City
  • Dubai Outsource Zone
  • Dubai Production City
  • Dubai Studio City
  • Dubai Techno Park
  • Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone
  • International Media Production Zone

SHARJAH

  • Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
  • Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)
  • Sharjah Media City (Shams)

RAS AL KHAIMAH

  • RAK Economic Zone (Formerly RAK Free Trade Zone & RAK Investment Authority)
  • Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone

AJMAN

  • Ajman Free Zone

ABU DHABI

  • Masdar City Free Zone
  • Industrial City of Abu Dhabi
  • Twofour54
  • Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
  • Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
  • Higher Corporation for Specialized Economic Zones

FUJAIRAH

  • Fujairah Free Zone
  • Creative City

UM AL QWAIN

  • Um Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Sun Management is a registered agent for all the three offshore jurisdictions in the UAE and we are one of the market leaders in offshore incorporations offering solutions to clients looking for structural solutions, minimization of international taxation, confidentiality, ease of running business, protection of assets and limitation of liabilities. UAE offshore companies can only be incorporated through local Registered Agents who are authorized by the local offshore authorities to act as registered agents. Our team of expert consultants possess an in-depth local expertise and extensive hands-on experience, which enables us to understand our client requirement and tailor the most suitable, practical and effective solutions for business set up with minimal hassles and effort.

When you register offshore company with Sun Management your company’s registered office address shall be our office address which is situated on prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road.


UAE Offshore Jurisdictions

  • JFAFZA Offshore (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority)
  • RAKICC (RAK International Corporate Centre)
  • AJMAN Offshore (Ajman Free Zone Authority)

The following are some of the salient features, purposes, permitted activities and limitations of the UAE offshore companies, which can help you decide whether it is an ideal corporate structure for you to fulfill your global business requirements.

Salient features of an offshore company
  • 100% Foreign ownership
  • 100% Tax exemption
  • Quick and easy setup and operations
  • No minimum capital requirement
  • No limitations on maximum capital and denomination
  • Complete financial privacy and confidentiality
  • Ability to maintain local / offshore / multi-currency bank accounts
  • Option to open company with minimum one shareholder and director
  • Worldwide recognition
  • No bearer shares
  • UAE national is not required as a shareholder or sponsor
  • There is no public register of company officers
  • Anonymity and privacy
  • Company can own real estate properties on approved areas by the respective authority
  • No corporate or income tax
  • Repatriation of profit and capital are allowed
  • Setting-up and annual maintenance costs are comparatively lesser
  • No onshore office
  • There are no employees and related costs
Common purpose of incorporation
  • Commonly used investment vehicle
  • Holding company
  • International employment contracts
  • Real estate purchase
  • Tax exemptions (depending on the jurisdiction and structure)
  • Lawsuit protection
  • Flexible business laws
  • Own intellectual property such as patents, trademarks and copyrights
  • Yacht registrations
  • International trading vehicle
  • Facilitates joint ventures
Permitted activities in offshore companies
  • Holding company (Buy/Sell stakes in companies)
  • General trading
  • Consulting services
  • Advisory services
  • International services
  • Investments and joint investments company
  • Commission agent services
  • Property ownership
  • Professional services
Limitations of an offshore company
  • UAE offshore companies cannot rent office and warehouse in UAE
  • UAE offshore companies cannot employ staff in UAE
  • No visa is provided to investors of offshore company
  • UAE offshore companies cannot carry any business in UAE. Business in UAE is possible only through a subsidiary company
  • UAE offshore companies cannot carry on the business activities like banking, insurance, financial services etc.
  • Banks usually follow strict due diligence and KYC while opening a bank account
  • Appraisal and financing from banks or financial institutions become very difficult
  • Trade benefits available to the LLC and free zone companies may not be available to offshore companies
Sun Management Offshore Services:
  • Registered office address on prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Assistance in opening multi-currency bank accounts
  • Registered agent
  • Preparation of memorandum and articles of association
  • Preparation of registration forms
  • Completion of KYC
  • Preparation of incorporation certificate
  • Filing with the registrar of companies
  • Assistance in getting certificate of good standing
  • Assistance in getting certificate of incumbency
  • Annual renewal
  • Processing of NOC for real estate purchase
  • Managing the changes in the organization structure