Monday, 6 August 2012

Legal Structures for Business

Previously, each emirate followed its own procedures governing the operations of foreign business interests.Business Setup in Dubai Since 1984, steps have been taken to introduce a codified companies’ law which is applicable throughout the UAE. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13 of 1988 - the "Commercial Companies Law" - and its by-laws have been issued and in basic terms the provisions of the Law are as follows:

Unless you open your Business in Dubai within one of the free trade zones, where 100% foreign ownership is permitted, the Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of Business Setup in Dubai organisations which can be established in the UAE. It categorises and defines the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.

The seven categories of business organisations defined by the law are: 

  • General partnership company
  • Partnership-en-commendam
  • Joint venture company
  • Public shareholding company
  • Private shareholding company
  • Limited liability company
  • Share partnership company


Limited Liability Company (LLC)


A Restricted Responsibility Organization can be established by at least two and a highest possible of 50 individuals whose liability is restricted to their stocks in the Organization's investment. The time needed to type an organization will be roughly 1-2 several weeks from the time frame of invoice of all the records. and techniques and the malfunction of the price can be given upon ask for.

The Greater part of Organizations with Business Setup in Dubai have decided for this Restricted Responsibility Organization, due to the point that this is the only choice which will give highest possible lawful possession i.e. 49% to the retirees for a dealing certificate. 

Fifty-one % contribution by UAE people is the common need for the Restricted Responsibility Organizations. Therefore the regular shareholding design for an LLC will be: 

Local sponsor(Partner) - 51% and 
Foreign Investor (s) - 49% 

Minimum investment needed is AED 300,000 (US$ 82,000), and should be added in money. While international value in the Organization is not allowed to surpass 49%, benefit and reduction circulation can be decided mutually.

Several actions are needed to identify a Restricted Responsibility Organization in Dubai, and these will consist of the following:-

Selecting a professional name for the Organization and having it accepted by the Certification Division of the Financial Division.

Drawing up the Business Setup in Dubai Memorandum of Organization and having it notarized by a Notary community Public in the Dubai Judges.

Seeking acceptance from the Financial Division and implementing for access in the Commercial Sign-up.

Once the acceptance is provided, the Organization will then be joined into the Commercial Sign-up and have its Memorandum of Organization released in the Secretary of state for economic climate and Commerce’s Message.The certificate will then adhere to, which will be from the Financial Division. 

The Organization should then be authorized with the Dubai Stage of Market and Market.