The United Arab Emirates is an emerging market for entrepreneurship and business. In the UAE, a limited liability company (LLC) provides greater protection from personal liability than other corporate structures like the partnership or corporation. LLCs are also easy to set up and run, as they require fewer formalities and filings than most other forms of companies in Dubai. So if you’re thinking about starting your own business in Dubai but have some questions about what type of structure you should choose, read on to find out all the benefits of choosing an LLC!
Let’s start with one of the best features: limited liability means that owners can limit their financial responsibility for debts incurred by the company to their investment amount rather than risking everything they invested into it. This gives entrepreneurs and investors much-needed protection from personal liability when they start a business.
If you are wondering how to start an LLC company formation in Dubai, there are two types of LLCs – restricted and unrestricted. The difference between the two is that the assets contributed by shareholders into an Unrestricted LLC can be used by all members for any purpose without requiring permission from other members. On the other hand, assets contributed to a Restricted LLC can only be used for specific purposes that have been outlined in the articles of association.
Another reason why business owners prefer Dubai as their base of operations is that it has an active social and cultural scene. It’s known to attract a diverse crowd with its vibrant lifestyle, fast-paced atmosphere, and interesting attractions. In fact, Dubai is often ranked one of the least stressful cities in the world to live in!
Embassies around the world have also put Dubai on their list of preferred places to call home. In fact, out of all government missions in Dubai, more than 70% are embassies. Aside from providing sample drafts and templates for you to use, a Dubai-based lawyer can help you process all necessary paperwork with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms in Dubai (RJSCDF) which is needed to establish an LLC.
As mentioned earlier, business owners and investors have the option of forming either a restricted or unrestricted limited liability company. In addition, there are five different types of activities in which an LLC can engage. These include:
Sole Proprietorship Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Private Joint-Stock Company Public Joint-Stock Company State Joint-Stock Company
If you’re looking to set up an offshore company in Dubai, that can easily be arranged. The first step is to submit a letter of no objection from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then you need to register with the Offshore Company Name Registrar, followed by registration with local government authorities like Dubai Economy to obtain an operating license for your LLC.
Companies in UAE are not required to have audited accounts and minutes on their meetings. However, some people prefer to keep a record of these for legal reasons. The meetings can be held in person or online if the members agree on it. If you’re looking to do business as a joint-stock company, this structure requires members to contribute their money into shares instead of paying for an equity share in the LLC that is being formed.
You’ll need to deposit a sum of money and properties as collateral which will be used in case the company is dissolved. You need to have at least one member who can act as a representative of the LLC. This representative is required to sign all documents on behalf of the LLC with regard to any legal actions that involve the company.
If you’re planning to open an LLC in Dubai, know that there are several benefits that make it a popular choice. These include:
- Limited Liability Protection Tax advantages Fast and easy registration process Flexibility when it comes to activities Ownership flexibility
- Branches of foreign companies can be formed in the UAE by submitting a no-objection certificate from their country of origin. Whether you’re just looking to set up a branch or you’re trying to get an LLC in Dubai, you need to be aware of the laws regarding this.
- To help make it easier for foreign companies, free zones are established throughout the UAE. These include:
- Dubai International Financial Centre Jebel Ali Free Zone Dubai Internet City Jafza Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
If you’re thinking about opening a free zone company in Dubai, be prepared to go through several steps. First and foremost is the initial registration which includes submitting your business license, obtaining an operating license for your LLC, and choosing which free zone you want to be in. Next is providing proof of ownership over any real estate properties, an initial capital contribution of at least AED 50,000, and a certificate that states the physical location where your office is going to be located. After this, you can start with company formation in Dubai.
You’ll need to submit a formation application, provide all necessary documents, and pay an annual fee of AED 1500.
To help you register your LLC in Dubai faster, the RJSCDF offers online services for companies that are registered at the national level. Aside from submitting the required documents, business owners can authorize agents to use their company’s seal and sign any legal documents on their behalf. To ensure that you’re registered in the UAE, keep in mind to obtain a certificate of registration which can be used for future transactions.
You can choose from various business formats such as LLC, partnership, sole trader, LLC, or LLP. These are options because under UAE law there is no distinction between the terms. However, you can choose LLC company formation in Dubai and LLP LLC or LLC LLP long list of benefits.
The most important benefit is that your personal assets are protected from lawsuits and debts incurred by the business. Of course, there are certain exceptions to this if it’s discovered that a member contributed his own money to the business. In that case, he can be held liable for any losses incurred by the company.
Also read: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LLC COMPANY FORMATION IN DUBAI, UAE
Conclusion
Limited liability companies are a popular choice for entrepreneurs in Dubai. LLCs offer you more protection from personal liability than other corporate structures like the partnership or corporation and they require fewer formalities and filings. If you’re thinking about starting your own business in Dubai but have some questions about what type of structure to choose, read on to find out all the benefits of choosing an LLC!