Full analysis of Dubai company registration types

As one of the global business hubs, Dubai continues to attract international businesses with its zero income tax, free trade policy and strategic geographical location. In 2025, the Dubai government will further simplify the registration process through the "Digital Dubai" plan, realize the whole process on-line, and greatly improve the efficiency of enterprise registration. Based on the latest policies and practical cases, this paper systematically analyzes the core types, applicable scenarios and practical points of Dubai Company Registration to help enterprises land efficiently.

1. Free Zone Companies: Foreign-controlled Tax Haven

core advantages:

Free Zone companies (Free Zone Company) allow 100 percent foreign ownership and enjoy zero income tax, zero tariffs and free repatriation of capital profits. By 2025, the number of free zones in Dubai will increase to more than 20, covering multiple fields such as technology, trade, and logistics.

Applicable scene:

international trade, cross-border e-commerce (e. g. commodities, jewelry trade);

technology R & D, regional headquarters (without direct access to the local UAE market);

asset segregation and tax optimization (e. g. offshore holding structures).

Key points of registration:

type breakdown:

FZCO (joint venture company): 2-5 shareholders (natural persons or enterprises) are required, with a minimum capital contribution of 100000 dirhams per shareholder and a registered capital of 500000 dirhams.

FZE (wholly-owned company): Only 1 shareholder (natural person or enterprise), registered capital of 1 million dirhams.

Registration process:

name pre-examination: submit 3 alternative English names, approved by DED or free zone platform within 24 hours (need to avoid "government", "bank" and other sensitive words).

Preparation of documents: copy of shareholder's passport, proof of address, lease contract (free area can provide virtual office).

2. Inland Companies: Local Market Deep Penetration

core advantages:

inland companies (Mainland Company) can directly participate in the local UAE market, including government project bidding, retail and service businesses. After the policy is relaxed in 2025, some industries (such as high-tech and green energy) will allow foreign investors to hold 100 percent of the shares, but traditional industries still need local insurers to hold at least 51 percent of the shares.

Applicable scene:

retail, catering, local services for UAE consumers;

participation in government infrastructure projects (e. g. construction, energy);

professional services areas (legal, accounting, medical).

Key points of registration:

conditions of registration:

shareholder: at least 1, natural person or enterprise, nationality is not limited.

Director: at least 1 natural person, nationality is not limited.

Registered capital: minimum 100000 dirhams (paid in), higher requirements in some industries.

Office address: entity office lease contract is required.

Compliance Requirements:

submit financial statements and annual audit reports on time;

renewal of business license;

follow the UAE labor law and plan the employee visa quota reasonably.