Company Formations

Stonefort is a corporate service provider who can assist with company formations in the UAE (both free zone and offshore), Singapore, and in many other jurisdictions around the world.

Freezone

In order to set up a UAE Free Zone company the applicant must contact us. As a Registered Agent we will be responsible for submitting the incorporation documents to the Registrar. The applicant does not need to be physically present for the incorporation.

Set up time: 2-3 weeks

UAE Residence Visa: 2-3 weeks

LIST OF REQUIREMENTS

Regular Documents:

Non-Free Zone Licensing

The basic requirement for all business activity in the UAE is one of the following three categories of licenses:

Some categories of businesses require approval from ministries also: for example, banks and financial institutions from the Central Bank of the UAE; manufacturing from the Ministry of Finance and Industry; and pharmaceutical and medical products from the Ministry of Health; branch of foreign company from the ministry of Economy and Commerce. More detailed procedures apply to businesses engaged in oil or gas production and related industries.

Ownership Requirements

Fifty-one per cent participation by UAE nationals is the general requirement for all UAE established companies except:

In professional or artisan companies where 100% foreign ownership is permitted

Legal Structures for Business

The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organization, which can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. The seven categories of business organization defined by the Law are:

Out of these seven activities LLCs are more commonly used by the foreign investors. Apart from these seven categories, FDIs are encouraged through branches and Representative Offices of foreign companies and 100% foreign owned Professional Firms.

STEPS FOLLOWED FOR A UAE COMPANY FORMATION