Last Updated: July 01, 2025
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a seven-state federation in the Middle East with a strong economy and high living standards. The UAE has an open economy, and the country’s free trade zone allows for 100% international ownership and zero taxes, which has helped attract global investors. The UAE has also implemented policies that encourage foreign investment through these free trade zones, offering lucrative incentives. The nation, with its wealth, has fueled a rapid development of luxury tourism, renewable energy, and advanced technological innovation.
Capital City
Abu Dhabi
Language
Arabic, English
Currency
UAE Dirham (AED)
Business Hubs
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah
Unlock growth opportunities in UAE with Cerity Global as your trusted partner. We offer end-to-end support for establishing your legal entity, navigating UAE’s often complex regulatory landscape with clarity and efficiency.
From company registration to ongoing back-office support, including HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, tax and compliance, Cerity Global simplifies the process so you can focus on growing your business.
Need to hire quickly before your entity is set up? We offer interim EOR services in UAE, enabling you to onboard talent fast. Once your entity is established, we ensure a smooth transition of your employees from the EOR structure to your own legal entity, without disrupting payroll or compliance.
Our experts stay ahead of regulatory changes to keep your operations aligned with UAE’s employment and tax laws, helping you scale confidently and compliantly.
The most standard type of entity setup in mainland UAE is a limited liability company. LLC is a form of establishment which requires less than 50 shareholders. Each of their liabilities is limited to their shares. LLCs are permitted to conduct any commercial or industrial business.
A branch is a type of entity setup treated as an expansion of the parent company and not as a separate structure. In mainland UAE, a branch requires a resident of the country, or a company wholly owned by residents, to act as a sponsor.
It is also possible to establish an entity in the free zones in the UAE, either as a limited liability company (FZ LLC) or a branch office (FZ Branch). FZ LLC is a separate and distinct legal entity with limited liability, and there is no restriction on the shareholders’ nationality. Activities are restricted to the free zone in which the company is incorporated and those the company is licensed to perform.
A free zone branch is usually not considered a separate entity and treated as an extension of the parent company.
An LLC requires the shareholders to appoint at least 1 director or manager.
The parent company must appoint 1 general manager.
FZ LLC requires at least 1 manager, secretary, and director, and 1 individual, in certain free zones, may hold the office of a manager, secretary, and director.
The parent company must appoint 1 general manager. Free zone companies may need a local distributor to operate in the mainland UAE, as they’re restricted to operating within their zone or internationally.
In the UAE, corporate bank account opening requirements vary by bank and entity type. Most banks require a physical presence of authorized signatories, complete documentation, and may have minimum deposit requirements.
Cerity Global supports companies in their global expansion plans and helps in legal entity setup, registration and ongoing support services. With us, you can quickly set up a legal entity, operate compliantly, and expand globally. The process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the bank.
Reasons you should setup legal entity in UAE:
Cerity Global ensures your business expansion in UAE is fast, compliant, and future-ready, so you can focus on growth while we manage the back-office tasks.
Economic figures are subject to change based on quarterly reports and market conditions.
Cerity Global combines deep local knowledge with proven expertise to make your UAE business establishment effortless and compliant. Whether you’re looking for legal entity setup and registration or ongoing support, we’re your trusted partner for sustainable global expansion in UAE.
Disclaimer – The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Entity setup requirements, tax rates, and economic data are subject to change and may vary by location.
To discuss your needs and how we can help you achieve a compliant and efficient expansion.