UAE LLC Company Registration

In UAE, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular business structure that offers a flexible and dynamic framework for entrepreneurs and investors. Choosing UAE to start a limited liability company (LLC) is wise, as the city has become one of the top global destinations for business establishment. The UAE, the world's 30th-largest economy and the second-largest in the Middle East and North Africa, offers numerous advantages. These include free trade zones with 100% ownership, no income tax, and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

At Filings.ae, we are experts in helping businesses set up Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) throughout the UAE. Our team provides a streamlined and efficient process, ensuring your business is up and running quickly.

Are you prepared to start your LLC in the UAE? Contact us today and begin your journey toward entrepreneurial success in this vibrant region.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In UAE, a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a specific form of business entity that offers a flexible structure for entrepreneurs and investors. The key characteristics of an LLC are:

• Shareholder Structure: An LLC can have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 50 shareholders. These shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
• Limited Liability: The liability of the shareholders is limited to their shares in the company's capital. This means their assets are protected from business liabilities.
• Local Sponsor Requirement: An LLC requires a local sponsor (a UAE national) to own at least 51% of the company. Foreign nationals can own the remaining 49%.
• Management Structure: LLCs can be managed by the shareholders or managers appointed by the shareholders. The management is not necessarily restricted to the owners or local sponsors.
• Business Activities: While LLCs can undertake various commercial activities, they are restricted from banking, insurance, or investment activities.
• Capital Requirements: No minimum capital requirement exists for an LLC, but the capital must be adequate for the company to achieve its business objectives.
• Profit and Loss Distribution: The distribution of profits and losses can be stipulated differently in the company's contract, regardless of the shareholding percentage.
• Registration and Legal Compliance: LLCs must be registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the relevant trade licenses.
• Auditing and Financial Records: LLCs must maintain financial records and may need to undergo annual audits, depending on their activities and size.

Law Governing LLC Company Registration

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) formation and operation in the UAE are primarily governed by the UAE's Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies, also known as the Commercial Companies Law (CCL). This law and its amendments set out the legal framework for LLCs in the UAE.

Regulatory Authorities for LLCs in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the regulation and registration of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are overseen by different authorities depending on the specific emirate. Each emirate has its own Department of Economic Development (DED) or a similar authority responsible for business registration and regulation.

Additionally, each free zone authority is responsible for registering and regulating companies within their respective zones for businesses looking to operate in free zones.

Benefits of LLC Company Registration

Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the UAE offers a range of benefits, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and investors:

• Flexible Shareholder Structure: UAE allows for LLC establishments with just one person and permits up to 50 shareholders, offering flexibility in ownership and investment.
• Diverse Business Activities: LLCs in the UAE can engage in various business activities, providing entrepreneurs with numerous venture options.
• 100% Foreign Ownership: Recent changes in the UAE's Commercial Companies Law permit full foreign ownership in many business categories, a significant advantage for international entrepreneurs.
• Instant License Initiative: Under this initiative, LLCs can obtain operational licenses more swiftly, speeding up the business setup process.
• No Minimum Capital Requirement: While no fixed minimum capital requirement exists for LLCs, the Department of Economic Development (DED) assesses whether the capital is sufficient for the intended business activities.
• Fewer Business Activity Restrictions: LLCs face fewer restrictions on their business operations, allowing for a broader scope of commercial engagement.
• Operational Independence: LLCs can conduct business independently within the UAE, free from interference by non-active sponsors.
• Unlimited Visa Acquisition: Entrepreneurs can obtain any number of visas, facilitating the hiring of international talent without limitations.
• Legal Entity Status and Protection: An LLC is a separate legal entity protecting members from personal liability for the company's obligations and operations.

Required Documents for UAE LLC Company Registration

Memorandum of Association (MoA) Accompanying Documents:

• Articles of Association (AoA)
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Board Resolution
• Power of Attorney (PoA)

Document Attestation:

• Corporate documents translated into Arabic require attestation by the Ministry of Justice.

Shareholder Personal Documents:

• Copies of passports and visas
• Bank statements
• Bank reference letters

Additional Requirements for UAE Residents:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor or employer

Requirements for Shareholders Outside the UAE:

• Personal documents must be attested and notarized in their home country
• Re-attestation at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Procedure for LLC Company Registration in UAE

Registering a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in UAE involves a step-by-step process. At filings.ae.We assist you in successfully registering your LLC in UAE.

Select a Business Activity

In the UAE, an LLC has the option to select from a vast array of over 2000 business activities, enhancing the likelihood of finding an activity that aligns with your business vision.

When selecting your business activity, conducting thorough market research is crucial. This process will help you assess the viability of your ideas and their potential to evolve into a profitable venture.

Company Name Registration

After deciding on a business activity, the subsequent step in establishing an LLC in UAE is registering your company's name. The name selected for your company will represent the business operations it undertakes. Before finalizing, applicants should verify the name's availability with the UAE government. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen name complies with local laws and is not already used by another entity.

In selecting a company name, the following criteria should be met:

• It should not offend public morals or disrupt the country's peace.
• The name should be appropriate for the company's legal structure.
• It must not be a duplicate of an existing registered name.
• The name should align with the nature of the company's business activities.
• It should not include any religious references, names of governing bodies, or logos of external organizations.
• The name must avoid any controversial, derogatory, or insulting connotations.
• Using the entrepreneur's name should be the full legal name rather than a nickname.

At Filings.ae, our team of experts can assist you in this process, ensuring that your chosen company name complies with all legal requirements and regulations.

Choosing the Right Business Location

Each emirate and free zone in the UAE has unique regulations, tax benefits, and incentives. Understanding these can help you choose a location that aligns with your business needs and goals.

At filings.ae, we provide expert assistance in registering your business across all emirates and free zones in the UAE, ensuring that you make the most informed decision for your business setup.

Drafting and Submitting the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Creating a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is crucial to establish your company. This document should detail;

• The scope of your company's business activities
• The ownership structure of its shares
• Define the rights and authorities of the company.

It's also important to outline the relationship between the company and its shareholders and its foundational objectives. An LLC is required to appoint up to five managers.

Your LLC must adhere strictly to the terms set out in the MOA, as any deviation may be considered a breach of the agreement. Once the MOA is prepared, it should be submitted to the relevant authorities alongside the lease or rental contract for your business premises.

Applying for a Business License

Once the company name has been chosen and reserved with the appropriate authority, the next step is to apply for a business license. This license is crucial as it legally permits the holder to engage in the business activities specified in UAE. The types of licenses available cater to various business activities:

• Commercial License: Required for enterprises involved in trading activities. This is a common choice for businesses in the commerce sector.
• Industrial License: Necessary for businesses focused on production and industrial operations. This license is tailored to companies in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
• Professional License: Designed for professionals, technicians, and artisans offering specialized services. This is essential for individuals and entities in various service-oriented professions.

In addition to these primary license types, the UAE government also offers the option of an instant license for LLCs, streamlining the process.

Acquiring the Trade License

As outlined in the previous steps, your company can obtain its trade license upon verifying the submitted documents. This license officially integrates your company into the UAE's business ecosystem, granting it legal recognition. Holding a valid trade license also allows your company to participate in and benefit from various government initiatives, providing an opportunity to leverage the supportive business environment in the UAE.

Additional Licensing Options and Pre-approvals

It's important to note that certain business activities may require additional licenses and approvals. The documents required for these applications vary depending on the nature of the business activities, the company's location, and its structural framework.

To navigate this complexity, the team at Filings.ae is equipped to assist in acquiring all necessary licenses and approvals, ensuring a smooth and compliant business setup.

Visa and Emirates ID Requirements

Before initiating operations of your LLC, it's essential for you, your business partners, and employees, as well as their families, to secure the necessary visas, labor cards, and Emirates IDs. Additionally, there's an option to obtain an investor's visa, which grants you and your family investor status in the UAE.

Our team at Filings.ae is equipped to guide and assist you in obtaining a UAE Visa and Emirates ID.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

After successfully obtaining all necessary registrations and approvals from the relevant authorities, the next step for the company is to set up a corporate bank account under its name.

At Filings.ae, we assist you in opening a bank account in the UAE, facilitating the financial setup for your business operations.

Initiating Your Limited Liability Company Operations

With all the necessary licenses and approvals, your Limited Liability Company is now officially operational. You can now proceed with hiring staff, engaging in trade activities, purchasing and selling goods or services, among other business operations.

Choose Filings.ae for UAE LLC Company Registration.

At Filings.ae, we specialize in facilitating the registration of Limited Liability Companies (LLC) across all emirates in the UAE. Our team of seasoned experts is committed to providing seamless and compliant LLC registration services. We handle all aspects of company documentation, secure necessary licenses and approvals, and tailor our services to meet your specific business requirements.

Whether you're looking to establish your LLC in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate, our knowledgeable team is equipped to guide you through every step of the process. We ensure that your LLC registration aligns with each emirate's unique regulations and benefits, maximizing your business's potential.

Contact us now to start a successful LLC in UAE!