Legal Structures for Business in the United Arab Emirates
Historically, each Emirate has followed its own procedures governing the operations of foreign business interests. In practice, however, Dubai and the other Emirates followed the same general system, whereby foreign companies operated in one of three ways: with a local sponsor, through a partnership with a UAE national or company, or through a private limited company or public shareholding company incorporated by Ruler's decree.

Since 1984, steps have been taken to introduce a codified companies law applicable throughout the UAE. Federal Law No. 8 of 1984, as amended by Federal Law No. 13. The Federal Law stipulates a total local equity of not less than 51% in any commercial company and defines seven categories of business organisation that can be established in the UAE. It sets out the requirements in terms of shareholders, directors, minimum capital levels and incorporation procedures. It further lays down provisions governing conversion, merger and dissolution of companies.

The seven categories of business organisation defined by the law are:

• General Partnership Company
• Partnership-en-commend am
• Joint Venture Company
• Public Shareholding Company
• Private Shareholding Company
• Limited Liability Company
• Share Partnership Company

Link Up is here to advise you as to what is the best solution for your needs.

Once we have decided on the right company for you the following processes and fees are paid:

• Initial approval from economic department
• Trade name approval
• English Company Name fees
• Notary fees for court (depend on company share capital)
• Typing LLC contract (Arabic & English)
• Ministry of economic fees
• Trade license fees
• Owner accommodation fees (per partner)
• Government cultural fees
• Commercial services fee
• Commercial license - Tejari fees
• Chamber of commerce
• Waste fees municipality
• Commercial services improvement fees
• License fees
• Auditor's report fees
• 5% of office rent for registered address
• LLC Premium
• Sponsorship Fee

Once these processes have been completed there are a few other actions to complete before the company is finalised:

In the case of an LLC company a deposit of no less than 300,000 AED needs to be made at the designated bank, this is required as the capital of the company, it has to remain in place for approximately 72 hours and can then be removed or utilised .

A further consideration is the premises for the company, at Link Up we can offer the following options:

• Regular Office address within our Office Complex
• Hot seat within our Office Complex
• Virtual Office within our Office Complex

This offers you the most flexible and value for money rentals for your company premises.

Once all of these formalities are completed the licence can be issued.

Normally this complete process can be completed in 3 weeks.