An onshore company in Dubai is a resident company that is eligible to conduct business in UAE and sponsor employees under the company.
There are two major business jurisdictions in UAE the Mainland and Free Zone for setting up an Onshore Company in UAE. Often foreign investors do not understand the difference between onshore and offshore companies.
From a Foreign Investor perspective, Onshore companies are overseas companies that are governed by the country’s commercial companies law. On contrary, Offshore companies are non-resident companies based in offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, RAKICC in UAE, etc.
They are not eligible for opening an office space or conducting business within UAE. Nor they can apply for a UAE residence visa.
Setting Up an Onshore Company in Dubai?
Setting up an onshore company in Dubai is advisable to carry out through an expert Business Consultant. There are a few procedures for setting up an onshore company in Dubai.
The onshore company in Dubai has multiple benefits such as lower taxation, better infrastructure, improved business prospects, etc.
Also, Dubai is a perfect destination to grow business and connect with a diverse market. There are immense business opportunities in Dubai for investors.
Steps in Setting Up an Onshore Company in Dubai
Setting up an onshore company in Dubai is similar to any Free Zone or Mainland Company. The investors can follow the below steps to ensure the onshore company is setup the right way. The entrepreneur can open an onshore company in Dubai either as a branch of a foreign company or as a new company in Dubai.
- Choose the desired business activity, business license types, and the business jurisdiction – mainland or Free Zone
- Keep 3 alternatives for the company name. The Free Zone or DED, Dubai will approve the Trade Name based on availability.
- Choose the shareholding pattern between the shareholders, prepare the application form and submit the supporting documents
- Submit one photograph (white background) and passport copy of the shareholder,
- Remit the required company formation fee to the Free Zone or Mainland authority depending on the chosen business jurisdiction.
- Prepare the tenancy contract for the office space. Depending on the business activity, investor’s choice, and visa quota requirements, the investor must choose the right office size. Aurion team will guide the investors with the ideal options for office space and setting up the onshore company.
- The investor will receive the trade license, and company documents – Memorandum of Association. share certificate, special approvals ( if any), tenancy contract, office keys, company stamp, et
Right Free Zones for Setting Up an Onshore Company in Dubai
There are more than 40 Free Trade Zones in UAE and each Free Zone offers unique company formation packages. Also, the business support services the Free zones in Dubai offer are unmatched.
For foreign investors, to set up an onshore company in Dubai following are a few Free Zone to focus on.
1. Dubai China Center Free Zone – Dubai Digital Park
Dubai China Center Free Zone is one of the newest Free Trade Zones in UAE offering various business licenses. The Free Zone offers a 3 visa quota and trade license for the investors at AED 20,000 in Dubai.
The cost-effective company set up with the availability of a wide variety of business activities makes it the perfect choice for foreign investors. The strategic location, world-class amenities, and networking opportunities are highlights of the China Center Freezone.
2. Dubai Silicon Oasis – IFZA
Dubai Silicon Oasis-IFZA is a startup hub in the UAE. It is one of the most dynamic Free Zone and a perfect place to launch an offshore company in Dubai. The Free Zone is well equipped with top-class business amenities, conference halls, workspaces, etc.
There is a wide range of business activities available in the Free Zones across trading, consultancy, and software business categories. IFZA has various company setup choices with multiple visa quotas and office space facilities that are ideal for specific business activities.
3. Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai Airport Free Zone is one of the most prestigious Free Trade Zones in Dubai. It is situated next to the Dubai International Airport making it a perfect option for international businesses to set up their headquarters.
There are customized office spaces in DAFZA for a wide range of business activities. It is an ideal choice for all types of companies in the field of trading, consulting, aircraft maintenance, and IT-related companies.
Setting up an onshore company in Dubai Airport Free zone enables the investors to be part of a reputed community of entrepreneurs. The Free Zone is one of the most reputed and popular Free Zones in UAE.
4. Dubai Commerce City
Dubai CommerCity is one of the latest addition to the Free Zone community. It is a new Free Zone that provides specialized onshore company setup packages for eCommerce, media, trading, consulting, etc.
Located close to the Dubai International Airport, it is an ideal free zone for companies that have logistics involved in their daily business operations.
To know more read: DubaiCommerCity
5. Dubai Multi-Commodities Center
Dubai Multi-Commodities Center (DMCC) is one of the world’s largest Free Trade Zone with more than 10,000 companies operating in various towers of the Jumeriah Lakes Towers (JLT) and Tecom Area.
DMCC Free Zone is a perfect location for networking, startups, IT professionals, marketing, etc., to collaborate and work together. There are various cost-effective company setup packages for investors to opt for in DMCC.
Hence, in a nutshell, there are various options available for foreign investors in UAE to set up an onshore company in the region.
Similar to setting up the onshore company in the Free Zones of Dubai, the investor can also apply for a limited liability company or a professional civil work company. A single shareholder professional license can be applied from the Department of Economic Development (DED) Dubai.
Aurion will guide you with the right company formation package and business support for easily setting up an onshore company in UAE.
To know more about Setting up Free Zone Company in Dubai, talk to our expert Business Consultants right away!
Contact Us: Aurion Business Consultants
