Dubai LLC Business Setup
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most widely used business structure in Dubai and across the UAE mainland.It is the preferred choice for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and established businesses looking to trade freely within the UAE, serve local customers, and access the full spectrum of the market.
Full UAE Market Access
Trade anywhere in the UAE without geographical restrictions, and open branches in any UAE emirate.
100% Foreign Ownership
Now available for most commercial and industrial activities, with a separate legal identity protecting personal assets.
Government Tenders
Eligible to bid for government and semi-government tenders, with access to the Dubai banking system and corporate finance.
Unlimited Employee Visas
Access to unlimited employee visas based on office size, with between 2 and 50 shareholders permitted under one LLC.
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Why Set Up a Dubai LLC
A Dubai LLC is a company formed under the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies. The company is a separate legal entity from its shareholders, which means it can own assets, sign contracts, take on liabilities, and operate independently. Shareholders are only responsible for company debts up to the amount they have invested, and their personal assets remain protected.
An LLC is licensed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (Dubai DED) and can operate any approved commercial, industrial, or service activity across the UAE mainland. It differs from a free zone company, which is restricted to operating within its designated zone unless it appoints a local distributor for mainland sales.
Federal Decree Law No. 32 of 2021
A separate legal entity licensed by Dubai DED, able to trade across the entire UAE mainland.
- Full UAE mainland market access without geographical restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership now available for most commercial and industrial activities
- Separate legal identity that protects personal assets from business liabilities
- Shareholder liability limited to the amount invested in the company
- Eligible to bid for government and semi-government tenders
- Freedom to open branches in any UAE emirate
- Access to Dubai banking system and corporate finance
- No personal income tax and favourable corporate tax environment
- Between 2 and 50 shareholders permitted under one LLC structure
- Minimum authorised share capital of AED 100,000 to be recorded in the MOA
- No mandatory paid-up capital deposit required
- Access to unlimited employee visas based on office size
Who Should Set Up a Dubai LLC
Following the 2021 commercial companies law reforms, most commercial and industrial activities in Dubai now allow 100% foreign ownership. These are the licence types, ownership rules and the businesses that most commonly form an LLC.
Licence Types for a Dubai LLC
4- Commercial Licence: buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing goods. The most common licence type for trading businesses in Dubai.
- Professional Licence: service based businesses providing consulting, advisory, technical or professional services.
- Industrial Licence: manufacturing, production and industrial operations requiring a physical facility in Dubai mainland.
- Tourism Licence: travel agencies, tour operators, hotel management and tourism services.
Ownership Structure of a Dubai LLC
6- Minimum of 2 shareholders and maximum of 50 shareholders.
- Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities, of any nationality.
- 100% foreign ownership allowed for most commercial activities. There is no longer a requirement for a UAE national to hold 51% of the shares in most sectors.
- Strategic activities such as certain banking, defence and utilities sectors may still require UAE national involvement.
- A local service agent may be required for certain professional activities.
- A UBO register must be maintained and kept updated.
Trading Businesses
Companies involved in importing, exporting, distributing, or retailing goods in the UAE local market.
Service Providers
Businesses offering consulting, IT, real estate, accounting, marketing, or professional services to UAE clients.
Construction and Contracting
Companies engaged in contracting, civil works, fit-out, facilities management, and infrastructure projects.
Hospitality and F and B
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and food and beverage businesses that trade directly with UAE consumers.
Healthcare and Education
Medical clinics, pharmacies, schools, training centers, and related businesses operating in regulated sectors.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Production facilities, factories, and manufacturing businesses needing a mainland licence for UAE operations.
Our Process for Dubai LLC Formation
Seven steps from confirming your activities with Dubai DED to your trade licence and post-licence compliance.
Activity and Licence Review
We confirm your business activities with Dubai DED and identify the correct licence type for your operations.
Trade Name Reservation
We reserve a unique and compliant trade name with Dubai DED following UAE naming regulations.
Initial Approval
We obtain initial approval from Dubai DED to proceed with the company formation process.
MOA Preparation
We prepare the Memorandum of Association outlining the company structure, shareholder details, capital, and activities.
Office Lease and Ejari
We guide you through securing a physical office and registering the lease agreement as required by Dubai DED.
Licence Issuance
We submit the final application and coordinate payment with Dubai DED to receive your official trade licence.
Post-Licence Support
We assist with establishment card, visa processing, corporate bank account, VAT, corporate tax, payroll, and annual renewal.
Dubai LLC Application Checklist
Have these ready before applying. Regulated activities additionally need external ministry approvals and an NOC for licensed professionals.
Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
UAE visa or Emirates ID if available
Proposed trade name options
Business activity list
Shareholder ownership percentages and director details
Authorised share capital amount and KYC/UBO information
Physical office lease details
External ministry approvals if required by activity, and NOC for licensed professionals
Why Work With Us for Dubai LLC Formation
The LLC route gives you the widest market access in the UAE, but it also carries the most moving parts: activity codes, MOA structure, Ejari, and in some sectors an external ministry approval that must run in parallel.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we match your business model to the correct activity codes before you apply, then carry the application through to licence issuance and beyond.
Activity and Licence Review
We match your business model with the correct activity codes and licence type with Dubai DED before you apply.
Document Accuracy
Our team reviews shareholder details, MOA information, and supporting documents before submission to reduce rejections.
Cost and Office Clarity
We help you understand all licence, visa, office, and compliance related costs before committing.
Full Compliance Support
After incorporation, we support accounting, bookkeeping, VAT filing, corporate tax, payroll, and annual renewal.
Establishment Card and Visas
Apply for an establishment card to enable visa processing and labour registration, then investor and employee visas and Emirates ID.
Corporate Bank Account
Open a UAE corporate bank account for business transactions once your trade licence is issued.
Tax Registration
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, and for VAT if annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
Annual Renewal
Set up accounting records and payroll systems, and renew your trade licence annually before the expiry date.
Compare a Dubai LLC With Other Structures
An LLC is the right answer when you need the UAE local market. If you trade internationally or want lower costs, these alternatives may fit better.
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Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
The wider Dubai mainland route covering activity selection, trade name and approvals, licence documentation and setup cost guidance.
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Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone
Business Setup in Dubai Free Zone
Free zone companies offer 100% ownership and lower costs, but must use a local distributor for UAE mainland sales.
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Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
For international business, asset holding and IP structures that do not need to trade inside the UAE.
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Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Open a UAE corporate bank account for your LLC with support on documentation and compliance requirements.
Related Service
Corporate Tax Registration
Corporate Tax Registration
Register your Dubai LLC for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority and stay compliant from day one.
Related Service
VAT Registration & Filing
VAT Registration & Filing
Register for VAT once your annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, and keep your returns filed on time.
Dubai LLC Business Setup FAQs
What is an LLC in Dubai?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Dubai is a company formed under UAE federal law that has a separate legal identity from its shareholders. Each shareholder is only liable for company debts up to the amount they have invested.
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