Entity Set-Up & Management

Incorporation and Registrations

The UAE has become a preferred destination for businesses seeking regional expansion and global presence, supported by a strong business environment, strategic location, and efficient regulatory framework. To operate legally, an entrepreneur must obtain the appropriate license from the relevant authority.

Business licenses in the UAE are generally classified into three categories:

• Commercial licenses for trading and other commercial activities
• Professional licenses for professionals, craftsmen, tax advisors, and business consultants
• Industrial licenses for manufacturing and industrial activities

There are broadly three jurisdictions in UAE among which foreign entrepreneurs can choose to set up a proposed entity: The Mainland, Free Zones, or Offshore, each with its own specifications and benefits:

What Nexdigm Can Help With

• Selecting the appropriate jurisdiction based on proposed operations.
• Liaising with free zone authorities, mainland authorities, and other government departments as required
• Managing company name registration and pre-approvals
• Obtaining initial approval, trade license issuance, and commercial registration certificates
• Drafting, obtaining approval, and legalizing business setup-related documents such as Memorandum of Association, Power of Attorney, Board Resolutions, business introductory forms, and applications.
• Supporting office lease agreements or coordinating tenancy contract registration and Ejari formalities, where applicable.
• Registering the newly established company with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE), relevant immigration authorities, Emirates Post, and Customs Authority
• Registering the company with relevant online portals for visa, licensing, and other administrative purposes
• Supporting in opening a UAE bank account
• Coordinating Emirates ID and medical fitness test procedures
• Supporting registration for Corporate Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT), where applicable
• Assisting with obtaining sector-specific permits and external approvals from competent authorities
• Assisting in maintaining corporate records and statutory documents
• Supporting amendments to company structure, shareholding, management, or licensed activities
• Assisting with drafting shareholder resolutions and other corporate governance documents
• Supporting company liquidation, deregistration, or restructuring procedures, if required

Renewals

Once a business license is obtained, the legal entity license is valid for one year from the date of issuance. Every business needs to renew its license in UAE every year, as per the rules of the governing authority, to remain compliant and operational.

To help you continue operations, Nexdigm can assist with annual renewals, including:

• Coordination and processing of trade license renewals with the relevant licensing authority or free zone authority.
• Assistance with establishment card and immigration file renewals.
• Coordination for renewal of labor cards and related Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE) requirements.
• Coordination for renewal of P.O Box, Custom code, No Objections Certificates from relevant authorities.
• Support with renewal of office lease agreements or Ejari, where required for license renewals.
• Assistance with renewal of corporate bank-related documentation and KYC submissions, where applicable.
• Monitoring renewal timelines and maintaining a compliance calendar for statutory renewals and filings.
• Coordination with regulatory authorities for submission of required documents and approvals.
• Support with annual filing requirements and regulatory declarations, where applicable.
• Assistance with Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and other ongoing compliance renewals and filings, as applicable.
• Periodic status updates and advisory support throughout the renewal process.
• Support with ad hoc amendments or changes related to renewed licenses or registrations.

Who This Is For

• Foreign entrepreneurs entering the UAE.
• Businesses setting up in Mainland or Free Zone
• Companies needing renewal and compliance support
• Businesses requiring amendments, restructuring, or liquidation support.