Mainland Companies
Mainland Companies
Until recently, the UAE did not allow foreign ownership of local (mainland) companies. The UAE law stipulated that nationals must own at least 51 % of the company’s share capital, while the remaining 49 % may belong to foreigners. However, this rule has been changed for most business activities, and foreigners are now allowed to own 100 % of a company located in mainland. This step is believed to make mainland companies more attractive, given the fact that they have the following advantages:
- The freedom to trade anywhere in the UAE or outside the country
- The ability to conduct a wide range of business activities
- Premises/offices may be located anywhere in the country
- No restrictions on real estate ownership
Mainland companies can be incorporated as a company with one or more owners, as a branch or a representative office of a foreign company, or as a professional/civil firm.
Other benefits and characteristics:
Other benefits and characteristics:
Low corporate tax rate of 9 % with a threshold of AED 375’000
- Freedom to repatriate capital and profits
- No currency exchange control
- No minimum capital
- No personal income tax
- Possibility to get UAE residence visas for owners, managers, employees
Mainland companies can use Double Tax Treaties.