How to Set Up Holding Companies in UAE

UAE decades ago was a world business hub. With pro-business laws, no taxation of companies in the majority of the Free Zones and geo-political location between Europe, Asia and Africa, UAE, these zones today is an offshore entrepreneur investor heaven. Investment Companies and Holding Companies are the most popular business entities to conduct business within them.

This structure suits corporates and institutions that want to operate in investment, subsidiary, or asset mode on a single regulated platform, gaining access to the UAE’s high-standard legal system, tax benefits, and international prestige.

A UAE Investment Company

A UAE equity investment firm is a registered firm which invests capital in stocks, real properties, bonds, real properties, or anything else in hopes of gain. Firms never undertake commodity but fund, security, or portfolio management.

They are said to introduce most investors to Free Zone companies like ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) or DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), established international global financial centers with regulation haven, foreign world bank presence, and tax advantage.

What is a Holding Company in the UAE?

Holding Company listing on the basis of investment in shares of group company or others. It is listing and not for commodity production or service provision but listing for assets, equity, or intellectual properties.

Family business or multi-national corporation can list a holding company in UAE so that they would have all their subsidiaries into one, reduce risk, and get regulation whenever required.

Investment and holding companies are Mainland, Free Zone-registered in JAFZA, RAK ICC, or IFZA as per the needs of the company.

UAE Investment & Holding Companies Registration Advantage

100% Foreign Ownership – Foreigner can be allowed 100% ownership in the Free Zones without registration with a local sponsor.
Taxation Advantages – Free Zones are exempted from personal income tax, corporation tax, and capital gains tax. New Mainland corporation tax but tax-free coverage.
Legal System Operating System – ADGM and DIFC follow the same common law system across the entire globe with international investor protection.
Assets Security – Intellectual property, assets, and shares are safeguarded in holding companies with an overlaid regime.
Ease of repatriation of capital – Capital and profit are at ease repatriating capital.
Ease of access to international banking – Companies are comforted with banking access at ease locally in the UAE and overseas.
Ease of access to strategic geography – East–West crossroads of the world of the UAE.
Freedom of form – Comparative best fit to be employed by family offices, group consolidation, or multilateral expansion.
Reputation Builder – “Registered in Dubai/Abu Dhabi” more attractive to overseas business partners.
Double Tax Agreements – UAE has double tax treaties with over 140 countries, reduced tax leakage on border transactions.

Mainland vs Free Zone Establishment

Mainland (i.e. Dubai, Abu Dhabi):

Recommended if you want to invest locally or have shareholdings in UAE-registered Mainland companies.
liable to corporation tax (9% on profits above AED 375,000).
Government contracts and Japanese local tenders’ access.

Free Zone (i.e., DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, RAK ICC, IFZA):

100% foreign ownership allowed, tax-free registration, and international prestige.
DIFC/ADGM Onshore best used for investment houses.
RAK ICC or JAFZA holding companies best used for offshore and international structuring.

Setup Key Requirements

Business Plan – Shareholders’ investment or holding structure document.
Shareholders – Shareholder details of individual or company.
Some Free Zones may require you to provide proof of minimum capital based on your business activity.
Regulatory Approval – Statutory regulation of ADGM/DIFC regulated investment company funds.
You must choose physical or flexi-desk office space based on the jurisdiction’s requirements.
Bank Account – Investment company to maintain a bank account.

Formation of an Investment or Holding Company in the UAE

Choose Jurisdiction – Free Zone or Mainland as suitable for activities.
Choose Business Activity – Asset holding, investment management, or group structure.
Supply Documents – Copy of passport, business plan, shareholder information.
Obtain License – Free Zone or DED (Mainland) licensing division.
Open Corporate Bank Account – For onshore and offshore operations.
Visa Applications – Owners, employees, and dependents as applicable.

Why UAE for Investment & Holding Companies?

Financial hub of the world, widely accepted across the globe.

Politically stable and investor-friendly legal system.

Free trade zones and low-tax regime.

Asset protection haven of long-term asylum.

What Taxtube Can Do

Taxtube takes your hand and guides you step by step through all that you have to do in the setup of a UAE holding company and investing through it. From choosing the optimum Free Zone or Mainland jurisdiction, structuring the legal paperwork, procuring the approvals, right up to opening company name bank accounts — we’ve got them all set for you.

By setting up your businesses, foreign expansion or asset protection, Taxtube facilitates low-costing, regulation-readiness, and future-proofing.

Entrepreneurs worldwide prefer UAE Holding or Investment Companies for asset protection, asset management, and long-term business survivability.With the UAE’s location advantage, tax benefits, and supportive business culture, your business will not only be safe but also thrive, allowing you to expand confidently.

Call Taxtube today and discover how to file what is how to file in a bid to get or investment business in the UAE.