Creating a business and entering the UAE market

Legal support for international companies when creating a business, registering companies, structuring investments and entering the market of the United Arab Emirates

— About practice

Entering the UAE market means creating a regional platform for international business

For most international companies, the UAE is not an end market, but a strategic hub for managing investments, international trade, regional operations and cross-border projects.

A correctly chosen business structure determines the effectiveness of corporate governance, tax planning, asset protection, banking services and further scaling of the company in the markets of the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Registration of a company is just one of the stages. Before starting operations, it is necessary to determine the optimal jurisdiction, ownership structure, licensing model, requirements for corporate governance, banking infrastructure and interaction with an international group of companies.

Erich Rath assists international companies in setting up businesses in Dubai and other emirates, helping to build legally sound corporate structures that meet international standards and strategic business objectives.

— When practice is needed

We support projects if the company:

  • enters the UAE market
  • opens regional headquarters
  • registers a company in mainland Dubai
  • establishes a company in a free zone
  • forms an international holding structure
  • moves international business to the UAE
  • creates a family holding
  • opens a trading company
  • implements an investment project
  • expands operations to GCC, Middle East, Africa and Asia countries

— Expertise

Main directions

Go-to-Market Strategy

Entering the market begins with choosing a corporate model that matches the business development strategy.

We analyze the structure of an international group of companies, the nature of their activities, investor requirements and scaling prospects, developing an optimal model for presence in the UAE.

  • market entry strategy
  • choice of jurisdiction
  • corporate structuring
  • investment model analysis
  • project roadmap

Registration of a company in mainland UAE

Companies in the mainland of the UAE provide the opportunity to conduct business in the UAE without restrictions, participate in government tenders, work with local counterparties and implement large investment projects.

We support the registration of companies in accordance with the laws of the UAE and the requirements of relevant regulators.

  • company registration
  • choice of legal form
  • preparation of corporate documentation
  • registration with the competent authorities
  • support for the start of activities

Registration of a company in a free zone

Free economic zones offer specialized regulatory regimes focused on international business, trade, technology, finance, media, manufacturing and logistics.

We help you choose a free zone that matches the company’s business model and long-term development strategy.

  • free zone selection
  • company registration
  • obtaining licenses
  • support of corporate structure
  • interaction with the free zone administration

Corporate structuring

The corporate structure must ensure the effective management of an international group of companies and provide a basis for further investment.

We support the development of international corporate models using the capabilities of UAE legislation.

  • international holding structures
  • distribution of corporate functions
  • asset ownership models
  • corporate governance
  • international group structuring

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

The UAE remains one of the world's leading centers for attracting foreign investment.

We accompany international investors in creating a business, acquiring assets and implementing investment projects.

  • support of foreign investments
  • structuring investment projects
  • support of corporate procedures
  • legal support for negotiations
  • project implementation support

Licensing and regulatory approvals

Almost every type of activity requires obtaining an appropriate license.

We support the entire process of licensing and obtaining permits.

  • commercial licenses
  • professional licenses
  • industrial licenses
  • permitting procedures
  • interaction with regulators
  • change of licenses

Banking and corporate infrastructure

Effective activities are impossible without a properly organized banking and corporate infrastructure.

We provide legal preparation for businesses to open bank accounts and interact with financial institutions.

  • preparation of corporate documentation
  • support of banking procedures
  • corporate transparency
  • KYC documents
  • support for opening bank accounts

Business relocation

More and more international companies are moving regional functions to the UAE.

We support projects for the relocation of business, management, corporate functions and international holdings.

  • business relocation
  • change in the structure of the international group
  • transfer of corporate functions
  • management support
  • legal adaptation of business

— Results

Relevant experience

Establishment of the regional headquarters of an international industrial group in Dubai

Registration of a holding company for asset management in Europe, GCC and CIS countries

Support for the relocation of international business to the UAE

Creation of a corporate structure for an international trading company

Comprehensive support for a European company entering the UAE market

— Who do we help?

We accompany international companies operating in the following sectors:

  • industrial production
  • international trade
  • logistics
  • transport
  • energy
  • oil and gas industry
  • information Technology
  • artificial intelligence
  • fintech
  • digital assets
  • construction and development
  • pharmaceuticals
  • healthcare
  • family offices
  • private capital
  • investment funds

— Advantages

Why Erich Rath

  • 01support of projects between Europe, UAE, Russia and CIS countries as a single corporate system
  • 02understanding of international corporate structuring, not just company registration
  • 03support for the creation of regional headquarters, holdings and investment platforms
  • 04integration of corporate, investment and regulatory support into a single project
  • 05legal solutions focused on long-term development of international business

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The choice depends on the business model, nature of the activity, planned clients, licensing requirements and strategy of the international group of companies. There is no universal solution - the structure is determined after analyzing a specific project.

Yes. In many cases, foreign investors can own 100% of a company, but the available models depend on the type of activity and applicable legislation.

Yes. UAE law allows the use of local companies as holding structures to manage international assets and investments, subject to proper corporate structuring.

Yes. Many international companies establish regional offices in the UAE to manage operations in the GCC, Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets.

Yes. We support the entire process - from choosing a corporate structure and registering a company to licensing, preparing corporate documentation and launching operating activities.

— Discuss the project

Tell us about your task

The UAE is not only one of the most attractive jurisdictions for international business, but also a strategic platform for global development. Erich Rath helps international companies create corporate structures in the UAE that support investment, international trade, asset management and long-term business growth.