Wholly‑owned entities have only one shareholder. Suffixes FZCO and FZE denote such entities. Investors hold full ownership of the companies, who are entitled to all preferential zero‑tax policies within the free‑zone.

Foreign investors may enjoy 100 % ownership without the requirement for any local sponsor or partner.

Strong privacy protection is available, and shareholders’ information is not required to be publicly disclosed.

Exemption from import and export duties facilitates import‑and‑export‑trading activities.

Free repatriation of capital and profits is permitted without any foreign‑exchange‑control restrictions.

The recently relaxed regulations permit 100 % foreign ownership in certain sectors, such as high‑technology, green energy, aviation and logistics.

Companies may conduct business directly in Dubai and other parts of the UAE without engaging local agents or distributors.

UAE offshore companies refer to entities not registered within the UAE but established under offshore‑jurisdiction laws. UAE‑based foreign holding companies are generally entities incorporated overseas under foreign legislations.

Offshore companies may normally benefit from low‑tax or tax‑exempt regimes.

Sole Establishment Company, suffixed with EST, requires sponsorship by a local sponsor for registration and is suitable for large‑scale enterprises.

It may conduct business freely across Dubai and the whole UAE without geographical restrictions.

It qualifies for government‑tender participation and may carry out sales and service activities directly within the UAE without appointing local agents or distributors.

It covers a broader scope of business activities, including professional‑service sectors such as education, healthcare and legal services.

1. Clear colour‑scanned full‑set passport copies (cover‑to‑cover) for shareholders, directors, general manager and company secretary of the Dubai‑registered company;

2. Proof of address (utility bills, credit‑card or bank‑card statements showing the individual’s full name and residential address, issued within the past three months).

1. Clear colour‑scanned copies of the Business Licence, Memorandum and Articles of Association;

2. Scanned copy of Certificate of Good Standing;

3. Complete shareholding‑structure diagram;

4. Shareholding‑evidencing documents;

5. Board resolution for establishing the Dubai‑based company and appointing its representative;

6. Clear colour‑scanned passport copies and proof of address of the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (utility bills, credit‑card or bank statements showing the individual’s full name and address, issued within the past three months);

(Non‑natural‑person shareholders holding more than 5 % of the shares shall be traced to the ultimate beneficial owners, except for shareholders that are listed companies.)