Business setup glossary

The constitutional document that governs a company's internal rules, ownership, and management structure.

The annual financial review obligations that apply to UAE-registered entities, depending on their jurisdiction and structure.

A government-assigned code that defines the specific business activities a company is licensed to carry out.

A person formally appointed to sign documents and make binding decisions on behalf of a company.

The process of establishing a corporate bank account after a company has been incorporated.

A formal decision made and recorded by a company's board of directors or managers.

The official permit that authorises a business to legally operate in the UAE.

An extension of a parent company that operates under the same legal identity, rather than as a separate entity.

A license type issued for trading and general commercial activities, such as import, export, and retail.

A UAE federal tax of 9% applied to taxable business profits above AED 375,000.

An official stamp used to authenticate corporate documents and contracts.

A membership body that businesses register with, often required for certifying trade documents and attestations.

The Department of Economic Development (now Dubai Economy and Tourism, DET) — the government authority responsible for licensing mainland companies in Dubai.

A contract that grants a company the rights to distribute another party's products within the UAE.

A residence visa that allows a UAE resident to sponsor their spouse, children, or other eligible family members.

The mandatory national identification card issued to all UAE residents and citizens.

A company-level immigration card required before a business can process employee or investor visas.

A license type issued for businesses that sell goods or services exclusively online.

The Dubai Land Department system used to officially register tenancy contracts, including virtual office leases.

A designated economic area that allows 100% foreign ownership, with its own regulations and licensing authority separate from the mainland.

A free zone company structure owned by a single shareholder, who can be an individual or a corporate entity.

A shared workspace license option offered by free zones, typically the most affordable way to meet the physical office requirement.

A long-term UAE residence visa (5 or 10 years) available to qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

A company structure created to own shares in other companies, rather than to trade or operate directly.

A residence visa issued to shareholders or partners of a UAE company.

A license type issued for manufacturing, processing, and assembly activities.

A preliminary confirmation from the licensing authority that allows a business setup application to proceed to the next stage.

A common offshore company structure used for holding assets or conducting business outside the UAE.

A business arrangement in which two or more parties combine resources to pursue a specific commercial activity.

A permit that confirms an employee is authorised to work for a specific employer in the UAE.

A contract confirming a company's right to occupy a commercial space, often required for licensing and Ejari registration.

The formal, authority-approved process of closing down a company and cancelling its trade license.

The annual process of renewing a trade license to keep a company legally operational.

A UAE national appointed to facilitate government processes for certain mainland professional licenses, without holding an ownership stake.

A mandatory health screening required as part of the UAE residence visa application process.

A legal document that defines a company's structure, ownership percentages, and permitted business activities.

The federal UAE body responsible for overseeing broader economic and commercial regulation.

A letter confirming that a party has no objection to a specific action, such as an employee changing sponsorship or opening a business.

The section of a company's constitutional documents that lists its permitted business activities.

A company registered in the UAE for international business purposes, which cannot trade directly within the UAE domestic market.

A legal document authorising one person to act on behalf of another in specific business or legal matters.

A license type issued for service-based and consultancy businesses that rely on specialised skills rather than physical trading.

A free zone company that meets specific conditions allowing it to benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.

A licensed intermediary required to represent an offshore company in its jurisdiction of registration.

An individual or entity that owns shares in a company and holds a stake in its ownership.

A document that serves as formal proof of ownership of shares in a company.

A mainland business structure owned entirely by one individual, with no separate legal personality from its owner.

The official permit authorising a business to operate legally in the UAE, tied to a specific set of approved activities.

The registered legal and commercial name under which a business operates.

An official document confirming that a company or individual is a tax resident of the UAE.

The individual (or individuals) who ultimately owns or controls a company, even if their name isn't on the license.

A 5% consumption tax applied to most goods and services in the UAE.

The number of employee or investor visas a company is permitted to sponsor, typically based on its office size or facility type.

Official authorisation for a foreign national to work for a specific employer in the UAE.