The legal system in the UAE is predominantly based on civil law and Sharia law, with the exception of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which apply common law. The courts in these free zones hear cases that fall under applicable English law.

The most common legal forms of business entities in the UAE include a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC).

Yes. Free-zone and mainland companies may be 100% owned by a foreign national. However, in some cases, depending on the business activity, it may be required to have a local partner who owns a majority share in the company.

Yes, it is possible to remotely set up a company via Power of Attorney, although certain tasks such as opening a bank account and obtaining an Emirates ID will require physical presence in the country. We will prepare the necessary documents and schedule the required appointments prior to your visit.

The duration for establishing a company typically takes approximately 14 business days, although this may vary depending on the workload of authorities and the specific free zone involved.

Setting up a mainland company in the UAE offers more flexibility and access to a larger market compared to a free zone company. However, it ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of each business.

Setting up a business in a UAE free zone offers several benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, no personal income tax, and streamlined procedures for setting up a business.

Choosing a free zone in the UAE largely depends on the nature of your business, the services you require, and the location that would best suit your needs. Each free zone is specialized in certain types of business activities, so you should choose a free zone that aligns with your business activity. For example, Dubai Healthcare City is focused on healthcare and medical services, while Dubai Internet City is focused on technology and IT businesses.
Prior to incorporation our team will help you choose the most suitable free zone for your business.

In general, UAE authorities allow up to three business activities to be combined under one license. However, for companies with a significant level of investment, it is possible to combine up to 20 different business activities.

The minimum capital requirements for mainland companies in the UAE depend on the legal entity and the business activity. For example, a limited liability company (LLC) with commercial activities may require a minimum capital of AED 300,000, while a professional LLC may require a minimum capital of AED 150,000. However, the UAE government has abolished the requirement for a minimum capital for new business setup in mainland.
Free zones in the UAE generally do not have a minimum capital requirement, but some free zones may have specific capital requirements for certain types of businesses. Typically, a minimum capital of AED 50,000 is required to be declared but not fully paid up.

We have established strong relationship with the leading banks in the UAE region, such as Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Mashreq Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), and Sharjah Islamic Bank. The specific bank that would be most suitable for your business will depend on the nature of your operations and the anticipated volume of transactions.

Starting from June 1, 2023, the Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 mandates that corporate tax will be levied on the taxable net profit earned by juridical persons and businesses in the UAE. The corporate tax rates applicable to UAE businesses are 0% for taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% for taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Meanwhile, for Qualifying Free Zone Persons, the corporate tax rates are 0% for qualifying income and 9% for income that does not qualify.

The VAT rate in the UAE is 5%. This is applicable to most goods and services, with some exemptions and zero-rated items.

One of the obligations of taxable businesses is to submit VAT returns to the FTA regularly, usually within 28 days after the end of the 'tax period,' which varies for each type of business. For most businesses, the standard tax period is quarterly if their annual turnover is below AED 150 million and monthly if their annual turnover is AED 150 million or more.

The legal system in Bahrain is a mix of Islamic law, civil law, and common law.
When incorporating a company in Bahrain, foreign investors may choose to adopt the common law system in their company's articles of association.
However, it is important to note that the overall legal framework in Bahrain is based on Islamic law and civil law principles. Therefore, businesses operating in Bahrain should also be familiar with these legal frameworks and ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

The process for setting up a business in Bahrain involves several steps, including obtaining approval for the proposed company name, preparing the company’s articles of association, submitting an application for registration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, and obtaining any necessary licenses and permits. Once the registration process is complete, the company will receive a commercial registration certificate.

The registration process for a new business in Bahrain typically takes 3-4 weeks, but it can vary depending on the type of business and the specific requirements of the registration process.

Foreign investors can register a variety of business entities in Bahrain, including limited liability companies, joint ventures, partnerships, and branches of foreign companies. The specific entity that is best for a particular business will depend on factors such as the size of the business, the type of activities it will undertake, and its ownership structure.

Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of a business in Bahrain, with no requirement for local ownership or sponsorship. Bahrain's government is actively seeking to attract foreign investment, and the legal framework is designed to support foreign businesses.

There is no minimum capital requirement to start a business in Bahrain, but some industries may have specific capital requirements. The amount of capital needed will depend on the type of business and its projected expenses.

Bahrain has a well-developed banking sector and is known as a regional financial hub. There are several local and international banks operating in Bahrain, offering a range of banking and financial services, including commercial and retail banking, investment banking, and asset management.

The process for opening a bank account in Bahrain involves providing identification documents and other information to the bank, as well as completing the necessary forms and signing an account agreement. The specific requirements may vary depending on the bank and the type of account being opened.

Importing and exporting goods in Bahrain requires compliance with local customs regulations. Importers must obtain an import license from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, while exporters must obtain an export declaration. Additionally, there are various taxes and duties that may apply to imported goods.

Bahrain has a very competitive tax regime, with no corporate income tax or personal income tax. However, there is a 5% value-added tax (VAT) that was introduced in 2019.

The process for filing taxes in Bahrain involves submitting tax returns to the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR) and paying any applicable taxes. Businesses are required to maintain accurate records and comply with tax laws and regulations.

In Bahrain, businesses are required to submit an estimated income tax statement no later than the 15th day of the third month of the taxable year.

The process for registering for VAT in Bahrain involves submitting an application to the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR). Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding BD 37,500 (approximately USD 100,000) are required to register for VAT.

Businesses in Bahrain are required to maintain accurate financial statements. The financial statements must be prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and must include a balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and notes to the financial statements.
Financial statements must be prepared annually and must be audited by a licensed auditor in Bahrain. The auditor must provide an audit report that expresses an opinion on the accuracy of the financial statements.

To register a business in Saudi Arabia, you will need to obtain a commercial registration (CR) certificate from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment. The process involves submitting various documents, such as proof of identity, proof of address, and a business plan. You will also need to choose a company name and obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your business activities.

The legal structures available for businesses in Saudi Arabia include limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, partnerships and branch offices of foreign companies.

In fact, foreigners have been able to open companies with 100% ownership for several years now, without involving a local partner. Only in some industries may the participation of a Saudis be required, but only in order to reduce the capital requirements of the company.

A common misconception on the internet is the authorized capital requirement of 500 thousand riyals for setting up a company in Saudi Arabia. However, this information is outdated and inaccurate. In reality, there are no such requirements, and a company can be established with a minimum capital of 10-50 thousand riyals.

It is not necessary to hire a local director. A foreigner can also serve as a director. However, the foreigner would need to obtain a general manager's visa, which typically takes up to 3 months to obtain.

Yes, it is mandatory for businesses to have a physical office in Saudi Arabia to conduct business. The office should have a physical address, and it should be listed as the official address of the company with the relevant authorities.

The corporate tax rate in Saudi Arabia is 20%. There is no personal income tax in Saudi Arabia.

The VAT rate in Saudi Arabia is currently 15%.

The Zakat tax is a mandatory tax for Saudi Arabian citizens and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens who are shareholders in a Saudi company. However, it is not mandatory for foreign shareholders or companies registered in the GCC. So, if a Saudi company has shareholders who are Saudi or GCC citizens, the company is legally required to calculate and pay Zakat tax on behalf of its citizen shareholders.

Yes, there are customs duties and tariffs on imported goods in Saudi Arabia, which vary depending on the type of product being imported. Certain goods may be exempt from customs duties and tariffs under certain conditions.

To set up a bank account in Saudi Arabia, a business needs to provide the following documents: a commercial registration certificate, a copy of the company's articles of association, a copy of the company's bylaws, and a letter of authorization for the signatories. The bank may also request additional documentation depending on the type of account being opened.

The legal system in Oman is based on Islamic law and the civil law system.

No, it is not necessary to have a local partner to register a business in Oman. However, certain business activities may require a local sponsor.

The process for registering a business in Oman involves several steps, including obtaining an investor card, obtaining approval from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, obtaining a commercial registration certificate, and obtaining any necessary licenses or permits.

There is no minimum capital requirement for starting a business in Oman, but the amount of capital needed will depend on the nature and size of the business. However, certain activities, such as insurance, banking, and finance, may require a higher level of capital as per the regulations of the Central Bank of Oman.

The process of setting up a company in Oman can take up to 8 weeks, which includes obtaining necessary approvals and licenses from various government departments. However, the timeline can vary depending on the type of company, business activity, and other factors. It is recommended to seek guidance from local experts to ensure a smooth and timely process.

Oman has a well-developed banking and financial system, with several local and international banks operating in the country. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) is the regulatory authority overseeing the banking sector. Some of the services offered by banks in Oman include corporate and personal banking, wealth management, foreign currency exchange, loans, credit cards, and other financial products. Islamic banking, which operates in compliance with Islamic principles, is also available in Oman. Additionally, Oman has a stock exchange, the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), which provides trading and investment opportunities to both local and foreign investors.

The process for opening a corporate bank account typically involves submitting the required documents to the bank, completing a bank account application, and meeting with a bank representative for an interview. The bank may also conduct a background check on the company and its directors before opening the account. Once the account is opened, the company can begin conducting business transactions.

The tax system in Oman is relatively straightforward. There is no personal income tax, and companies are generally taxed at a flat rate of 15%.
In addition to corporate income tax, there is also a withholding tax on dividends and royalties paid to non-residents, which is set at a rate of 10%.

The tax system in Oman is relatively straightforward. There is no personal income tax, and companies are generally taxed at a flat rate of 15%.
In addition to corporate income tax, there is also a withholding tax on dividends and royalties paid to non-residents, which is set at a rate of 10%.

The current VAT rate in Oman is 5%. The VAT was introduced in Oman in April 2021, making it the fourth GCC country to implement a VAT system after the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. The VAT applies to most goods and services, including imports and exports, except for certain exemptions and zero-rated supplies.

In Oman, businesses are required to file taxes on an annual basis. The tax year is from January 1 to December 31.
Once the tax return has been prepared, it must be submitted to the OTA along with any tax owed. The deadline for filing tax returns is March 31st of the year following the end of the tax year.

Import and export regulations in Oman are governed by the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. A customs declaration is required for all imports and exports.

The legal system in Qatar is based on civil law principles, heavily influenced by Islamic law (Sharia). The Qatari legal system consists of both Islamic and secular courts. The Islamic courts have jurisdiction over personal status matters, while the secular courts have jurisdiction over criminal and commercial matters. The legal framework for foreign investment is governed by the Foreign Investment Law of 2010, which provides a legal framework for the establishment and operation of foreign companies in Qatar.

Foreigners can own 100% of a business in most sectors in Qatar. In August 2020, Qatar amended its Foreign Investment Law to allow foreign investors to own up to 100% of the shares in companies across most sectors, with the exception of those related to defense and security. However, it is still important to note that certain sectors may have specific requirements or restrictions for foreign ownership.

In Qatar, both mainland and free zone companies can be registered as limited liability companies (LLCs), sole proprietorships, branch offices, and representative offices. However, free zone companies can also be registered as free zone establishments (FZE), free zone companies (FZC), and special purpose vehicles (SPV).

There is no fixed minimum capital requirement to start a business in Qatar, but the amount of capital needed will depend on the type and size of the business. However, some types of businesses may require a specific minimum capital amount as per regulations, such as insurance companies and financial institutions.

Qatar has a well-developed and modern banking and financial system. Both local and international banks operate in the country, providing a range of services including retail and commercial banking, investment banking, asset management, and insurance. Some of the most popular banks among foreign investors in Qatar are Qatar National Bank (QNB), Commercial Bank of Qatar (CBQ), and Doha Bank.

To open a corporate bank account with a local bank in Qatar, the company must provide several documents including a certificate of incorporation, the company's memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution authorizing the account opening, and the passport copies and identification of the company's directors and shareholders. The bank may also require additional documents based on the company's specific situation and the bank's own internal policies.

Entities in Qatar are generally subject to taxation if they have earned Qatar-source income, regardless of their place of incorporation, unless they are specifically exempt from tax. The taxable income is usually subject to a flat Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate of 10%, with some exceptions available.

Qatar has not yet implemented VAT. However, it is expected to be introduced by 2024 with an estimated tax rate of 5%.

The tax year in Qatar runs from January 1 to December 31, and tax returns are due within four months of the end of the tax year. It is important to note that failure to comply with tax requirements may result in penalties and fines.

In Qatar, companies are required to maintain financial records and prepare annual financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The financial statements must include a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Additionally, companies are required to have their financial statements audited by a licensed auditor in Qatar and submit the audited financial statements to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry within four months of the end of the financial year.

The legal system in Kuwait is based on Islamic law, also known as Sharia, and civil law. Foreign investors doing business in Kuwait are subject to the Commercial Companies Law (CCL) and the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Law, as well as other relevant laws and regulations.

The process of registering a business in Kuwait can take several weeks to several months, depending on various factors such as the type of business, the location, the required licenses and permits, and the efficiency of the registration process. On average, it can take between four to eight weeks to register a business in Kuwait, but this timeline can vary depending on the specifics of each case.

Various types of business entities can be registered in Kuwait, including a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, joint venture, public shareholding company, and branch office. The most common form of business entity used by foreign investors is the limited liability company (LLC).

Foreigners are permitted to have 100% ownership of inward foreign investments in most non-oil and gas sectors in Kuwait. The industries covered by the FDI Law that permits full foreign ownership include infrastructure such as water, power, wastewater treatment, and communications, as well as insurance, information technology and software development, hospitals and pharmaceuticals, air, land, and sea freight, tourism, hotels, and entertainment, housing projects, urban development, and investment management.

Kuwait has a well-developed banking and financial system, with a range of local and international banks operating in the country. Some of the major local banks include National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait Finance House, Gulf Bank, and Commercial Bank of Kuwait, among others. There are also several international banks with a presence in Kuwait, such as HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank.

When opening a corporate bank account in Kuwait, the first step is to choose a bank that suits the company's needs and provides the desired services. The required documents may vary depending on the bank, but typically include the company's incorporation documents, valid identification for the authorized signatories, proof of address, and a board resolution authorizing the account opening.

The current CIT rate in Kuwait is a flat rate of 15%.

Currently, Kuwait does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) system in place. However, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Kuwait, has agreed to implement a 5% VAT rate across member states in the future. As of now, the exact implementation date for VAT in Kuwait has not been announced.

In Kuwait, tax returns must be filed annually before April 1st of the following year. The tax authority will issue the taxpayer a notice of the amount of tax due, which must be paid within 30 days of the notice. In case of late payment, penalties and interest may be assessed.

In Kuwait, companies are required to maintain proper financial records and prepare financial statements in accordance with the Kuwaiti Commercial Companies Law. These financial statements include a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and a cash flow statement. Additionally, companies are required to appoint an auditor who will audit and report on the financial statements.
The financial statements must be prepared in Arabic and comply with Kuwaiti accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). They should also be submitted to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry along with the company's annual report within 90 days from the end of the financial year.