Know about the benefits and requirements to successfully form a holding company in Dubai
Are you here because you are interested in holding company setup in Dubai? Before we dig into the process, let’s first establish what a holding company is.
Basically, a holding company is an LLC or a corporation that owns and controls subsidiary business entities. For example, if you owned a wellness clinic and wanted to sell supplements in a retail store and you also wanted to publish a fitness magazine, then it would be wise to get a holding company for this venture. The holding company won’t manufacture the products or be involved in any operations, but it will own the stocks and control the operating companies. With a holding company, you still get the advantages of doing business in Dubai, like tax exemptions and protection of foreign assets.
Ready to form a holding company in Dubai? Keep reading to find out how MSZ Consultancy can easily help you get your company off the ground.
How to Open a Holding Company in UAE?
Just like any other company registration in the UAE, there are several steps and procedures that you will have to follow to register holding companies in Dubai. MSZ Consultancy can guide you through the entire process to ensure an easy company setup.
Select the right location
The first step to holding company setup in Dubai is to decide on the location for your company. You’ll have to do a little research to make sure your company is in a location that is good for your sales. If you aren’t familiar with the areas, don’t worry. MSZ Consultancy can help you find the right spot for your company.
Requirements of registration
Next, you’ll have to get all the legal documents and agreements together. This includes contracts with stakeholders and any other legal written agreements. This will help you be prepared and keep your company protected in case there are any legal problems along the way.
Choosing the right business consultant in Dubai
Now you’ll have to find a business consultant. This will help you understand the rules and regulations in Dubai. MSZ Consultancy has over 15 years of experience with company formation in the UAE and understands all the legal requirements you need to do in order to form your company.
Types of Holding Companies in Dubai
You’ll have to choose what type of holding company that you want to have in Dubai. There are two categories allowed for holding company setup in Dubai: Onshore Holding Company and Free Zone Holding Company. Here are the differences between the two types:
Onshore Holding Company
With this company type, a foreign investor will need to have a local partner who will own 51% of the company.
Free Zone Holding Company
In Dubai Free Zones, 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
Requirements for a Holding Company in Dubai
Anytime you register a holding company in Dubai or any other company type, you need to make sure that you meet all the requirements are put into place as per the UAE government. If you aren’t familiar with the Company Law, a consultant, like MSZ Consultancy, can help walk you through everything and make sure you meet all the requirements for an easy holding company setup in Dubai. Here are the requirements needed:
- You will have to form a management board. The board will be in charge of the following:
- Rules and regulations for the subsidiaries.
- Organization of the subsidiaries.
- Supervision of the activities of the subsidiaries.
- It is required to have a director assigned to each subsidiary firm.
- The company must make sure the subsidiaries have the much-needed capital to operate.
- The company is required to set limits on the risks that the subsidiaries can take, such as foreign currency and other risks.
- The holding company decides the terms of arrangements and contracts of the subsidiaries.
The Advantages of Holding Company Setup in Dubai
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed
- Easy asset management
- No restrictions on foreign employees
- Tax-free benefits
- You can invest in multiple ventures
- World-class regional and international professional services
- It is easy to move employees from one organization to the other
- These companies are in a great position to harness the potential of emerging markets
- There are no restrictions on capital repatriation
Where Can You Setup Your Holding Company in Dubai?
The Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) is one of the best places for holding company setup in Dubai. The area serves as the global financial center between Western Europe and East Asia. It is also home to the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX).
Easy Holding Company Setup in Dubai with MSZ Consultancy
Are you ready to form a holding company in Dubai to own shares and control the assets of your subsidiary company? MSZ Consultancy can walk you through all the incorporation steps. We can have your holding company up and running in a matter of weeks. Don’t wait! If this is your business dream, we can help make it a reality. Start with your FREE consultation from MSZ Consultancy today. Call us at +971 52 544 1248.
WHAT WE DO?
We help you build your UAE Company from scratch. MSZ Consultancy specializes in company formation along with the financial and legal suggestions that come along with holding company setup in Dubai. We help you set up your company and give you all the tools you need to become self-reliant.
HOW DO WE HELP?
We have a team of business setup consultants, lawyers, and PRO executives that specialize in business formation in Dubai and all across the UAE. We have a strong relationship with government officials and will guide you through the entire process to make sure you meet all the requirements for an easy company setup.
WHY CHOOSE US?
When we say we are experts at company setup, we mean it. We have helped thousands of happy clients get their company easily setup in the UAE, and we can help you too. Not only do we help with setup, but we provide valuable insights that you can take with you during your business journey.
The Best Business Services for Dubai Companies
At MSZ Consultancy, we don’t just help you setup your company, we help you through the entire life of your business. We offer corporate business services that will keep your business running smoothly. Here are the services we can help you with:
Trademark Registration
We help with all aspects of trademark registration, including patent registration, web domain purchasing, and copyright registration and protection.
Local Sponsorship
A local sponsor will help you understand the local policies and regulations in the UAE. We have access to the most trustworthy local sponsors that are ready to help support your business journey.
PRO Services
We offer corporate PRO services that will handle your documentation and clearing services and help you out with the legal paperwork required by the UAE.
Bank Account Assistance
You will want to have a bank account in the UAE to keep your assets secure. It’s easy to get an account established, but there are several requirements involved. We can quickly help you get your account opened.
Product Registration
All products manufactured and distributed in Dubai will need to be registered. We can help you through the registration process and make sure you have all the required documentation.
Business Centers
If you need an office or building in Dubai, we can help! We have Business Centers located in strategic spots throughout the city. From empty buildings you can make your own, to fully furnished offices, we have a location that will be perfect for your company.
Company Liquidation
Take the stress out of the company liquidation process by using MSZ Consultancy. Our team of legal experts will guide you through the entire process to make sure you go through the proper formal procedures for easy liquidation.
Zubair Sultan Mohammed
CEO - MSZ Corporate Services
Zubair Sultan Mohammed is a seasoned business consultant specializing in company formation and regulatory compliance in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With over 15 years of experience, he has guided entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational firms through the complexities of regional business laws and market entry strategies. His deep understanding of local licensing, taxation, and free zone structures ensures clients make informed, strategic decisions. Zubair Sultan Mohammed regularly contributes insights on corporate setup, investment trends, and regional economic developments.
FAQs
No, you don’t have to be a Dubai resident to set up a holding company. Many investors run their businesses from abroad and only come to the UAE when certain paperwork or banking steps require their presence. Everything else can be handled remotely, especially if you’re working with an experienced consultant who knows exactly how to move things along smoothly.
The setup usually takes a few weeks. The exact timeline depends on the free zone or mainland you choose and how quickly your documents get processed. If you’re working with a consultancy that already understands the system and has established connections with government departments, like MSZ, the process tends to move faster.
Even though a holding company isn’t involved in daily operations, it still has important obligations. These include
- Keeping proper financial records,
- Making sure all subsidiaries comply with UAE laws,
- Renewing licenses every year, and
- Handling required reporting.
The management board also plays a key role in overseeing the overall performance and direction of each subsidiary.
Yes. That’s one of the major advantages of setting up in Dubai. Your holding company can own shares in companies both inside and outside the UAE, with the flexibility to manage global investments while benefiting from Dubai’s business-friendly environment.
You’ll need basic documents like passport copies for shareholders, a simple business plan (depending on the jurisdiction), and any existing company papers if you’re setting up subsidiaries under the holding company. The exact requirements can vary, so having a consultant review your paperwork beforehand helps avoid delays.
Yes, in many cases it can- especially for roles related to administration, finance, or oversight of subsidiaries. Operational staff, however, usually work under the companies that handle the actual day-to-day activities. The ability to hire directly depends on the license issued by your chosen authority.
Most investors choose this structure because it provides strong asset protection, excellent tax benefits, and makes managing multiple ventures much simpler. Instead of juggling several companies independently, everything is controlled through one central entity, making decision-making and risk management far more efficient.
A holding company creates a protective layer between your different businesses. If one subsidiary faces financial trouble or a legal issue, the others are shielded from the impact. This separation helps safeguard your assets and keeps your overall investment portfolio more secure- especially useful if you’re involved in several industries at once.