Starting an investment or holding company in Dubai lets you manage shares, assets, and businesses under one legal entity. It’s ideal for investors, family offices, and corporate groups wanting centralized ownership and long-term UAE investment exposure.
A Dubai business setup gives investors access to a thriving business environment, full foreign ownership, and large, diverse customer base.
What is an Investment or Holding Company in Dubai?
An investment or holding company is a licensed entity that owns shares, equity, or ownership interests in other companies or assets. Instead of selling products or services directly, you use this company to hold and manage your Dubai investments.
This license is a good fit for investors who want to control subsidiaries, collect dividends, manage group finances, or hold strategic assets under one structure. Many holding companies in UAE act as parent entities for operating businesses in Dubai or abroad.
What Can You Do as a Holding Company in UAE?
An investment or holding company license allows you to focus on ownership and management activities rather than daily trading operations. This is what you can do under this license:
- Hold shares in UAE or international companies
- Manage group companies and subsidiaries
- Invest in startups and private businesses
- Collect dividends and capital gains
Support mergers and restructuring
How to Start an Investment or Holding Company in Dubai
This is how to start a Dubai investment or holding company:
1. Choose a Jurisdiction
Dubai has two main jurisdiction options: free zones and the mainland. You should choose a mainland setup if you’re an investor dealing with local businesses. Free zones are more suited to passive investment and global holdings.
2. Reserve a Trade Name
Choose three trade name options that describe your business. You will also need to submit the names literally translated into Arabic. It generally takes about one business day to get your trade name approved.
3. Apply for Initial Approval
Get your business idea approved by the relevant mainland or free zone authority by submitting your business plan, financial statements, and shareholder information.
4. Select an Office Space
Holding companies in UAE need a registered office address in the country. Mainland companies generally need a physical office, while free zone companies can also choose between virtual offices, flexi-desks, or co-working spaces.
5. Draft and Sign the MOA
The Memorandum of Association outlining the company structure and members is essential for most companies, especially Limited Liability Companies.
6. Apply for the Trade License
A Dubai investment company needs a trade license to legally operate in the country. Free zones generally process trade license applications faster than the mainland.
7. Apply for an Establishment Card
After you’ve received your trade license, you need an establishment card. This card legalizes your company’ s existence and allows you to sponsor employees.
8. Process Visas
As a business owner, you can get visas for yourself and your employees. You can also sponsor your family.
9. Open a Bank Account
To open a corporate bank account for your Dubai investment company, you will need to submit your trade license, office lease, shareholder passport and IDs, corporate structure chart, and your business plan.
10. Register for Corporate Tax and VAT
Most businesses in the UAE have to register for Corporate Tax. VAT registration is mandatory for companies with an annual turnover over AED 375,000.
Documents Needed to Start an Investment or Holding Company in Dubai
To complete company registration in Dubai, you generally need:
- Shareholder passport copies
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval documents
- Office lease or flexi-desk agreement
- Memorandum of Association
- Corporate structure chart
How Much Does It Cost to Open a Holding Company in Dubai?
The cost to open an investment or holding company in Dubai usually ranges from AED 10,000 to over AED 60,000, depending on whether it is set up in a free zone or on the mainland. Free zone companies are generally cheaper to start than mainland companies.
Start an Investment or Holding Company in Dubai with A&A Associate
A&A Associate is the UAE’s largest business setup advisory. Our experts have a decade of experience providing end-to-end support for starting a business in Dubai and across the UAE. Get in touch with a free consultation!
