Civil Company Setup

Civil Company Setup - UAE

A civil company is a business partnership for professionals like doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants. A civil company is 100% owned by the professional partners (except for engineering civil company), however, a UAE National Local Service Agent is normally required.

In contrast to commercial companies, civil companies are generally allowed to be entirely owned by foreigners. However, certain professional activities may necessitate local participation. In cases where there is no UAE national partner in a civil company, it must appoint a local service agent. The local service agent, who can be either an individual or a company, serves as the intermediary between the entity and government departments. For instance, the local service agent is responsible for applying for various approvals, work permits, visas, etc. The relationship between the principal entity and the local service agent is governed by an agency agreement.

Prerequisites and Qualifications for Establishing a Civil Company in Dubai

To initiate a civil company in Dubai, the company must meet specific additional criteria, including:

  • The company’s name, also referred to as the trade name, must align with its commercial activity.
  • The civil company can be sold to any individual or business entity.
  • There are restrictions on the number of managers allowed in a civil company in Dubai.
  • The company’s name, also referred to as the trade name, must align with its commercial activities.
  • The civil company in Dubai can modify its legal framework or guidelines as long as it complies with the regulatory requirements set by the Department of Economic Development.
  • Once the civil company obtains its license, it can establish multiple branches across the Emirates. Each branch is permitted to undertake all or some of the activities already specified under the civil company license in Dubai.

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