A Civil Company in UAE is one of the most popular business structures for professionals and service providers under mainland company formation in Dubai. It allows individuals with specialized expertise (such as engineers, doctors, consultants, or lawyers) to establish a partnership and operate legally under the UAE mainland jurisdiction. Unlike LLC company formation in Dubai, which focuses on commercial activities, a Civil Company is ideal for professional and consultancy based services.
This business setup is widely chosen across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, making it a flexible option for investors and entrepreneurs looking to provide professional services in the UAE.

Many professionals transitioning from a Sole Proprietorship or Representative Office choose the Civil Company model for greater flexibility and shared ownership.

A Civil Company is a professional partnership business structure in the UAE that allows two or more individuals to jointly provide professional services. Unlike commercial companies, which are focused on trading and general business activities, Civil Companies are exclusively designed for professional services.
It is ideal for consultants, doctors, engineers, lawyers, and accountants.
Ownership can be 100% foreign if the partners are professionals holding recognized qualifications.
In certain activities, a UAE national service agent may be required to represent the company with government departments, though they hold no equity in the business.
Profit and liability are shared among the partners as per the Civil Company agreement.
This makes it one of the most flexible and professional friendly structures under mainland company formation in the UAE.

Forming a Civil Company offers a wide range of advantages:

• 100% foreign ownership (for professionals in most cases).
• Ability to provide specialized professional services across UAE.
• No minimum capital requirement in most emirates.
• Access to UAE’s mainland market, freedom to operate anywhere.
• Multiple partners (local or foreign) can form the company.
• Straightforward licensing process through the Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Option to hire employees and issue UAE residence visas.

Once licensed, business owners can also apply for a UAE Golden Visa and enhance corporate credibility through ISO Certification Consultancy.

The steps to establish a Civil Company vary slightly by emirate but generally include:

• Choose Business Activity: Select the professional service activity aligned with your expertise.
• Select Trade Name: Reserve a unique name with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
• Draft Legal Agreement: Prepare a Civil Company agreement outlining ownership and profit-sharing.
• Partner Details: Minimum of two partners required (can be UAE nationals or foreigners).
• Local Service Agent (if applicable): In some cases, a UAE national may act as a service agent.
• Submit Documents: Provide required paperwork to DED for initial approval.
• Obtain Professional License: Receive the license to operate your Civil Company in the chosen emirate.
• Visa & Labor Setup: Apply for investor visas, staff visas, and register with labor and immigration authorities.

For taxation and compliance guidance during registration, explore our VAT & Tax Consultancy Services.

Typical requirements include:

• Completed application form.
• Passports and Emirates ID copies of all partners.
• Passport-size photographs.
• Proof of academic qualification or professional license (for regulated activities).
• Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Civil Company agreement.
• Trade name reservation certificate.
• Initial approval from the Department of Economic Development.
• Office lease agreement (Ejari for Dubai)

Setting up a Civil Company in UAE is the perfect choice for professionals aiming to establish their presence under the mainland jurisdiction. With 100% ownership options and flexible operations across all Emirates, it’s a preferred structure for consultants, engineers, and service providers.

Nines Consultancy ensures smooth registration, compliance, and licensing through the Department of Economic Development (DED). We also support clients with VAT & Tax Consultancy and Golden Visa Services for long term success in the UAE.