A Civil Company in UAE is one of the most popular business structures for professionals and service providers. 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 other company structures, a Civil Company grants 100% foreign ownership for professionals, provided that the work is service-based and complies with local regulations.
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.

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.

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.

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 an excellent choice for professionals seeking to establish their presence in the UAE mainland market. With 100% ownership options, flexible operations across all emirates, and straightforward licensing, it is a preferred structure for consultants, engineers, and service providers. Partnering with Nines Consultancy ensures a smooth, compliant, and hassle-free process allowing you to focus on growing your business.