LLC company formation in Dubai creates a mainland limited liability company licensed by DET that can trade anywhere in the UAE, with each shareholder's liability limited to their shares. Most commercial and industrial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. The legal core is the Memorandum of Association, which must be in Arabic or bilingual and notarized. Wordcraft drafts and translates the MOA, books the notary and handles the license, Ejari and visas.
Can a Foreigner Own 100% of a Dubai LLC?
Yes, for most commercial and industrial activities. Since the 2021 changes to the Commercial Companies Law, a Dubai mainland LLC no longer needs an Emirati shareholder for activities on DET's full-ownership list. A short list of strategic activities still has ownership conditions or needs a specific authority's approval, so we check your activity codes before the trade name is reserved.
LLC Setup: Documents and Who Handles Them
| Item | Who provides or issues it | Wordcraft's part |
|---|---|---|
| Passports (and UAE visa and Emirates ID for residents) of shareholders and manager | You | Check validity and name spelling across all documents |
| No-objection letter from a current UAE employer | Your employer, if DET asks | Tell you whether it is needed |
| Trade name reservation and initial approval | DET | We apply for both |
| MOA in Arabic or bilingual | Drafted for the shareholders | Drafting and Arabic legal translation |
| MOA notarization | Notary public or DET's approved electronic channel | We book and attend the appointment |
| Corporate shareholder documents (incorporation certificate, MOA/AOA, board resolution, POA) | The parent company, attested abroad and at the UAE embassy | Route guidance, embassy stage, Arabic translation |
| Tenancy contract and Ejari | Landlord or business center | We register the Ejari with the license |
| License, establishment card, visas | DET, ICP / GDRFA, MOHRE | Filing and follow-up |
How a Dubai LLC Is Structured
- Shareholders: one or more individuals or companies, within the limit in the Commercial Companies Law; a single-owner LLC is allowed.
- Manager: one or more managers named in the MOA to run the company and sign for it.
- Share capital: stated in the MOA and divided into shares; the level depends on your activity and DET's rules.
- Liability: limited to each shareholder's contribution.
An LLC suits trading companies, restaurants, contractors and service firms that deal with UAE customers, government and larger clients. Compare it with sole establishments and civil companies on our mainland business setup page.
Why the MOA Deserves Care
The MOA fixes the share split, the manager's powers, how profits are distributed and what happens when a partner leaves. A vague exit clause is the most common source of disputes, and later fixes need a notarized addendum. We draft the MOA around what the partners actually agreed. Our MOJ-certified legal translators prepare the Arabic text, and the MOA is signed before a notary public or through DET's approved electronic channel; we arrange it through our notary public services in Dubai. Future changes follow the MOA amendment route.
Office, Ejari and Visa Numbers
Every LLC needs a registered office with a tenancy contract in Ejari. The floor area generally decides how many employment visas the company can request, and shareholders who work in the business can hold residence through it (see investor visa). Choosing an office that fits next year's hiring plan saves a move and a license amendment later.
From Activity List to Licensed LLC
- Send your activities and the shareholder names on WhatsApp; the written quote, with the ownership check, comes back within 10–30 minutes.
- On our application, DET reserves the trade name and issues initial approval.
- We draft the MOA, translate it into Arabic, arrange notarization and register the Ejari.
- DET issues the license, and we move on to the establishment card, visas and the bank account file, all visible in online tracking.
Official source: the Department of Economy and Tourism publishes the activities open to full foreign ownership. After formation, most LLCs need PRO services and a company bank account; a full list of papers is in documents required for company registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can one person own an LLC in Dubai?
Yes. A single-shareholder LLC is allowed, and for most commercial and industrial activities that owner can be a foreign national.
Do I still need an Emirati partner?
Not for most activities. A few strategic activities have ownership conditions, which we check before you apply.
Does the MOA have to be in Arabic?
It is executed in Arabic or bilingually. Our MOJ-certified legal translators prepare the Arabic version so both texts match.
Can a company be a shareholder in a Dubai LLC?
Yes. Its documents must be attested and translated, and it appoints a representative by board resolution.
LLC or free zone company: which should I choose?
An LLC if you will invoice UAE customers directly, need a shop or bid for local contracts. A free zone company if you mainly trade internationally or online.
Does an LLC need a physical office?
It needs a registered address with Ejari. For some activities a business-center office is accepted; see virtual office and Ejari.
How long does LLC formation take?
It depends on the activity, outside approvals and whether any shareholder documents come from abroad. Your written quote gives a realistic timeline.
What decides the cost of forming an LLC?
The activities, the office, the number of visas and any outside approvals. Government charges and our fee are confirmed in writing before we start.
Last updated: September 2026
