Open a holding in Dubai.
Parent company that concentrates shareholdings, assets and intellectual property. Asset protection, tax efficiency and access to Emirati banking to operate with global subsidiaries.
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How we set up your holding
in the Emirates.
Eleven structured steps: from the analysis of your assets and subsidiaries to bank account opening and visa issuance.
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01
Wealth assessment
We analyse your assets, subsidiaries, dividend flows and objectives. We design the appropriate structure.
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02
Jurisdiction selection
We determine the optimal seat: standard Free Zone, DIFC, ADGM or Mainland based on protection, reputation and costs.
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03
Corporate structure
We select the form: FZE, FZCO, SPV, LLC-Holding, depending on the number of shareholders and complexity.
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04
Name reservation
We validate the name with the relevant Companies Registry and obtain the official reservation.
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05
Documentation
Passports, KYC for UBOs, group organisational chart, due diligence on pre-existing subsidiaries.
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06
Memorandum (MOA)
We draft the MOA and AOA with a holding corporate purpose, governance clauses, political and economic rights.
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07
Licence and fee payment
We submit the application, pay fees and coordinate regulatory approval where applicable (DIFC/ADGM).
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08
Physical space
We arrange the office, flexi-desk or registered address as required by the jurisdiction.
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09
Official issuance
You receive the Certificate of Incorporation, licence and notarised corporate documentation.
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10
Corporate bank account
We open a corporate account with Emirati banks and, if necessary, linked international accounts.
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11
Visas and compliance
We manage the investor visa, tax registration and compliance calendar (CT, UBO, ESR, audit if applicable).
Advantages of a holding in Dubai
over other jurisdictions.
Competitive taxation
0% up to 375,000 AED and 9% above that. If the QFZP conditions are met, qualified income (dividends, capital gains) can be taxed at 0%.
Tax treaty network
The UAE has double-taxation treaties with over 140 countries, including Spain and most of Latin America.
Asset protection
Jurisdictions such as DIFC and ADGM operate under British common law, with independent courts and a sophisticated legal regime.
100% foreign ownership
You retain absolute control of the holding and its subsidiaries without local intermediaries.
Access to global banking
Dubai is a regional financial centre. Multi-currency accounts and connections with international private banking.
Reasonable confidentiality
UBO register required, but no public shareholder register in most Free Zones. A balance between compliance and privacy.
When does it make sense
to open a holding in the UAE?
Corporate groups.
Entrepreneurs with multiple subsidiaries in different jurisdictions seeking to centralise ownership, optimise dividends and simplify international governance.
International investors.
Investors operating in several countries who want an efficient parent company to manage shareholdings, real estate or financial portfolios.
Family wealth.
Families seeking a wealth protection structure with stable governance and access to high-end financial services.
Technology groups.
Startups with a presence in multiple markets seeking a parent company to attract investment, license IP and scale regional operations.
IP management.
Owners of trademarks, patents or copyrights who want to centralise licensing and royalties under an efficient structure.
Investment vehicles.
Managers operating funds, SPVs, club deals or co-investments seeking jurisdictions with common law and flexibility.
Types of holding
in the Emirates.
Structure comparison
| Structure | Jurisdiction | Characteristics | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland Holding | Dubai Economic Department (DET) | Can operate across the UAE, requires an office, greater oversight | Groups with mainland subsidiaries and extensive visas |
| Free Zone Holding | Meydan, IFZA, RAKEZ, DMCC… | 100% ownership, moderate costs, light requirements | Entrepreneurs with subsidiaries outside the UAE |
| FZE | Any Free Zone | Single shareholder, agile, limited liability | Individual investors |
| FZCO | Any Free Zone | Multiple shareholders, corporate flexibility | Family groups or multiple partners |
| SPV | DIFC / ADGM | Vehicle specific to one asset or investment | Private equity, real estate, IP |
| Wealth structure | DIFC / ADGM | Family office structure with trust elements | Families with significant wealth |
| Parent-Subsidiary | Mixed | Emirati holding with subsidiaries in other countries | Multi-jurisdictional groups |
Where to open
the holding?
Free Zone versus Mainland
| Criterion | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% (depending on activity) |
| Operations in the UAE | Limited to the zone and abroad | Entire UAE territory |
| Costs | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Oversight | Zone authority | DET and ministries |
| Ideal for | International holdings | Holdings with mainland subsidiaries |
Taxation of a holding
in the UAE.
Corporate Tax
- Standard rate
- 0% up to 375,000 AED · 9% above that.
- QFZP
- Qualified income at 0% if conditions are met.
- Dividends received
- Exempt if they qualify for participation exemption.
- Obligations
- Registration with the FTA, annual return, transfer pricing documentation if applicable.
Qualifying Free Zone Person
- Economic substance
- Office, staff and adequate assets in the Free Zone.
- Qualifying income
- Dividends, capital gains and certain intra-group transactions.
- Irrevocable election
- Binding option for 5 years from the date of election.
- Audited accounts
- Audited financial statements are mandatory.
LorcaBase advantages
for your holding.
We structure holdings with a comprehensive vision: optimal jurisdiction, governance, international taxation, banking and ongoing compliance.
Wealth design
We map subsidiaries, dividend flows, intra-group contracts and tax residence of UBOs before choosing the jurisdiction.
Right jurisdiction
We compare standard Free Zones, DIFC and ADGM based on reputation, asset protection, costs and banking access.
Corporate documentation
MOA/AOA, shareholder agreements, intra-group policies and exit clauses drafted by our legal team.
Banking and compliance
Enhanced KYC/AML, account opening with Emirati banks and guidance on applicable tax treaties.
Ongoing taxation
Corporate Tax registration, QFZP election, participation exemption, transfer pricing, ESR and UBO.
Do you need a different structure?
Emirati Foundation.
Alternative structure to a trust, ideal for long-term wealth and succession planning.
Discover → VI · OffshoreOffshore company.
Lightweight vehicle for asset holding and international trade without local operations.
Discover → VII · Free ZoneFree Zone company.
Operational structure in a free zone, ideal as an operating subsidiary of an Emirati holding.
Discover → V · M&AMergers & acquisitions.
Purchase, sale and restructuring of shareholdings within the holding group.
Discover →What people ask us most.
What is a holding company in Dubai?
It is a company whose main activity is to hold shares, assets or intellectual property of other companies. In the UAE it is typically formed as a Free Zone Holding, SPV or wealth structure.
What tax advantages does a holding company in Dubai have?
Under the federal regime, the first 375,000 AED of profit is taxed at 0% and the remainder at 9%. If the holding meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person requirements, qualified income from dividends and capital gains may be taxed at 0%.
Can a Dubai holding company own subsidiaries in Spain or Latin America?
Yes. An Emirati holding can own shares in subsidiaries in any jurisdiction, as long as local rules and applicable double-taxation treaties are respected.
Is a physical office required for a holding company?
In most Free Zones a flexi-desk or virtual address is sufficient. On the Mainland a real physical office is required, as is the case in premium jurisdictions such as DIFC or ADGM.
What is an SPV and what is it used for?
A Special Purpose Vehicle is a company with a specific purpose: to hold an asset, channel an investment or isolate risk. In the UAE they are used primarily in DIFC and ADGM for wealth structures and family offices.
How much does it cost to set up a holding company in Dubai?
Costs vary: from €8,000–15,000 per year in standard Free Zones to €25,000 or more in DIFC/ADGM for SPVs or regulated funds.
How long does it take to set up a holding company?
Between 7 and 20 business days, depending on the jurisdiction chosen, the complexity of the structure and the speed of documentation.
The trust of those who already
work with us
Your holding in Dubai,
designed with legal and fiscal
precision.
Book an initial consultation with no commitment. We will design the right corporate architecture for your group and assets at an international level.
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