How to start a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai Free Zone?

Created on Oct 07, 2021
Last updated on Jun 17, 2026

By Divya R Nair (Author) | Reviewed by Shibi Joseph On Oct 07, 2021

How to start a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai Free Zone?

Are you planning to set up a company in Dubai? Well, a Private Shareholding Company can be the best option for a business set up in Dubai. A Private Shareholding Company is comprised of two or more people. The financial liability of this type of company is considered independent of that of its shareholders. Private Shareholding Company in UAE is incorporated by a minimum of three members. The Chairman and majority of the Directors in a private shareholding company must be UAE nationals.

What is the Concept of Shareholding in Dubai?

If someone is new to Dubai and wants to start a company in Dubai then first it is important to understand the market of Dubai, especially the operations which are carried out in the shareholding company. The concept is a bit wide as it is under the Commercial Companies Law of UAE where all the company is a shareholding company.

The national shareholders have 51% of the share capital while the foreign parties have a limitation to 45% ownership in the UAE companies. Even if someone is not satisfied with a shareholding company then that person can choose a business in Dubai Free Zone. The Free Zones allow 100% ownership to the entrepreneurs to start a company formation in Dubai.

What is a Private Shareholding Company?

Private Shareholding Company refers to possession of a big business corporation in two diverse behavior which refers to ownership by non-governmental organizations and referring to ownership of the company’s stock by a relatively small number of holders who do not trade the stock publicly. It is incorporated by many people not less than three. Unlike a public shareholding company, a private shareholding company cannot invite the public to subscribe to its shares.

What are the conditions for opening a Private Shareholding company in Dubai?

The conditions for opening a private shareholding company in Dubai are given below.

  1. An approval from the Ministry of Economy must be obtained to establish a private shareholding company.
  2. Any commercial or industrial type of business is eligible for creating a Private Joint-Stock Company. Professional activities do not complement this legal form.
  3. Partners of any nationality can own a private shareholding company under DED business regulations.
  4. UAE nationals have to own at least 51% of a Private Shareholding Company (Private Joint-Stock Company), and GCC nationals can hold up to 100%.
  5. The trade name should be pertinent to the commercial activity of the firm. The trade name must include one or more of the partners’ names and be annexed by the phrase “Private Shareholding Company”.
  6. An appointed manager is mandatory as per DED business regulations for a private partnership company.

How do I establish a Private Shareholding business in the UAE?

The step-by-step procedures for Private Shareholding business formation in Dubai are.

1. Deciding on a Company name start the business

First, to start a business a catchy company name is required, so the very first thing which a person needs to do is to select the name of the company. The name should sound attractive and professional so that the customers are easily attracted to the company.

2. Deciding the type of business activity before applying to the Ministry

After selecting the name the second important thing is to decide the type of business which a person wants to conduct. Choosing the right type of business for a company set up in Dubai is essential as it is going to decide how the business will work out in Dubai.

3. Selecting the right location of the Company

It is important to select the right location for the company. Choosing the right location is important as it helps the firm to get the right customers and clients and boost up the business.

4. Obtaining preliminary approval from the Department of Economic Development

After the selection of a name is done the second thing which is to be done is the preliminary approval from DED is required with the permission of other parties. This is mandatory in order to start a business in Dubai.

5. Documents Required to obtain the License

After getting the approval there are certain documents required which are mentioned below. These documents are mandatory to obtain a license for starting a company formation in Dubai.

6. Pay Fess and Get the License

A minimal fee is required to get the license. This fee has to be paid before getting the license.

What are the documents required to start a Public Shareholding Company in Dubai?

Below Are the documents required to start a business set up in Dubai are:

  1. The  Founder’s Agreement is required with Registration and Licensing Application.
  2. Government approval is needed for the business activity.
  3. The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority Approval for Private Shareholding is needed.
  4. An Auditor Certificate is required.
  5. A resolution from the Ministry of Economy for Private Shareholding is needed
  6. Due Diligence Survey.
  7. Two copies of the Project’s Feasibility Study.
  8. Four copies of Memorandum and Articles of Association authenticated by Notary Public are required.
  9. Photocopies of Office Space Contract and Registered Plot Number.
  10. Appointed Board of Manager and Directors Written Declaration accepting appointment is needed.
  11. Original Documents is required where the Directors Names, Date and Place of Birth, Occupation and Sample Signature will be shown.

What are the Formal Requirements to start a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai?

For the formal requirements, it is recommended to have legal written agreements. This will help the entrepreneur to safely run the business even when there are any legal problems. The written agreements and documents are like contracts among the stakeholders that are drafted to confirm their terms to substantive matters.

Was this information helpful?

So, are you excited to start your business in Dubai?  If yes, then gear up your business idea and get in touch with Danburite Corporate. Our expert consultants will guide you towards a successful company set up in Dubai.

Have more questions on how to go about it? Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many shareholders are required to form a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai?

A minimum of three shareholders is required to incorporate a Private Shareholding Company (Private Joint-Stock Company) in Dubai. The company's financial liability remains independent of its individual shareholders.

2. Can foreigners fully own a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai?

No, mainland Private Shareholding Companies require UAE nationals to hold at least 51% ownership, while GCC nationals can hold up to 100%. However, setting up in a Dubai Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership instead.

3. Which authority approves a Private Shareholding Company in Dubai?

Approval must be obtained from the Ministry of Economy, along with clearance from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority before the Department of Economic Development issues the trade license.

4. What activities are not allowed under a Private Shareholding Company structure?

Professional activities are not permitted under this structure. Only commercial or industrial business activities qualify for forming a Private Joint-Stock Company in Dubai.

5. What documents are needed to obtain a license for a Private Shareholding Company?

Key documents include the Founder's Agreement, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Auditor Certificate, Feasibility Study, office space contract copies, and a Ministry of Economy resolution, among others listed in the application.

✎ Author

Divya R Nair
Legal Advisor cum Admin  
Corporate Legal Advisor & Operations Lead managing company formations, AML compliance, banking coordination, administrative operations, and regulatory governance across the UAE.

Recent Posts

How to Choose the Right Business Activity for Your UAE License (2026 Guide)

How to Choose the Right Business Activity for Your UAE License (2026 Guide)

May 21, 2026
Your checklist for choosing the right accounting services in UAE

Your checklist for choosing the right accounting services in UAE

May 20, 2026
ESG in UAE Business Setup: What Happens After Company Formation: A Complete Guide

ESG in UAE Business Setup: What Happens After Company Formation: A Complete Guide

May 19, 2026
Accounting Income in UAE Corporate Tax: Why It Differs for Every Taxable Person

Accounting Income in UAE Corporate Tax: Why It Differs for Every Taxable Person

May 18, 2026
UAE Corporate Tax Compliance Checklist: A Practical Guide for Businesses

UAE Corporate Tax Compliance Checklist: A Practical Guide for Businesses

May 15, 2026
Designated Zones Under UAE VAT: Rules and Treatment Explained

Designated Zones Under UAE VAT: Rules and Treatment Explained

May 14, 2026
What Makes the Best Accounting Services in UAE the Right Choice for Businesses?

What Makes the Best Accounting Services in UAE the Right Choice for Businesses?

May 13, 2026
Business Setup in Dubai & UAE: How Safe Is Your Investment During Global Conflicts?

Business Setup in Dubai & UAE: How Safe Is Your Investment During Global Conflicts?

May 12, 2026
UAE E-Invoicing 2026 Update: What Businesses Must Prepare Before July

UAE E-Invoicing 2026 Update: What Businesses Must Prepare Before July

May 11, 2026
UAE Corporate Tax Penalties: How Businesses Can Avoid Fines

UAE Corporate Tax Penalties: How Businesses Can Avoid Fines

May 08, 2026
Common Audit Mistakes Businesses Make in Dubai and How to Avoid Them with Expert Audit Services

Common Audit Mistakes Businesses Make in Dubai and How to Avoid Them with Expert Audit Services

May 07, 2026
Dubai Mainland Company Formation: How to Set Up Your Business, Costs Explained & What No One Tells You

Dubai Mainland Company Formation: How to Set Up Your Business, Costs Explained & What No One Tells You

April 28, 2026
How to Choose the Right Free Zone in Sharjah for Your Business?

How to Choose the Right Free Zone in Sharjah for Your Business?

May 06, 2026
Company Formation in Qatar: Complete Guide to Business Registration

Company Formation in Qatar: Complete Guide to Business Registration

April 21, 2026
Free Zone vs Mainland Dubai: Which Company Structure Prevails in 2026?

Free Zone vs Mainland Dubai: Which Company Structure Prevails in 2026?

May 05, 2026
Top Company Formation Mistakes in UAE and How to Avoid Them?

Top Company Formation Mistakes in UAE and How to Avoid Them?

April 18, 2026
UAE Corporate Tax Compliance Challenges in 2026: Key Issues Businesses Must Fix Now

UAE Corporate Tax Compliance Challenges in 2026: Key Issues Businesses Must Fix Now

May 04, 2026
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Business in Shams Free Zone

April 16, 2026
Company Liquidation in UAE: Cost, Timeline & Key Considerations

Company Liquidation in UAE: Cost, Timeline & Key Considerations

May 04, 2026
Dubai Business Setup Made Affordable: Reduced Service Fees in 2026

Dubai Business Setup Made Affordable: Reduced Service Fees in 2026

April 12, 2026
Whatsapp
Please verify yourself to continue

What are you looking for?

Press ESC to close Press Enter to search