UAE Holding Company
A UAE holding company can be an effective vehicle for structuring ownership, consolidating assets, and managing participations in operating businesses or investments. For clients with cross-border interests, a holding structure can support a more organised and strategic approach to asset ownership and long-term planning.
At Shanos, we assist clients in establishing UAE holding companies through a tailored approach that takes into account ownership objectives, jurisdictional considerations, and the wider purpose the structure is intended to serve.
Why Consider a UAE Holding Company
A UAE holding company may be relevant for clients seeking to:
- Hold shares in operating companies
- Consolidate ownership across multiple assets or entities
- Create a central platform for regional or international structuring
- Improve governance and administrative coordination
- Support long-term succession and asset planning
The UAE remains attractive for holding structures due to its international connectivity, legal flexibility, and broad availability of foreign ownership routes.
Benefits of a UAE Holding Company
A properly structured UAE holding company may offer:
- 100% foreign ownership in many available structures
- A stable political and economic environment
- Access to a jurisdiction with strong international business links
- Flexibility in ownership and asset management arrangements
- Coordination of assets, entities, and investments within a single framework
The precise advantages depend on the selected jurisdiction, the assets to be held, and the wider tax and legal position of the client.
Our UAE Holding Company Formation Services
We support clients through the establishment and implementation of holding structures, including:
- Assessing the intended role of the holding company
- Selecting the appropriate jurisdiction and legal form
- Preparing and submitting incorporation documents
- Coordinating with the relevant authorities
- Assisting with residency visas, where relevant and subject to eligibility
- Supporting corporate bank account opening
- Providing ongoing structuring and coordination support
We also assist clients in considering how the holding structure fits within a broader framework involving family, operating businesses, investments, or international assets.
Structuring Considerations
A holding company should be established only after careful review of:
- The assets or entities to be held
- The jurisdictions involved
- The intended function of the structure
- Banking and governance requirements
- Tax, succession, and ownership planning considerations
For many clients, the value of a holding company lies not simply in incorporation, but in how effectively it integrates with the wider ownership and wealth structure.
Tax and Regulatory Note
The UAE offers attractive structuring possibilities, but holding company formation should not be presented on the basis of blanket tax exemption claims. The federal corporate tax framework now applies in the UAE, with a standard 9% corporate tax rate in relevant cases, while 0% treatment may apply only where the conditions for specific free zone treatment are satisfied.
Conclusion
A UAE holding company can be a powerful tool for ownership structuring and long-term planning when designed correctly. At Shanos, we help clients establish holding structures that are practical, compliant, and aligned with their broader business or wealth objectives.
If you would like to learn more about setting up a UAE Holding Company, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Shanos as we would love to
connect with you.