Key Takeaways:

• The requirement for a local partner in Business setup in Dubai has significantly changed, with 100% foreign ownership now allowed for most mainland activities.
• Free zones have always offered 100% foreign ownership and remain a popular choice for full control.
• For mainland professional licenses, a Local Service Agent (LSA) might still be required, but they do not hold shares.
• A local partner may still be mandatory for businesses in “strategic impact” sectors on the mainland.
• The decision depends entirely on your chosen business activity, jurisdiction, and desired level of market access.

For many years, one of the most frequently asked questions by foreign investors considering a Business setup in Dubai was, “Does business setup in Dubai need a local partner?” The answer was often complex, traditionally involving a requirement for an Emirati national to hold a majority share in mainland companies. However, the landscape of business ownership in … Read More