Holding Company License
Own and manage shares in your other companies through one structured entity.
Typical range
AED 10,000 to 30,000
Estimated range
- Typical timeline
- 1-3 weeks
- Best for
- Investors, family businesses and multi-company groups
- Purpose
- Own shares and assets
- Estimated range
- AED 10,000–30,000
About Holding Company License
A holding company owns shares in other companies. Groups use it to centralise ownership, simplify succession and protect assets.
The best structure depends on whether you hold UAE or foreign subsidiaries, so we compare mainland, free zone and offshore options.
Group structure
One entity at the top of your companies.
Succession planning
Simpler transfer of ownership over time.
Compliance aware
Corporate tax and reporting considered up front.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Purpose
Asset ownership
Designed primarily to hold shares, investments or other permitted assets.
Structure
Group-level
Can be used as part of a wider corporate or family investment structure.
Focus
Ownership
The company is generally structured around owning rather than actively operating businesses.
Planning
Cross-border
International ownership and tax implications should be considered before implementation.
Is this right for you?
Who considers a holding company?
Family-owned business groups
Investors holding shares in multiple companies
Entrepreneurs building a group structure
Investment and asset-holding structures
Owners planning long-term succession or restructuring
Separate ownership from operations
A holding company can provide a dedicated structure for owning shares or other permitted assets while operating companies conduct the underlying business activities.
The appropriate structure depends on the assets, jurisdictions, ownership and long-term objectives.
- Map existing companies and assets
- Review ownership structure
- Determine the holding entity's purpose
- Prepare incorporation documents
- Plan ongoing administration
Think beyond incorporation
Holding structures can affect ownership, banking, accounting and taxation across multiple entities. The structure should therefore be reviewed as part of the wider group rather than in isolation.
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Ownership structure
- Shareholder information
- Existing company ownership
- Beneficial ownership details
- Proposed holding structure
Assets
Provide details of the shares, investments or other assets the holding company is expected to own.
Corporate documents
Existing company incorporation and shareholding documents may be required where subsidiaries are being held.
Source of funds
Financial institutions and authorities may request information about the source and purpose of the assets or funds.
What is included
- Structure comparison and advice
- Holding company formation
- Share transfer and group paperwork
- Beneficial owner filings
- Corporate tax registration
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
Map your group
List the companies and assets to hold.
- 2
Choose the vehicle
Mainland, free zone or offshore.
- 3
Incorporate
Form the holding company.
- 4
Transfer shares
Move ownership as planned.
Important to know
Before you proceed
A holding company is not automatically tax-free
Tax treatment depends on the structure, assets, income and applicable UAE and foreign rules.
Banking is separate
Banks conduct their own due diligence on holding companies and their beneficial owners.
Structure should match the objective
A holding company may not be appropriate where the entity needs to actively conduct day-to-day trading operations.
Professional tax advice can be important
International ownership and group structures can create tax obligations in multiple jurisdictions.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppYes. Banks will ask about the group, activities and source of funds, and we prepare a clear file.
Tax depends on the structure and income. Qualifying dividends and gains can be exempt under UAE rules. We review your case with a tax adviser.
Related services
Ready to start with Holding Company License?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
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