Abu Dhabi · Mainland & ADGM

Holding Company Formation in UAE

Get your holding company established in Abu Dhabi with corporate tax participation exemption, asset protection, and multi-subsidiary management. Tasreea handles the full formation process.

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500+
Companies Structured
9%
Corporate Tax Rate
200+
Bilateral Treaties
7-14 Days
Setup Time
100% Foreign Ownership
Asset Protection
Participation Exemption
Corporate Bank Account
7-14 Day Setup
Why a Holding Company?

Why Set Up in UAE?

The UAE offers an ideal jurisdiction for holding companies due to its favourable tax regime, strategic location, robust legal framework, and world-class infrastructure.

Asset Protection

Shield personal assets from subsidiary liabilities through corporate separation. Each subsidiary operates as an independent legal entity.

Tax Efficiency

Benefit from participation exemption on qualifying shareholdings under UAE Corporate Tax. Dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries may be tax-exempt.

Centralised Control

Manage multiple business interests, investments, and assets through a single parent company structure with unified governance.

Global Reach

Expand regionally across Asia, Africa, and Europe from a strategic UAE base. Access 200+ bilateral investment treaties.

Flexible Structures

Hold real estate, stocks, intellectual property, and subsidiary shares under one umbrella. Mix mainland and free zone entities.

Banking Access

Open corporate bank accounts across all major UAE banks. Holding structure is widely recognized by local and international financial institutions.

Key Features

What a UAE holding company can do for your business structure.

FeatureDetails
Asset TypesReal estate, stocks, subsidiaries, IP, bonds
Ownership ThresholdMinimum 5% for participation exemption (12-month holding)
Subsidiary TypesMainland, free zone, and offshore entities
Dividend IncomeExempt from corporate tax under participation exemption
Capital GainsExempt from corporate tax on qualifying shareholdings
BankingCorporate accounts at all major UAE banks
Visa SponsorshipEmployee and investor visas based on office space
Multi-CurrencyOperate in AED, USD, EUR, GBP and more

How It Works

1

Choose Jurisdiction

Select between ADDED (mainland) or ADGM based on your investor base, tax preferences, and whether you need government contract access.

2

Prepare & Submit

Gather documents, reserve your trade name, and submit the license application through Tasreea. We handle all government liaison.

3

Receive License

Obtain your holding company trade license, register with the commercial registry, and set up your corporate bank account.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about holding company formation, corporate tax, and structuring in the UAE.

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What is a holding company in the UAE?+
A holding company is a parent entity that owns controlling shares in subsidiary companies without engaging in their daily operations. It manages overall strategy, asset allocation, and governance while subsidiaries handle operational activities.
What are the benefits of a holding company in Abu Dhabi?+
Key benefits include asset protection through liability isolation, tax-efficient dividend distribution, centralised management of multiple business interests, access to UAE corporate tax participation exemption, and the ability to hold real estate, stocks, and intellectual property.
What corporate tax applies to holding companies?+
UAE Corporate Tax provides a participation exemption for qualifying shareholdings, meaning dividends and capital gains from subsidiaries may be exempt from tax. Conditions include minimum ownership thresholds and holding period requirements.
Can a holding company have a virtual office?+
Yes, you can use a virtual office or business centre address for your registered office, reducing operational costs while maintaining a prestigious Abu Dhabi presence.
Can a holding company sponsor visas?+
Yes, a holding company can sponsor employee visas for itself and, in certain structures, its subsidiary companies. The visa quota depends on your office space and license type.
ADGM vs mainland for holding companies?+
ADGM offers a common law framework based on English law, preferred for international holding structures. Mainland follows UAE civil law. The choice depends on your investor base and legal preferences.

Start Your Holding Company Today

Have a question? Contact our team for a free consultation about holding company formation in Abu Dhabi.

Asset protection through corporate separation
Tax-efficient dividend distribution
100% foreign ownership allowed
Free consultation with setup expert

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