WhatsApp quoteHolding entities consolidate group ownership and benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying dividends and capital gains. A Holding Company is a company whose purpose is to own shares, property and investments. GoldenKey registers Holding Companys in free zones and offshore registries, and this page explains when the structure is the right choice.
Where to register a Holding Company
Holding Companys are registered in free zones and offshore registries. Choose a jurisdiction below for live prices and the exact requirements.
Ajman Free ZoneOne of the UAE's most affordable free zones — 0-visa packa…Ajman New Venture CentreAjman's newest entrepreneurial free zone — built for start…Ajman Media CityUAE's media and content-creator hub — licences from AED 5,…Meydan Free ZoneDubai's entrepreneurial free zone at the iconic Meydan rac…IFZA Free ZoneDubai's fastest-growing free zone — multi-activity licence…DMCC Free ZoneWorld's #1 free zone — the premium choice for commodity tr…Shams Free ZoneSharjah's media free zone — creative and digital licences …SAIF ZoneSharjah's industrial free zone — warehousing, logistics an…RAKEZRAK's all-in-one economic zone — business, industrial and …JAFZAJebel Ali — the world's largest free zone and gateway to g…
Ajman OffshoreThe UAE's most affordable offshore company — asset holding…IFZA OffshoreA Dubai-registered offshore company with the IFZA name beh…How it is formed
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
GoldenKey starts by confirming your activity is available in Holding Company, then agrees the licence category, visa quota and office option with you in writing.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the Holding Company authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days (Monday to Friday). This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to setting up a Holding Company.
Step 3Document submission and payment
With the forms and memorandum signed, GoldenKey lodges the attested documents and settles the licence fee with the issuing authority on your behalf.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
Put simply, your Holding Company licence, certificate of incorporation and lease are issued, and we move straight on to the establishment card, visas and bank introduction. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for setting up a Holding Company.
Indicative pricing
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,200 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 4,500 |
| Bank account assistance | AED 1,500 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from setting up a Holding Company can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. In our experience, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so setting up a Holding Company no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
After your Holding Company licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with setting up a Holding Company, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us.
For most clients, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through setting up a Holding Company step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Who should choose a Holding Company?
A company whose purpose is to own shares, property and investments. It suits founders who need holding entities consolidate group ownership and benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying dividends and capital gains.
Can a Holding Company be owned 100% by foreigners?
Yes in free zones and offshore registries, and for most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms.
Can I change from a Holding Company to another structure later?
Yes. GoldenKey handles conversions, additions of shareholders and new entities when a business outgrows its original structure.
