Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allChoosing the suitable jurisdiction for an international startup


3
Q: Dear sir/madam,
I am part of a very early-stage startup and we are trying to write up an NDA for our team members. We haven’t incorporated anywhere and our team members are scattered all over the world. (I’m currently in the UAE, the founder is in Turkey, someone is in Indonesia, etc.).
We’re struggling to figure out what jurisdiction we’d even fall under since it’s an international employment contract.
Even if we were to settle on one jurisdiction, wouldn’t we have to physically be there?
What courts would even hear us? What should we do?



Aug 24, 2022
289
Doing business in mainland Dubai by a free zone establishment 

1
Q: Can a free zone establishment (sole proprietorship), which has its office/headquarter located only in the free zone, do services via a specialized/professional vehicle in mainland Dubai?
(Like grooming pets in a professional vehicle and recommending accessories so the customer can buy)


Nov 16, 2020
772
Requirements for a free zone company to conduct business on mainland
3
Q: Hello,
I read the law 2011 Article 14 & Article 23 that says a branch of a free zone company in the UAE is allowed to conduct business on the mainland if I get a license and open a branch.
I just want to confirm, I have a Free Zone company in the UAE and I sell to other countries right now. I want to begin selling in Dubai.
If I get a license from DED and open a branch on the mainland, will I be allowed to sell the clients directly or I will be allowed to sell just distributors in Dubai?
And do I need a local sponsor for this case or a Local Service agent is enough?
Regards

Nov 10, 2019
1478
Legal blog
1 available 1 • View allAn Overview of the Legal Framework for Entrepreneurs in the UAE 4
Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.
Mar 14, 2017
6375
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies 0
The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies governs commercial companies in the United Arab Emirates. The New Commercial Companies Code repeals the previous UAE Commercial Companies Code (Federal Law No. (2) of 2015 on Commercial Companies).
Sep 20, 2021
194
Federal Decree-Law No. 50/2022 Issuing the Commercial Transactions Law 0
The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. 50/2022 Issuing the Commercial Transactions Law, known as the "New Commercial Code" governs commercial transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The New Commercial Code repeals the previous UAE Federal Law No. (18) of 1993 Issuing the Commercial Transactions Law.
Oct 3, 2022
502

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Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
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How to file a case against my former company for unpaid salary I was not on their visa? 0
Dear Legal Advice Middle East,
I hope you are well.
I am seeking legal advice regarding an unpaid salary issue with my former employer, [-----]2 LLC. I was employed with them from December 4, 2024, to January 7, 2025, on a monthly salary of 5,000 AED.
However, I only received a partial payment of 2,473 AED on February 24, 2025. The remaining 2,527 AED is still unpaid.
I submitted a complaint to MOHRE on March 2, 2025, but I am unable to proceed further through their official channels.
This is because I was working under the visa of my previous employer, [---] LLC, and not under [----]’s sponsorship.
As a result, I do not meet the criteria to file a labor complaint via the MOHRE app or hotline.
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Apr 30, 2025
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After closing the company, can an investor stay in the UAE until the residence visa expires? 0
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Employer agreed to settle before MOHRE. What if they don’t pay the promised amount? 0
Hello,
I already have a dispute order with MOHRE. Then my employer became willing to settle the case.
What should I do in case they do not follow through with the promised amount to pay?
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What can a company do if an employee agrees to stay but then stops reporting to work? 0
Hello,
My employee provided a resignation. Our company offered a salary raise and made a deal with him where he agreed to continue with us, but it’s not on paper.
He suddenly stopped coming to work, stating he doesn’t want to work anymore.
What rights do we have as a company, and what can we do about it?
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