Offshore Service Providers Directory

Sovereign Group

801 Reef Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, P.O. Box 62201, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 448 6010 | Fax: +971 4 448 6011 | SovereignGroup.com | dubai@SovereignGroup.com

About Sovereign

The first Sovereign office opened in Gibraltar in 1987 but we now have offices or agents in all the major offshore & onshore jurisdictions.

Traditionally, our main business has been the setting up and management of offshore and onshore companies and trusts to assist with tax planning and asset protection. Now our range of services has expanded so we now offer a wide range of services such as asset management, capital raising, specialised tax advice, credit cards and others which are natural additions to our main activity. These are more fully described in Our Services. www.sovereigngroup.com

Business Set –Ups in the UAE / Bahrain

The UAE has an open economy with a higher per capita income and a substantial annual trade surplus. Since the discovery of oil more than 30 years ago, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert territories to a modern state with a high standard of living.

Limited Liability Company

A limited Liability company (LLC) is the most common vehicle in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is recommended where the purpose is to make retail sales within the region.  It should be noted that 100% foreign ownership of such an entity is not permitted  except for non-trading branches and representative offices of foreign companies, and provided that a local agent is appointed. An LLC requires a minimum 51% share-holding by UAE nationals.   The Sovereign Group can introduce clients to UAE “sleeping” partners to fulfil this legal requirement.  We only recommend credible individuals as sponsors who have a well established track record. 

Free Zone Business Set-up

Free Zone registration is an alternative option.  This will also enable 100% foreign ownership and is more often more cost effective.  A Free Zone company will typically operate under one, or more, of four licence categories – commercial, general trading, industrial or service.  Free Zone registrations do not require a local sponsor but companies that wish to sell goods or services within the UAE must pay 5% duty and appoint a local service agent. Overseas sales are free of any duty. Please note that new Free Zones are being created and some existing Free Zones are reaching capacity. Contact Sovereign for up to date information. 

Registration in Bahrain

Investors who are interested in seizing the opportunity in any of the targeted economic clusters have a range of vehicles through which they can do business. The choice of legal vehicle is governed by the nature and size of the business, as well as the requirements of the investors.

Limited Liability Company (W.L.L.) This is a privately held company under which the liability of the shareholders is limited to the amount of issued capital. It is established on the basis of a Memorandum of Association, written in Arabic and notarized by a notary public. The company is incorporated under the Commercial Registration Law by being entered into the Commercial Register maintained at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. A W.L.L. is not permitted to issue shares to the public.

Characteristics
Minimum capital: BD20,000
Minimum nominal share value: BD50
Maximum number of shareholders: 50
Name: Must be followed by "W.L.L."
Level of foreign ownership: Up to 100% for allowed activities

Allowed activities
In the case of 100 percent foreign ownership, a W.L.L. may be licensed to undertake any form of activity, subject to obtaining the appropriate authorization from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other relevant bodies, if applicable.

A W.L.L. may engage in most commercial, industrial and service activities, with the exception of insurance, banking or investment management activities.

Sovereign Group of Companies
Sovereign has a wide range of services ranging from Corporate and Tax Planning to Asset Management, Legal Advice and Yacht Registration. Please see the list below for some of the companies in the Group.

Register a Yacht.com
An efficient and professional worldwide yacht registration service at competitive prices.

Sovereign Alternative
Focusing exclusively on issues that directly affect alternative lifestyles.

Sovereign Asset Management
Providing advice and management on investment related matters, specific to client needs.

Sovereign Group Partners LLP
Helping smaller corporates gain access to private equity capital and debt financing.

Register An Aircraft
RANA complete range of professional and highly tailored services to aircraft owners and operators Worldwide.

The Sovereign Art Foundation
A visual arts prize, to give recognition to some of the most important artists of our time.

Contact details

Sovereign Corporate Services JLT

Managing Director (Dubai, Bahrain)
John Hanafin
Contact: jhanafin@SovereignGroup.com
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi, Konkani, Arabic, German, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Polish, Spanish, Russian, Dutch

Location
801 Reef Tower
Jumeirah Lake Towers
P.O. Box 62201
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Sovereign (Abu Dhabi) Limited

Managing Director (Abu Dhabi)
Vikrant Pangam
Contact: vpangam@SovereignGroup.com
Languages Spoken
English, Hindi, Konkani, Arabic, German, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Polish, Spanish, Russian

Location
Office M-19
Executive Business Centre
Najda Street P.O. Box 112358
Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Google Map
Local Freephone 800 Offshore
Telephone Number: +971 2 495 2786
Fax Number: +971 2 674 0066
E-mail: ad@SovereignGroup.com