2026 Dubai Micro Home Office Registration Guide: Materials and Processes at a glance

In recent years, Dubai has become the preferred destination for global high net worth individuals to set up family offices by virtue of its superior geographical location, relaxed regulatory environment and generous policy dividends. This article will provide systematic guidance to investors from the policy background, registration information, core process and other dimensions.

Policy background

the core advantage of Dubai Home Office is its "tax neutrality" and "identity linkage" mechanism. According to UAE federal law, the family office is not subject to corporate income tax, personal income tax and capital gains tax, and can be segregated through the registration structure. 2026 New Deal to further ease restrictions:

1. Golden Visa Upgrade: Founders and core members of the Home Office can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa, covering spouses, children and an unlimited number of domestic helpers without a guarantor.

2. Innovation in free zones: DMCC, DIFC and other free zones have launched "micro-home office" packages, with the minimum registered capital reduced to 10000 dirhams and virtual office is allowed.

3, industry access relaxation: foreign investors can control 100 percent of the financial technology, renewable energy and other fields, and no local partners.

Dubai Micro Home Office Registration Materials

1. Core basic information

A copy of the valid passport of the shareholder/director (it is necessary to ensure that the passport is valid for the registration period);

A white background ID photo of the shareholder/director (in accordance with Dubai's official specifications);

proof of address (utility bills or bank statements for the last two months, with personal/subject information clearly displayed);

equity distribution agreement (specifying core equity information such as the proportion of each shareholder's shareholding and the mode of capital contribution);

3-5 English alternative names (for name approval, avoid sensitive words such as religion and country).

2. Supplementary information on corporate shareholders

if the shareholder is a legal entity, additional:

notarization certificate of legal person business license;

resolution of the Board of Directors (expressly agreeing to the establishment of the Dubai Micro Home Office and authorized representatives, etc.).

3. Additional information on specific free trade zones

some free trade zones, represented by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), need to be added due to higher regulatory requirements:

business plan (stating the business scope, investment direction, operation plan, etc.);

bank credit certificate (supporting the strength of funds and the legitimacy of the source, in line with anti-money laundering (AML) regulatory requirements).

Dubai Micro Home Office Registration Process

1. Pre-planning

determine the scope of business: clarify the functions of the office (e. g. investment management, tax planning, charitable funds, etc.) and select the corresponding license type (professional license/financial license).

Name approval: submit 3 alternative names to the free zone administration, avoid using sensitive words such as "Bank" and "Insurance", and the names should reflect the nature of the business.

shareholder structure design:

natural person shareholders: need to provide passport notarization and UAE embassy certification documents.

Corporate shareholders: the business license of the parent company and the resolution of the board of directors shall be submitted.

2. Document submission and approval

list of core materials:

shareholder's passport, proof of address (utility bill for nearly 3 months).

Business plan (need to explain the source of funds and investment strategy).

Free area lease agreement (virtual office or physical space).

Anti-money laundering review documents (contract or invoice required for single transaction over $10000).

Approval Process:

the Free Zone Administration reviews the materials online and issues a preliminary approval letter after the approval of the name.

Sign the Articles of Association (MOA) and pay the registration fee (DMCC basic package fee includes license fee, virtual office fee and first year license fee).

3. Follow-up compliance and operations

bank account opening:

it is recommended to choose Emirates NBD, Mashreq and other international banks, which need to provide business license, MOA and business certificate.

Some banks require on-site interviews with an account opening cycle of about 2-4 weeks.

Visa Application:

apply for entry permit with business license, and complete physical examination, fingerprint entry and Emirates ID processing after entry.

The Golden Visa takes about 15 working days and does not require a guarantor.

Tax Registration:

the Free Zone Family Office is required to declare income (e. g. rent, local investment income) within the UAE.

Annual income exceeding 375000 dirhams requires VAT registration (VAT rate is 5%).

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