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Joint Venture in the UAE (Joint Venture, JV)

Joint Venture (JV) is a smart partnership format where several parties combine resources for a project or alliance while maintaining their legal independence. A JV can be a simple agreement or a full-fledged company, depending on the goals and duration of the cooperation.


Types of Joint Ventures

1. Contractual Joint Venture (Unincorporated JV)

  • Only an agreement (JVA) is concluded between the parties.
  • No registration required in DED or Free Zone.
  • One of the parties acts on behalf of the JV by proxy.
  • Profits, expenses, and risks are distributed by agreement.
  • Often used in construction, engineering, consulting, and tenders.

✅ Quick start, flexibility, no tax reporting on behalf of the JV.

2. Registered Joint Venture (LLC / PrJSC)

  • Registration in DED or Free Zone.
  • Clear shares in capital, rights, and obligations of participants.
  • Management through MoA and Shareholders Agreement (SHA).
  • Suitable for long-term projects, investments, real estate, manufacturing.
  • The company keeps records, pays taxes, has accounts and employees.

✅ A solution for serious partnerships with full legal protection.


Main Documents for JV

  1. Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) — goals, shares, management, exit.
  2. Shareholders Agreement (SHA) — distribution of rights and obligations.
  3. MoA / AoA — if a registered legal entity is created.
  4. NOC from DED — when involving foreign investors or government entities.

Where JV is Used

  • Foreign investor + local partner = company in construction.
  • Two contractors join forces for an infrastructure project.
  • Consulting agencies participate in a tender as a single block.
  • Family holding and international corporation create a strategic alliance.

Want to create a Joint Venture in the UAE?

MIRAD will set up a turnkey JV: agreement, registration, support, and protection of parties' interests.

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What MIRAD Does

  • Determine the JV format: agreement or registration.
  • Prepare all documents (JVA, SHA, MoA).
  • Register the Joint Venture in DED or Free Zone.
  • Agree on management structure, exit strategy, and profit distribution.
  • Advise on taxes, IP, and protection of interests.
  • Represent clients in negotiations between JV participants.

FAQ: Joint Venture in the UAE

❓ Is it necessary to register a Joint Venture?
✅ Only if a separate legal entity is created (LLC / PrJSC).

❓ What taxes does a JV pay?
✅ Unincorporated JV does not pay taxes on its behalf; Registered JV pays like a regular company.

❓ Can a foreigner participate in a JV?
✅ Yes, but in some areas a local partner or LSA is required.


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