Company Formation in Dubai Humanitarian

Company Formation in International Humanitarian City (IHC), Dubai provides a specialised setup environment for humanitarian organisations, NGOs, non-profit organisations and eligible commercial entities whose activities are related to humanitarian operations. Now known as Dubai Humanitarian, the former International Humanitarian City (IHC) is a dedicated humanitarian free-zone ecosystem established in 2003.

Located near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Humanitarian provides access to office facilities, warehouses and logistics infrastructure that support humanitarian supply chains and international relief operations. Reyson Badger provides Company Formation Services in Dubai Humanitarian City, assisting eligible organisations and commercial entities with licensing, documentation, registration and related setup requirements.

Businesses planning manufacturing, processing or other specialised activities should confirm whether the proposed activity is permitted and whether prior approval from Dubai Humanitarian is required before applying for a licence.
 

Why Choose Company Formation in International Humanitarian City (IHC)?

• Specialised Humanitarian Ecosystem: Dubai Humanitarian provides a dedicated environment for humanitarian organisations and commercial entities associated with humanitarian activities.
• Strategic Logistics Location: Its location near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport supports international logistics and humanitarian supply chains.
• Humanitarian Community: Organisations can operate within an ecosystem that brings together humanitarian, non-profit and related commercial entities.
• Office and Warehouse Infrastructure: Dubai Humanitarian offers workspace and warehouse facilities to support different operational requirements.
• International Connectivity: Access to major air and sea transport routes can support organisations involved in international relief and logistics operations.
• Flexible Setup Options: Available workspace and licensing options can vary depending on the organisation's structure, activity and operational requirements.
• Foreign Ownership: Eligible entities can establish their business structure subject to the applicable Dubai Humanitarian licensing requirements.
   

Corporate Tax for Companies in Dubai Humanitarian

Companies established in Dubai Humanitarian are subject to the UAE Corporate Tax framework. Eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income, subject to meeting the applicable conditions. Income that does not qualify may be subject to the standard Corporate Tax rate.

Businesses should assess their activities, income and compliance requirements to determine the applicable Corporate Tax treatment.
 

Can an IHC Company Operate Outside the Free Zone?

An IHC company's ability to conduct activities outside the free zone depends on the nature of the business activity, applicable UAE and Dubai regulations, and any required licences or permits. Businesses planning mainland operations should confirm the applicable requirements before conducting activities outside Dubai Humanitarian.
 

Who Can Set Up a Company in International Humanitarian City?

International Humanitarian City is designed primarily for humanitarian organisations and businesses whose activities are related to or associated with humanitarian operations.

Eligible applicants may include:

• International humanitarian organisations
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Non-profit organisations
• Governmental or international organisations meeting the applicable requirements
• Commercial entities whose activities are related to or can be associated with humanitarian activities
• Eligible branches of existing organisations or companies

Eligibility, business activity and licensing requirements are subject to Dubai Humanitarian's applicable rules and approval process.
 

Office and Workspace Options in Dubai Humanitarian

Non-Profit Organizations (NPO):

• Standard Office: For larger setups with dedicated office spaces.
• Business Center Desk: For smaller setups, provide a shared or private desk in a business center.

Commercial Entities:

• Standard Office: A full office space for commercial activities.
• Business Center Desk: A cost-effective desk space in a business center for flexible operations.

Workspace requirements and availability may vary depending on the entity type, business activity and operational requirements.
 

License Categories in Dubai Humanitarian

Humanitarian Organization License (Branch)
Commercial Entity (FZ LLC and Branch)
 

Requirements for Company Formation in International Humanitarian City (IHC)

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Certificate of Incumbency from HQ
• Passport copies of directors and manager
• Registration Certificate, MOA, or Bylaw from HQ
• License copies of other branches (if applicable)
• UBO Declaration
• Latest financial audit report
• List of contributors (above USD 15,000)
• Reference letters (if applicable)
• Business plan (using the provided template)
   

Stage 2:

• Attested Good Standing Certificate
• Notarized board resolution
• Notarized Articles of Association or MOA
• Signature specimen of authorized signatory
• NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
   

Commercial FZ LLC Registration Requirements

For Individual Shareholder(s)

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Passport copies of shareholders and management
• Reference letters or agreements with UN agencies/NPOs (if applicable)
• Bank reference letter for individual shareholders
• Business plan (avoid including the first page)
• Completed UBO Declaration and Shareholder Data forms
   

Stage 2:

• Shareholder resolution (signed in Dubai Humanitarian’s presence)
• Signature specimen of authorized signatory
• NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)
   

For Non-Individual (Company) Shareholder(s)

Stage 1:

• Application Form
• Company registration certificate or license
• Certificate of Incumbency
• MOA or By-Law
• Passport copies of appointed management
• Reference letters or agreements (if applicable)
• Latest audited financials
• Business plan (avoid including the first page)
• Completed UBO Declaration, Nominee Shareholding form, and Shareholder Data forms
• Corporate structure chart
   

Stage 2:

• Corporate Shareholders’ Resolution (drafted by the board)
• Good Standing Certificate
• Copy of Articles of Association or MOA
• Signature specimen of authorized signatories
• NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

 
The Dubai Humanitarian is a vital resource for humanitarian organizations, offering a unique free-zone environment tailored for efficient operations. With its strategic location in Dubai, it ensures rapid access to global markets and provides essential government support for seamless business setup. Organizations can benefit from a range of licensing options and flexible workspace solutions, making company formation in International Humanitarian City (IHC) an ideal choice for those committed to humanitarian efforts. By choosing IHC, businesses can significantly enhance their impact on global crises and connect with a thriving community of like-minded professionals.
 

Why Choose Reyson Badger for Company Formation Services in Dubai Humanitarian City?

Setting up an entity in Dubai Humanitarian requires careful consideration of eligibility, business activity, legal structure, documentation and licensing requirements. Reyson Badger assists businesses and eligible organisations throughout the company formation process.

Our support can include:

• IHC eligibility guidance
• Entity and licence structure guidance
• Business activity assistance
• Documentation support
• Licence application assistance
• Company registration coordination
• Office and workspace guidance
• Post-formation support where applicable
• Tax and compliance support

With professional assistance, businesses can navigate the applicable company formation requirements and establish their presence in Dubai Humanitarian more efficiently.
 

FAQs

What is International Humanitarian City (IHC) in Dubai?

International Humanitarian City (IHC), now known as Dubai Humanitarian, is a specialised humanitarian free-zone ecosystem in Dubai. It supports eligible humanitarian organisations, non-profit organisations and commercial entities whose activities are related to or associated with humanitarian operations.

Who can set up a company in International Humanitarian City?

Eligible humanitarian organisations, NGOs, non-profit organisations and other qualifying organisations can apply to establish a presence in Dubai Humanitarian. Commercial entities may also be eligible when their proposed business activities are related to or associated with humanitarian activities, subject to applicable requirements and approval.

How much does company formation in IHC cost?

The cost depends on the entity type, licence, business activity, office or business centre requirements, warehouse requirements, visas and other applicable charges. Because setup requirements vary between humanitarian and commercial entities, businesses should obtain a current cost estimate based on their specific requirements.

What documents are required for company formation in Dubai Humanitarian City?

Requirements vary depending on the entity structure and applicant type. Common documents include application forms, passport copies, incorporation documents, MOA or bylaws, UBO information, business plans, corporate resolutions and financial documents where applicable. Additional documents may be requested by Dubai Humanitarian.

Can a commercial company be established in IHC?

Yes, eligible commercial entities can establish a presence in Dubai Humanitarian when their proposed activities are related to or can be associated with humanitarian activities. The applicant must meet the applicable eligibility, documentation, licensing and approval requirements.