Your competent legal advice in Dubai
We provide comprehensive legal advice for Dubai and the UAE.
Corporate law in Dubai
The legally compliant structuring and ongoing support of companies in the United Arab Emirates requires sound knowledge of international corporate law. Together with experienced partner law firms, DBC supports clients in all corporate law issues and processes.
Design and support of business start-ups
both in free zones and on the mainland, including contract drafting, legal review and coordination with the relevant authorities.
Legal structuring and implementation of share transfers
including purchase agreements, assignment agreements and compliance-compliant implementation.
Drafting and optimization of management contracts
taking into account local labor law provisions, liability scenarios and tax implications.
Employment & residence law
Employment contracts, visa law, protection against dismissal, protection against liability risks for employers.
Development of customized corporate governance solutions
to establish clear decision-making structures, responsibilities and control mechanisms within the organization
The legally compliant structuring of employment relationships
according to UAE labor law, salary, notice periods, probationary periods, vacation entitlements and additional benefits.
Assistance with visa law
in particular when applying for and extending employment visas, family visas or investor visas – including advice on legally compliant links with the corporate structure.
Dismissal protection and separation scenarios
in particular in complying with the legal framework for ordinary and extraordinary terminations as well as severance arrangements.
Protection against liability risks under labor law
for example, through the proper structuring of employer obligations, documentation requirements and compliance requirements.
Contract drafting & review
Preparation and review of industry-specific contracts in German, English and Arabic.
Labor & Residence Law Dubai
The legally compliant structuring of employment relationships in the United Arab Emirates is an essential part of corporate responsibility. Employers not only have to deal with local labor law regulations, but also with the complex rules surrounding visas, residence status and liability issues.
Real estate law Dubai
Acquiring or renting real estate in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates requires sound legal advice. Whether for investments in off-plan projects, the purchase of existing properties or commercial leases, local particularities and legal framework conditions must be precisely observed. The legal advisory team at Dubai Business Consulting assists you with all matters relating to real estate law.
Legal review and drafting of purchase contracts
taking into account cross-emirate regulations (e.g. Dubai Land Department, Abu Dhabi Municipality).
Drafting and analyzing rental agreements
for residential and commercial real estate, including term regulations, maintenance obligations, termination modalities and indexation.
Preparation of handover protocols and agreements
for legally compliant property transfer in the event of a change of ownership or tenant.
Advice on property rights and registration obligations,
especially in freehold zones or when acquired by foreign companies.
Arrange your free initial consultation now
And find out how Dubai Business Consulting can support you.
Inheritance provision and choice of law:
According to the EU Succession Regulation (EU Succession Regulation), the applicable law of succession is generally based on the last habitual residence of the deceased. For Europeans resident in the UAE, Emirati law may therefore apply unless German inheritance law has been expressly chosen. We advise you on the legally effective determination of the desired succession and assist you in drafting your will in accordance with Emirati requirements.
Will drafting & estate structuring:
Due to the considerable differences between European and Emirati inheritance law, for example with regard to succession in favor of the spouse or the distribution of real estate, an individually formulated will is strongly recommended. We can help you draw up a legally compliant will, including notarization and court-certified translation.
Estate settlement in the UAE:
European certificates of inheritance are generally not recognized in the UAE. Probate proceedings must therefore be conducted through Emirati courts, which entails additional time, costs and documentation requirements. We advise on structured estate planning and assist with the local settlement of real estate, bank accounts or company shares.
Inheritance & gift tax:
Although the UAE has no inheritance tax, German or European tax obligations may arise, for example in the case of domestic assets or cross-border inheritances. We coordinate the tax structuring of your estate in close cooperation with specialized tax advisors and family offices.
Lasting powers of attorney & living wills:
We support you in the preparation and legally compliant implementation of these documents, adapted to the requirements and recognition practices in the UAE. This safeguards your interests abroad in the event of an emergency.
Marriage contracts & divorce consequences:
International marriages require special legal precautions. Marriage contracts for the division of assets and protection in the event of separation should be drawn up or adapted before or during the stay in the UAE, especially if there are assets in Germany and abroad. The consequences of divorce (e.g. maintenance, pension equalization, equalization of gains) should also be examined in the light of both legal systems and regulated by contract.
Conflict resolution
Mediation, arbitration proceedings (e.g. DIAC), legal representation by cooperating law firms before Emirati courts.
Family & Inheritance Law in Dubai
The structuring of matrimonial and inheritance arrangements in the international context of legal advisory services is becoming increasingly important, particularly for European nationals who live in the United Arab Emirates or hold assets there. The legal framework in the UAE differs in key aspects from the regulations applicable in Europe. Without timely and well-founded legal planning, this can lead to significant uncertainties and disadvantages.
Dispute resolution & litigation in Dubai
Mediation & arbitration proceedings
Business activities in an international environment such as the United Arab Emirates do not always proceed without conflict. All the more important, therefore, is a clearly defined approach to both out-of-court and judicial dispute resolution. Together with specialized law firms in Germany, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, DBC offers a comprehensive range of legal advisory services, covering everything from preventive conflict management to the judicial enforcement of your claims.
Mediation
In mediation, neutral, certified mediators mediate between the parties in order to reach a swift, cost-effective and binding agreement. We
- examine the suitability of the case for a mediation procedure,
- prepare your negotiation strategy and
- accompany you until the implementation of the settlement agreement, which can be made enforceable in the UAE.
Arbitration proceedings (e.g. DIAC, ADCCAC, DIFC-LCIA)
The UAE is an established seat of arbitration, particularly the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the DIFC-LCIA, both of which enjoy an international reputation. We support you in
- the drafting of watertight arbitration clauses in German, English and Arabic language contracts,
- the selection of suitable referees / institutions,
- complete procedural support from the submission of the application to the recognition and enforcement of the arbitration award in accordance with the New York Convention.
Legal representation before Emirati courts
Should legal proceedings be unavoidable, we will put you in contact with our cooperating law firms who are licensed to conduct proceedings before all Emirati courts. Together we guarantee
- a well-founded process strategy taking into account local procedural rules,
- bilingual pleadings (Arabic / English) and certified translations,
- proactive management of deadlines, preservation of evidence and enforcement measures.
Advice on property rights and registration obligations,
especially in freehold zones or when acquired by foreign companies.
Family & inheritance law
Marriage contracts, divorce consequences, inheritance regulations in an international context (e.g. German inheritance law in Dubai).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Die Unternehmensgründung in den VAE erfordert eine differenzierte Planung, je nachdem, ob die Gründung im Mainland oder in einer Freezone erfolgt. Es sind unter anderem geeignete Rechtsformen zu wählen, Satzungen zu erstellen, Genehmigungen einzuholen und behördliche Prozesse zu koordinieren.
Anteilsübertragungen erfordern nicht nur einen rechtssicheren Kauf- oder Abtretungsvertrag, sondern auch die notarielle oder behördliche Anerkennung – je nach Rechtsform und Standort der Gesellschaft. Wir prüfen bestehende Gesellschaftsverträge, gestalten Abtretungs- und Kaufverträge und stimmen die Umsetzung mit den zuständigen Behörden ab.
Geschäftsführerverträge in den VAE sollten sowohl die arbeits-, als auch gesellschaftsrechtlichen Anforderungen erfüllen. Zu berücksichtigen sind unter anderem Befugnisse, Haftung, Vergütung, Kündigungsmodalitäten und etwaige Visumsfragen.
Corporate Governance umfasst die Gestaltung von Entscheidungsprozessen, Verantwortlichkeiten und Kontrollmechanismen innerhalb eines Unternehmens. Gerade in international zusammengesetzten Unternehmen ist eine klar definierte Governance-Struktur entscheidend, um Haftungsrisiken zu reduzieren und Investoren zu überzeugen.
Verträge in den VAE werden häufig in Englisch oder Arabisch abgeschlossen. Eine rechtssichere Vertragsgestaltung erfordert daher nicht nur sprachliche, sondern auch juristische Präzision.
Beim Kauf oder der Anmietung von Immobilien müssen Registerpflichten, Eigentumsrechte in Freehold-Zonen und die Einhaltung lokaler Behördenvorgaben (z. B. Dubai Land Department) beachtet werden.
Grundsätzlich kann deutsches Erbrecht durch ausdrückliche Rechtswahl nach der EU-ErbVO weiterhin gelten auch bei dauerhaftem Aufenthalt in den VAE. Ohne Regelung droht jedoch die Anwendung des emiratischen Rechts.
Arbeitgeber müssen bei Vertragsgestaltung, Kündigung, Visa-Angelegenheiten und Compliance viele Vorschriften beachten, insbesondere die Gestaltung von Arbeitsverträgen, Kündigungen, Abfindungen sowie der Beantragung von Visas und Aufenthaltsgenehmigungen.