Company law
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
Legal structuring and implementation of share transfers
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.
Employment & residence law
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
The acquisition or rental of real estate in 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.
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.
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
The structuring of marriage and inheritance relationships in an international context 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 significantly from the regulations applicable in Europe. Without timely and well-founded provisions, this can lead to considerable uncertainties and disadvantages.
Dispute resolution & legal representation
Mediation & arbitration proceedings
Business activities in an international environment such as the United Arab Emirates are not always conflict-free. This makes a clearly defined procedure for out-of-court and in-court dispute resolution all the more important. Together with specialized law firms in Germany, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, DBC offers a comprehensive range of services, 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 arbitration location, in particular the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the DIFC-LCIA have an international reputation. We support you with
- 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 authorized 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
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Setting up a company in the UAE requires differentiated planning, depending on whether founding is being set up in the mainland or in a free zone. Among other things, suitable legal forms must be selected, articles of association drawn up, permits obtained and official processes coordinated.
Share transfers not only require a legally secure purchase or assignment agreement, but also notarial or official recognition – depending on the legal form and location of the company. We review existing articles of association, draft assignment and purchase agreements and coordinate implementation with the relevant authorities.
Managing director contracts in the UAE should meet both labor and corporate law requirements. Among other things, powers, liability, remuneration, termination modalities and any visa issues must be taken into account.
Corporate governance encompasses the organization of decision-making processes, responsibilities and control mechanisms within a company. In international companies in particular, a clearly defined governance structure is crucial in order to reduce liability risks and convince investors.
Contracts in the UAE are often concluded in English or Arabic. Legally compliant contract drafting therefore requires not only linguistic but also legal precision.
When buying or renting real estate, registration obligations, property rights in freehold zones and compliance with local authority requirements (e.g. Dubai Land Department) must be observed.
In principle, German inheritance law can continue to apply through an express choice of law in accordance with the EU Succession Regulation, even in the case of permanent residence in the UAE. However, if no provision is made, Emirati law may apply.
Employers must observe many regulations when drafting contracts, terminating employment, visa matters and compliance, in particular the drafting of employment contracts, terminations, severance payments and applications for visas and residence permits.