SPVs & Holding Companies Setup in Dubai, UAE | Nimbus Consultancy

SPVs & Holding Companies in the UAE

Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in the UAE
An SPV is a legal entity created for a specific purpose, such as isolating risk, holding assets, or structuring investments. It ringfences liabilities and simplifies estate planning, joint ventures, and investment deals.
Key Uses of SPVs
Benefits of SPVs
Limitations of SPVs
  • 500
    +
    Business advices given over 30 years
  • 30
    +
    Business Excellence awards achieved
Holding Companies in the UAE
A Holding Company is a parent entity that owns and controls shares in subsidiaries, assets, or investments. It does not trade directly but manages group governance, reporting, and protection.

Key Features

Benefits

Types of Holding Companies

Mainland

Governed by the UAE Commercial Companies Law, can own mainland/free zone shares.

Free Zone

100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, simplified regulations.

Offshore

For global asset holding, not for direct UAE market activity.

Legal & Compliance Requirements
Common Uses
Types of Holding Companies in the UAE

DMCC

JAFZA

ADGM

DIFC

RAK ICC

SPV Holding vs Holding Company
SPV Holding vs Holding Company Comparison
SPV HoldingHolding Company
Purpose An SPV is typically established for a specific, limited purpose such as holding assets, conducting a specific project, or facilitating financial transactions like securitization or financing arrangements. A holding company is generally established to hold and manage investments in other companies, subsidiaries, or assets. Its activities are broader and may include investment management, asset protection, and centralized control over subsidiaries.
Legal Structure SPVs are structured to isolate financial risk from the parent company or group. They are often designed to have a simple structure with limited liability. A holding company has a more complex structure and may have multiple subsidiaries, each with its own legal status and operational activities.
OfficeRegistered Agent’s Office AddressWill need to lease separate physical or virtual office
NexusApplicants must be able to demonstrate that the SPV will have an appropriate connection or ‘nexus’ to the ADGM, the UAE and/or to the GCC Region (the Nexus Requirement).No Nexus Requirements
VisasNo UAE Resident Visas can be sponsored by the SPV as it is simply a passive entityCan sponsor a number of UAE Resident Visas based on the size of the premises leased.
Post Setup Support – PRO and HR Service
After establishing in the UAE, it’s crucial to comply with local regulations. Licenses and portal management are key to avoiding any penalties or operational disruptions, especially when dealing with government contracts. Adherence to Emiratization is critical.

Portal Management

Tas’heel | Tawjeeh | Tadbeer | MOHRE | Dubai Trade | DHA

Compliance & Renewals

Trade License | Visa Renewals | Emiratization Certificates

HR Services

Contracts | Visas | Health Insurance | Onboarding
UAE Taxation

9% Corporate Tax

5% VAT

Why UAE?
Located at the crossroads of major international markets, the UAE is recognized as a top global hub for business and innovation.

$421 Bn

Nominal GDP

$43,103

GDP per Capita

$154 bn

FDI Inward Stock

Top GDP in GCC and Among the Most Competitive Economies Globally

2.9%

Growth for FY 2022 in UAE’s economy, with significant contributions from non-oil sectors

82%

Year-over-Year investment increase, showcasing rising investor interest

60%

Total capital deployed in the UAE from international markets

$1.2B

Total Venture Investments in 2022, a record year for startup funding

$9.8M

Population, featuring a highly diverse and skilled workforce
Why Choose Nimbus Consultancy?
Whether you need an SPV for risk isolation or a Holding Company for group structuring, Nimbus Consultancy ensures full compliance with UAE regulations while optimizing for tax efficiency, asset protection, and governance.
At Nimbus Consultancy, we help individuals, families, and businesses set up efficient structures in the UAE for asset protection, tax efficiency, and growth. Two of the most powerful tools available are Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Holding Companies.
Why Choose Nimbus Consultancy?
Whether you need an SPV for risk isolation or a Holding Company for group structuring, Nimbus Consultancy ensures full compliance with UAE regulations while optimizing for tax efficiency, asset protection, and governance.
At Nimbus Consultancy, we help individuals, families, and businesses set up efficient structures in the UAE for asset protection, tax efficiency, and growth. Two of the most powerful tools available are Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Holding Companies.