Corporate & Commercial
UAE companies for Pakistani entrepreneurs and family groups, partner agreements and share transfers.
Corporate & Commercial lawyers in the UAEInternational clients · Pakistan
Supporting Pakistani clients with legal matters in the UAE
This page is for Pakistani businesses and investors, overseas Pakistanis living in the UAE, and families in Pakistan with property or relatives in the Emirates.
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters from its offices across the UAE. Pakistani clients typically ask us about setting up or reorganising a UAE company, trade and supply contracts, business partnerships that have broken down, property bought in Dubai, employment disputes and end-of-service benefits, and how UAE assets are handled when a family member dies. We meet clients at our UAE offices and work remotely with clients in Pakistan. Where documents need to be signed in Pakistan, we explain what form they need to take to be used in the UAE.
Pakistan and the UAE
Pakistan’s links with the UAE run deep. Pakistanis are one of the largest and longest-established communities in the Emirates, working across construction, transport, healthcare, finance and professional services, and many have built businesses of their own. The UAE is also one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and a source of investment and remittances.
Because so much of this activity is family-based and informal at first, legal problems often arise from arrangements that were never written down: a partner’s share in a trading company held in someone else’s name, money advanced to a relative’s business, or property bought jointly without a clear agreement. When the relationship changes, UAE law looks to the licence, the registered documents and the evidence available. Putting arrangements on a proper footing early is usually far cheaper than unpicking them later.
UAE legal services
How we assist clients from Pakistan
All practice areasDispute Resolution
Partnership disputes, unpaid trade debts and claims involving cheques and guarantees in the UAE.
Dispute Resolution lawyers in the UAEReal Estate & Construction
Property purchases, joint ownership and developer issues for overseas Pakistanis and investors.
Real Estate & Construction lawyers in the UAEEmployment & Workplace
Contract reviews, end-of-service gratuity, unpaid salary and termination disputes.
Employment & Workplace lawyers in the UAEWills, Probate & Inheritance
UAE wills and inheritance procedures for Pakistani families with UAE assets.
Wills, Probate & Inheritance lawyers in the UAEFor businesses
Legal support for businesses from Pakistan
Pakistani entrepreneurs in the UAE often start in trading, transport, contracting or services, then grow into multi-licence family businesses. We help formalise partnerships, document each partner’s contribution and share, prepare shareholder agreements with clear exit provisions, and advise on bringing in investors or separating businesses when partners go different ways. For Pakistan-based companies entering the UAE, we advise on the licence and structure, and on supply and distribution contracts with UAE counterparties.
For individuals and families
Legal support for individuals from Pakistan
Overseas Pakistanis frequently come to us about property, employment and money owed. We review purchase agreements and joint-ownership arrangements, advise on employment rights and labour complaints, and assess claims for money lent or invested. We also explain how UAE property and bank accounts are dealt with on death, and the role a UAE will can play, coordinating with Pakistani advisers on Pakistani succession law.
Typical matters
Common UAE legal matters for clients from Pakistan
A partner’s share that was never documented
Two Pakistani partners built a Sharjah trading business together, but the licence shows only one of them as owner. Now they have fallen out. We review the evidence of the unregistered partner’s contribution and role, explain how UAE courts approach such claims, and advise on negotiating a buy-out or pursuing a claim, while explaining why future arrangements should be reflected in the company documents.
Unpaid salary and gratuity
A Pakistani engineer’s employer has delayed salary for several months and he wants to leave. We review the contract and payment records, explain his entitlements to salary, notice and end-of-service gratuity, and guide him through the complaint process with the labour authorities and the courts if the employer does not settle.
Jointly owned Dubai property
Three siblings, two in Karachi and one in Dubai, bought an apartment together but registered it in one name. One sibling now wants to sell. We advise on the legal position of the registered owner and the others, the documents that support their contributions, and practical routes to a fair sale or buy-out.
Expanding a Pakistani textile exporter into the UAE
A textile exporter wants a UAE entity to hold stock and sell to regional buyers. We advise on a free zone licence suitable for trading and warehousing, the supply arrangement between the Pakistani company and its UAE entity, and the sales terms used with UAE and regional customers.
These examples describe the kinds of questions clients raise. They are not case studies, and every matter depends on its own facts.
Working together
Working with Rahman & Company from Pakistan
- 01
Initial discussion
Tell us who you are, who else is involved and what you want to achieve. A short call or video meeting is usually enough to understand the matter and agree whether we can help.
- 02
Identifying the UAE legal issues
We identify which questions are governed by UAE law, which emirate, free zone or court is relevant, and where advice under the law of Pakistan may also be needed.
- 03
Document review and strategy
Once the scope and fees are agreed, we review the contracts, licences, title documents or correspondence and set out the options and the likely next steps.
- 04
Remote consultation where appropriate
Most discussions can take place by video call and email. Where a UAE step requires a signature, registration or attendance, we explain whether a power of attorney can be used and how it should be prepared.
- 05
Ongoing support and coordination
We keep you informed in writing, deal with UAE counterparties and authorities on your behalf where instructed, and coordinate with your advisers in Pakistan.
Pakistan is one hour ahead of the UAE. Clients may be able to engage the firm remotely where this is legally and practically appropriate. Every engagement is subject to conflict, identity and compliance checks, and no particular outcome can be promised.
Where to find us
Our UAE offices
All officesHead office
Dubai
115, Al Moosa Building 5Al Ghubaiba
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sharjah
Sharjah
202, AG BuildingMuwaileh Commercial Industrial Area
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Meetings at any office are by appointment. Rahman & Company does not have an office in Pakistan unless one is listed here.
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a Pakistani national own a business in the UAE?
Yes. Many activities can be fully foreign-owned on the mainland or in a free zone. The licence type depends on the activity, the location and whether you need to trade with the local market.
My name is not on the licence, but I invested in the business. What can I do?
It depends on the evidence of your investment and role, and on any written agreements. We review the documents and payments and explain your options, including negotiation and claims.
Can I make a will in the UAE as a Pakistani Muslim?
There are routes for UAE wills that may be relevant, and the inheritance rules that apply depend on factors including religion and the assets involved. We explain the options available for your situation.
Can you advise on Pakistani law?
Rahman & Company advises on UAE legal matters. Where advice on Pakistani law is required, separate advice from appropriately qualified counsel in Pakistan may be necessary.
Can I instruct you while living in Pakistan?
Yes. Many matters can be handled by video call, email and courier, with a power of attorney where someone needs to act for you in the UAE.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to obtain legal advice?
Not usually. Most advice can be given by video call and email. Some UAE steps, such as certain registrations or court appearances, may require a properly prepared power of attorney or attendance, and we explain this at the outset. Pakistan is one hour ahead of the UAE.
Discuss your UAE legal requirements
If you are based in Pakistan or connected with it and need advice concerning a business, investment, property, dispute or other legal matter in the UAE, our team can help you understand the relevant legal considerations and next steps. Please do not send confidential documents until an engagement has been agreed.