Business setup in the UAE
Three routes, very different results. We compare them against your customers, visa needs, banking and tax position, then set up the one that fits and look after it afterwards.
Business setup in Dubai and the UAE
The right jurisdiction depends on who you sell to, where your customers are and how you plan to bank. We compare the options with you, then handle the licence, visas and bank account.
Trade anywhere in the UAE, including with government.
Full ownership, fast setup and a 0% rate on qualifying income.
A holding structure for assets and international business.
Before you choose
We go through these on the first call.
Selling directly to mainland customers or government usually needs a mainland licence or a local distributor.
Visa quotas depend on office space and the zone. Offshore companies cannot sponsor visas at all.
Free zone companies can keep a 0% rate on qualifying income. Mainland income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
Banks look at activity, owners’ nationalities and expected turnover. Some structures are much easier to bank than others.
The process
Your business model, customers, visa needs and budget.
Day 1A written comparison of the realistic options and their costs.
Day 2Trade name reservation, initial approval and any external approvals.
Week 1Memorandum signed, lease or flexi-desk arranged, licence released.
Week 1 to 3Where we work
We serve companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain.
Free zone authorities only accept audit reports from firms they recognise. These are the zones our clients operate in most often. If yours is not listed, ask us.
Business setup FAQ
Have a question about your own company? An advisor replies the same working day.
Ask on WhatsAppA straightforward free zone company can be licensed in a few working days. Mainland companies and activities that need external approvals take longer, typically one to three weeks. Visas and the bank account follow after the licence.
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland commercial and industrial activities do too. A small list of strategic activities still has ownership conditions.
A mainland company is licensed by the emirate’s Department of Economy and can trade anywhere in the UAE. A free zone company is licensed by the zone authority, trades freely inside the zone and internationally, and can benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income.
Mainland companies need a registered address with a tenancy contract. Free zones offer flexi-desks and shared offices that satisfy the requirement at a lower cost. Offshore companies use their registered agent’s address.
Yes. We register the company for corporate tax and VAT, keep the books, file the returns and carry out the annual audit, so you deal with one firm throughout.
Free consultation
Send a few details and an advisor will call you back within one working day with next steps and a fixed quote. No obligation.
