Business Setup

Business setup in Dubai & the UAE, done properly

Mainland, free zone or offshore: we help you choose the right structure, get your trade licence and visas, open your bank account and register for tax, with one team from day one.

MainlandTrade across the UAE market and with government
Free zoneQuick set-up, 0% CT on qualifying income
OffshoreHolding and international structures
Day oneVAT, Corporate Tax and books in place from the start

Requirements, fees and timelines vary by emirate, free zone and business activity. We confirm them for your case before you commit.

The right structure saves you money for years

Choosing between mainland and free zone, the right business activity and the right number of visas affects where you can trade, your bank account and your Corporate Tax position. Getting it wrong is costly to fix later.

We look at your plans first, compare the options in plain terms, and then handle the paperwork with the licensing authority, immigration and the bank. Because we are also your accountants, your company is set up tax-ready, with Corporate Tax and VAT registrations and your books in place from the first month.

Already have a company?

We also handle licence renewals, adding activities or partners, moving between free zones, and closing companies through liquidation.

What's included

How we help

Mainland company formation

Department of Economy and Tourism licences, activity selection, trade name approval and Ejari guidance.

Free zone company formation

Licences in DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, RAKEZ, SHAMS, JAFZA and other free zones.

Offshore & holding companies

RAK ICC and JAFZA offshore structures for holding assets and international trade.

Visas & Emirates ID

Investor, partner and employee visas, medical tests, Emirates ID and family sponsorship guidance.

Corporate bank account

Help choosing a bank, preparing the KYC file and following the application through.

Tax-ready from day one

Corporate Tax registration, VAT registration when required, and bookkeeping set-up.

Process

Simple from day one

Consult

We understand your activity, market, budget and visa needs.

Compare

We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options with clear costs.

Set up

We handle the licence, visas, Emirates ID and bank account paperwork.

Run

We register you for tax and keep your books from month one.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I own 100% of a mainland company?

For most commercial and industrial activities, yes. Since 2021 the UAE allows full foreign ownership of mainland companies, though a small number of strategic activities still have restrictions. We check your activity before you apply.

Mainland or free zone: which is better?

It depends on where your customers are. Mainland companies can trade directly anywhere in the UAE, including with government. Free zone companies are often quicker to set up and can benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, but trading directly with the UAE mainland has limits. We compare both for your plans.

How long does company formation take?

Many free zone licences can be issued within days once documents are complete, while mainland set-ups and bank accounts usually take longer. We give you a realistic timeline for your activity and jurisdiction at the start.

Do I need to register for tax after setting up?

Yes. Every UAE company must register for Corporate Tax, and VAT registration is required once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 a year. We handle both as part of your set-up.

Can you help open a corporate bank account?

Yes. We help you choose a suitable bank, prepare the business plan and KYC documents banks ask for, and follow up until the account is open. Account approval is always at the bank's discretion.

Planning your UAE company? Talk to us first

Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll review where you stand with VAT, Corporate Tax and your books, and tell you exactly what's needed.

Get a free quote