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We Work Closely With All Government Agencies
Free Zone Company Setup
Free Zones are economic areas where one can carry out trade at preferential tax and customs rates. Free Zones were originally formed to boost international business in the region by offering benefits such as 100% foreign company ownership.
Mainland Company Setup
Mainland is the area outside of the free zones with the Department of Economic Development (DED) being the regulatory authority for the issuance of mainland licenses.
Offshore Company Setup
Offshore companies are permitted to open a bank account in the UAE, however, they cannot issue work visas or have a physical office within the country. Offshore licenses are typically used as holding companies and are mainly incorporated for operations in foreign countries with financial, legal and tax benefit purposes. Offshore companies under free zones such as JAFZA and RAKICC can own real estate in the UAE.
Our Company Formation Process
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STEP 03
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Frequently Asked Questions section is designed to give you quick, clear answers about company formation, trade licenses, visas, compliance, and business setup procedures in Dubai and the UAE. We simplify complex processes so you can make informed decisions with confidence and ease.
The total cost depends on three things: jurisdiction, visa count, and office type. As a realistic guide:
Free zone from ~AED 12,900/yr for a single-visa package
Mainland from ~AED 14,999/yr
On top of the base licence fee, factor in visa costs (approx. AED 3,500–5,000 per person), medical and Emirates ID (~AED 1,000), and any office or flexi-desk fees. We provide a fixed all-inclusive quote before you commit — no surprises.
The short answer: it depends on who your customers are.
Free Zone is ideal if you invoice international clients, work in tech, consulting, e-commerce, or media. Setup is faster (1–3 days), and you get 100% foreign ownership and 0% personal tax.
Mainland is better if you want to sell directly to UAE consumers, bid on government contracts, or need unlimited visa capacity. You no longer need a local Emirati partner for most activities. Your advisor will compare both side by side with real numbers.
Yes — the licence itself can be issued fully remotely and we handle all document preparation and government submissions on your behalf. One visit is typically required for Emirates ID biometrics and visa stamping. In some jurisdictions, a Power of Attorney arrangement can make even this step remote. Many of our clients complete the entire setup from abroad.
Free zone licenses can be issued in as little as 1–3 business days once documents are submitted. Mainland licenses typically take 7–14 business days due to additional approvals. Visa processing adds 5–10 working days on top. Once your license is issued, you can start signing contracts and invoicing clients — the bank account can often be opened in parallel.
Bank account opening is often the most frustrating part for founders doing it alone. Banks in the UAE have strict KYC requirements and reject incomplete applications regularly. We have exclusive partnerships with top UAE banks and pre-vet your application before submission, significantly reducing rejection risk. Some banking partners offer an instant account number upon license issuance. You'll need your trade license and investor visa — both of which we handle.
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax effective June 2023, but most small and early-stage businesses won't pay it. Here's the breakdown:
0% on profits up to AED 375,000 (~$100k USD)
9% on profits above AED 375,000
0% personal income tax — always
Qualifying free zone companies may retain a 0% rate on qualifying foreign-sourced income under specific conditions. There is still no personal income tax in the UAE regardless of earnings.
No — not for most businesses. The UAE updated its Commercial Companies Law, and 100% foreign ownership is now permitted across the majority of mainland business activities. A local service agent is only required for a small number of restricted sectors. Free zones have always allowed full foreign ownership. Your advisor will confirm whether your specific activity has any ownership conditions.
Visa quota depends on your license type, office size, and jurisdiction. Free zone packages typically start with 1–3 visas and can be scaled up. Mainland companies can sponsor more employees, especially with a physical office. As the license holder, you can also sponsor dependents (spouse, children, parents) once your investor visa is issued. We handle the full visa process including medical, Emirates ID, and entry permits.
Not necessarily. Most free zone companies can operate with a virtual office or flexi-desk — a registered address for your license and mail, plus access to meeting rooms when needed. This is the most cost-effective starting point. Mainland companies require an Ejari-registered address, but shared workspaces and business centres qualify. We offer solutions from virtual addresses to fully furnished private offices.
Less than you'd expect. The core requirements are:
Passport copy valid 6+ months
Passport photo white background
Business activity description
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also need a proof of address or a No Objection Certificate if you're currently employed in the UAE. Free zone setups typically have lighter documentation than mainland. We send you a personalised checklist on day one — no guesswork.
VAT registration is mandatory if your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000/year. Voluntary registration is possible from AED 187,500. The standard UAE VAT rate is 5% — one of the lowest globally. If you're exporting goods or services internationally, many supplies are zero-rated. We handle VAT registration and can connect you with our accounting partners for ongoing filing.
The process involves multiple government authorities, each with different requirements, portals, and timelines. Mistakes — wrong activity code, incomplete documents, wrong structure — mean rejections and delays that cost more than our fee. Beyond setup, we also handle visa processing, bank account introductions, VAT registration, and annual renewals. With 17+ years and 80,000+ companies launched, our direct relationships with authorities mean your approvals move faster.