United Arab Emirates / Business Setup
Company Formation in the UAE, Made Clear.
Setting up in the UAE involves a chain of linked decisions: what your business will do, which legal structure suits it, which jurisdiction licenses it, and what approvals follow. We help you work through those decisions in order and prepare and coordinate the paperwork, so you know what you are choosing and why.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements are set by UAE authorities and change; confirm current rules before acting.
01 / Audience
Who this is for
- First-time founders starting a company in the UAE
- Foreign entrepreneurs and investors entering the market
- Existing businesses adding a UAE entity
- Freelancers and consultants moving to a company structure
02 / Scope
What the service covers
- A review of your business activity and what it means for licensing
- Comparing the routes that may fit: mainland, free zone and, where relevant, other structures
- Preparing and coordinating application documents
- Coordinating with the relevant licensing authority
- Pointing out the visa, banking and administrative steps that follow formation
What it does not include
- Approval of any licence: authorities decide, not us
- Legal, tax or accounting advice, unless a qualified professional is engaged for it
- Guarantees on timing or outcome
03 / Process
How it works
- 01Initial consultationWe learn what you plan to do, who owns the business and where you will trade.
- 02Scope and activityWe translate your plans into licensable business activities.
- 03Jurisdiction optionsWe set out the routes that appear to fit and the trade-offs between them.
- 04DocumentationWe list what is needed and help you prepare it.
- 05Application and authority reviewThe application goes to the relevant authority, which reviews it and may ask for changes.
- 06Licensing stepsOnce approved, the remaining licensing and registration steps are completed.
- 07Connected needsResidency visas, bank accounts and office requirements are planned alongside.
04 / Inputs
What we will need from you
- Proposed business activities
- Shareholder and manager details
- Identity and address documents for owners (exact list depends on route)
- Proposed company name options
- Office or premises plans, where required
05 / Choices
Decisions and trade-offs
Mainland or free zone
Mainland licences generally allow trading across the UAE market. Free zones offer their own packages and rules, often with restrictions on trading outside the zone. Which fits depends on where your customers are, your activity and your visa needs.
Ownership and structure
Rules on ownership and legal form depend on the activity and jurisdiction. We explain what applies to yours rather than assume.
Physical presence
Some routes require a physical office or a flexible alternative; others differ. This affects cost and day-to-day operations.
06 / Costs and timing
Fees and timelines
Costs vary with the activity, jurisdiction, number of visas and premises. They have two parts: authority and government charges, and professional service fees. We set both out separately before you commit. We do not publish figures here because they change and depend on your case.
07 / FAQ
Questions on this service
Can foreigners own a UAE company?
In many cases yes, but the rules depend on the activity and jurisdiction. We check what applies to your plan during the consultation.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
They are licensed by different authorities, with different permitted activities, market access and requirements. The decision depends on your business model.
Do I need an office?
It depends on the route and the activity. Some require a physical space, others allow alternatives. We confirm this for the route you are considering.
What documents do I need?
Typically identity documents for owners and managers plus details of the business activity. The exact list depends on the authority.
Are government fees included in your fee?
No. Government and authority fees are separate from our professional fees, and we show both.
How long does setup take?
It depends on the authority, the activity and how quickly documents are ready. We can discuss realistic expectations for your case, but we cannot promise a date.
Can you help with visas and a bank account afterwards?
We can help coordinate visa applications and prepare bank account applications. Visa decisions and bank approval rest with the authorities and the bank.