Business setup
UAE Business Setup
Licence selection, jurisdiction, shareholding, visas and the government steps that follow — handled as one coordinated process.
Mainland or Free Zone?
The right answer depends on where you intend to trade, who your clients are and how many visas you need.
Mainland Company Formation
A mainland licence is issued by the relevant emirate's economic department and suits businesses trading directly within the local market.
- Local market trading
- Broad activity selection
- Office requirement based on activity and visas
- Government transactions handled with the licence
Free Zone Company Formation
A free zone licence is issued by the free zone authority and suits service, trading and holding structures with defined facility packages.
- Package-based setup
- Full foreign ownership structures
- Flexi desk to full office options
- Visa allocation tied to the facility
The formation process
Activity and jurisdiction
Confirm the activity list and whether mainland or free zone fits the plan.
Name and initial approval
Reserve the trade name and obtain the initial approvals required.
Documentation
Prepare shareholding documents, resolutions and the supporting file.
Licence issuance
Submit through the relevant authority and obtain the licence.
Immigration file
Open the establishment card and immigration file where visas are needed.
Visas and banking
Process residence visas and support the corporate bank account application.
After the licence
Corporate bank account assistance
Preparation of the application file and coordination with the bank's requirements.
Corporate tax registration support
Registration support in line with the applicable requirements.
VAT registration support
Assessment and registration support where registration applies.
Ongoing government support
Renewals, amendments and immigration transactions as the company grows.
Cost calculator
Find the Right UAE Setup — and See the Cost.
Tell us what your business needs and compare suitable UAE company setup options with transparent estimated pricing.
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- 1Business type
- 2Location
- 3Priority
- 4Shareholders
- 5Visas
- 6Office
- 7Additional services
Recommended options with a clear price breakdown — authority fees plus our professional service fee.
UAE Business Setup
Licence selection, jurisdiction, shareholding, visas and the government steps that follow — handled as one coordinated process.
Questions
Frequently asked
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