Establish your business in the UAE, in the jurisdiction that genuinely fits your market.
Free zone, mainland or offshore: we determine the right structure for your activity before executing it, rather than defaulting to the most common jurisdiction.
What the structure delivers in practice
Favourable taxation
0% personal income tax, reduced corporate rates, and — in most cases — no double taxation thanks to the UAE's treaty network.
Residency and mobility
An active company can open the door to an investor visa for you and, depending on the structure, for your team.
Access to the Gulf market
A strategic position between Europe, Asia and Africa, backed by a particularly active banking and investment ecosystem.
In 4 steps
Activity and jurisdiction
Mainland for the local market, free zone for international activity at a reduced tax rate, offshore for asset holding.
Name reservation
Two to three names submitted, checked and given initial approval by the relevant authority.
Formation and licence
MOA/AOA signed, lease agreement (Ejari) in place, trade licence issued.
Banking and tax
Corporate account opened, then VAT and corporate tax registration once the relevant thresholds are met.
What to prepare
You provide
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of address and a recent photo
- Description of the activity and three proposed names
- Business plan and source-of-funds declaration
What gets put in place
- MOA/AOA and board resolution if required
- Lease agreement (Ejari), a condition of the licence
- Register of shareholders and directors
- Corporate tax registration if applicable
Who this structure is right for
You want genuine residency with zero personal income tax
Your activity clearly matches an available licence category
You're aiming for international reach, not just local
What to expect
Indicative timelines — they vary by free zone, emirate and the bank selected.
3–10 days
Initial approval through to licence issuance
2–4 weeks
Corporate bank account opening
1–2 weeks
Investor visa, once the company is active
5–10 days
Tax registration with the FTA
Before you get started
Mainland or free zone: how do I choose?
Mainland lets you trade directly with the local market and bid for government contracts, with a 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 in taxable profit. Free zone offers a reduced tax rate as long as the activity stays outside the mainland, but restricts direct access to the local market.
Do I need a local sponsor?
No, in most sectors — consulting, technology, fintech, e-commerce — 100% foreign ownership is permitted following the reform of the Commercial Companies Law.
What tax actually applies?
5% VAT applies above AED 375,000 in annual turnover. 9% corporate tax applies on the mainland above the same profit threshold; qualifying free zone entities can benefit from a 0% rate under strict conditions.
How many free zones are there?
Over forty, each with its own permitted activities — DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, Dubai South, RAKEZ and Meydan are among the best known. The choice follows the activity, never the other way round.
Let's discuss the structure best suited to your business.
Direct reply. No call centre, no form.