Business setup
Company formation in the UAE
Choosing where and how to register your company shapes everything that follows — who you can sell to, how many visas you can sponsor and what you pay each year. We help you choose well, then handle the set-up.
Three routes
Which type of company do you need?
Every UAE company is licensed either on the mainland by an emirate’s economic department, in one of the free zones, or as an offshore entity. Each route suits a different kind of business.
Mainland company formation
Licensed by the emirate’s economic department — DET in Dubai, SEDD in Sharjah, DED in Ajman. Sell anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Mainland formation
Free zone company formation
Licensed by a free zone authority, with its own activity list, office packages and visa allocation. Often the simplest start for international businesses.
Free zone formation
Offshore company formation
A non-trading company for holding assets and international activity. No UAE office, no residence visas and no trading inside the UAE.
Offshore formation
Side by side
How the options compare
| Mainland | Free zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Most commercial and industrial activities can now be 100% foreign-owned. A short list of strategic activities still carries conditions, and some professional or sole-establishment licences may need a UAE national as local service agent. | 100% foreign ownership is standard. Each free zone sets its own rules for shareholders and corporate structures. | 100% foreign ownership. Set up through a registered agent of the offshore registry. |
| Where you can trade | Directly across the UAE market and internationally, including with mainland customers and, after vendor registration, government entities. | Inside the free zone and internationally. Doing business on the mainland usually needs a distributor, a mainland branch or a specific permit, depending on the emirate. | Outside the UAE only. Offshore companies are used for holding and international activity, not for trading within the UAE. |
| Licensed activities | A broad catalogue of commercial, professional and industrial activities, licensed by the emirate's economic department (DET in Dubai). | Activities from the free zone's own approved list. Lists differ between zones, so the activity often decides the zone. | Holding, investment and permitted international activities only. |
| Office requirement | A physical office with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) is normally required. | Flexi-desk, shared or dedicated office options, depending on the zone and package. | No office. A registered agent address is used. |
| Residence visas | Visa eligibility is linked mainly to office size and immigration approvals. | The visa allocation depends on the package and office type you choose. | Offshore companies cannot sponsor UAE residence visas. |
| Bank account | Corporate accounts are available; every bank runs its own KYC review. | Corporate accounts are available; banks look closely at substance and the source of funds. | Possible but more selective; expect enhanced due diligence. |
| Often chosen by | Retail, contracting, restaurants, local service businesses and anyone selling mainly to UAE customers. | Consultancies, e-commerce, international trading and founders who want lighter overheads. | Holding structures, asset ownership and international investment vehicles. |
General guidance only. Exact requirements depend on your business activity, the licensing authority, the free zone and current regulations, which can change. We confirm the details for your case before you commit.
The process
What company formation involves
The exact sequence differs between authorities, but most set-ups follow these stages. We prepare each submission and keep you updated as approvals come in.
Activity & jurisdiction
We match your planned activities to the official activity list and recommend mainland, free zone or offshore.
Trade name & initial approval
We reserve a compliant trade name and apply for the authority’s initial approval.
Company documents
MOA or articles, shareholder documents and, for corporate owners, attested parent-company papers.
Office & external approvals
Tenancy contract or free-zone office, plus any approvals your activity needs from other authorities.
Licence issuance
Fees are paid to the authority and your trade licence is issued.
Immigration, visas & tax
Establishment card, labour file, residence visas, then bank account and Corporate Tax registration.
Budgeting
What decides the cost of a UAE company
There is no single price for “a company in Dubai”. Government fees and office costs vary with these factors, and we break them down for your case before you commit.
- Jurisdiction — mainland, which free zone, or offshore
- Business activity — some activities need extra approvals or premises
- Office type — from flexi-desk to a full office or warehouse
- Number of residence visas — each visa has its own government fees
- Shareholder structure — individuals or corporate shareholders
- Legal form — LLC, sole establishment, branch or free-zone entity
FAQs
Company formation questions
Can I set up a UAE company without living here?
Yes. Many owners start the process from abroad. Some steps — such as signing documents before a notary, or the medical test and biometrics for a residence visa — require you to be in the UAE or to use a power of attorney. We plan the steps so your visits are as few as possible.
Can I change from free zone to mainland later?
You can add a mainland licence or branch later, or restructure. In Dubai, free zone companies with a Dubai Unified Licence can also apply for a permit to carry out eligible activities on the mainland. We help you plan for growth from the start so that switching is not a surprise.
Do I need a local partner?
For most mainland activities, no — foreign investors can now hold up to 100% of the shares. A small number of strategic activities still have conditions, and some professional licences may need a UAE national as a local service agent, who holds no shares. We check this for your activity.
Which documents do I need to start?
Usually passport copies of all shareholders and managers, a UAE visa or entry stamp if you are already here, passport photos, proposed trade names and a short description of the activity. Corporate shareholders also need attested company documents from their home country.
What happens after the licence is issued?
The company needs an establishment card and labour file before it can sponsor visas, a bank account, and Corporate Tax registration within the FTA deadline. We can handle each of these as part of the same engagement.
Free consultation
Get a recommendation for your company
Share a few details and a Support Hub consultant will call you back to talk through options, documents and next steps. There is no obligation.