Question 1

What are the main options for setting up a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

You can incorporate on the mainland, in a free zone or as an offshore company. Mainland licences let you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government work. Free zones offer sector-focused incentives, 100% foreign ownership and simpler visa packages. Offshore structures are typically used for holding assets rather than operating a local business.

Question 2

Do I need a local Emirati partner to own a company in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

For most mainland activities you can now hold 100% foreign ownership without an Emirati partner, following the 2021 reforms. A small list of strategic activities still requires local participation. In every free zone, full foreign ownership has always been standard.

Question 3

Which free zone should I choose?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your activity, visa needs and budget. DMCC suits trading and commodities, DIFC and ADGM are common-law financial centres ideal for funds and family offices, DAFZA and JAFZA work well for logistics, and IFZA, Meydan and RAKEZ offer cost-efficient packages for SMEs. We benchmark options side by side before you commit.

Question 4

How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

A straightforward free zone licence can be issued in 5 to 10 working days once documents are in order. Mainland licences and regulated activities (financial services, healthcare, education) take longer due to additional approvals. Bank account opening is usually the longest step and varies by profile.

Question 5

What does it cost to set up and maintain a UAE company?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level free zone packages start from roughly AED 12,500 to 20,000 per year including licence and one visa. Mainland and premium free zones (DIFC, ADGM, DMCC) sit higher and depend on office space, visa quota and regulated activity. We share a transparent cost breakdown across setup, renewals, visas and office before you decide.

Question 6

Will my company qualify for the 0% or 9% UAE corporate tax rate?

Accepted Answer

UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000, with a 0% rate available to qualifying free zone persons on qualifying income. Eligibility depends on substance, activities and transfer pricing. We coordinate with tax advisers so your structure is built around the rules from day one.

Question 7

Can you help with residency visas for me and my family?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your licence package usually includes investor and employee visa allocations, and we coordinate medical, Emirates ID and dependant visas for spouse, children and domestic staff. We also advise on long-term Golden Visa eligibility through property, business or talent routes.

Question 8

Do you assist with opening a UAE business bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We introduce you to relationship managers at our partner banks, prepare the KYC pack and guide you through compliance interviews. Approval depends on your profile, source of funds and business model, but a well-prepared file significantly shortens the timeline.

Question 9

Can I run the company from abroad, or do I need to live in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to relocate. Many of our clients run their UAE entity from abroad and visit periodically. To preserve tax residency benefits and meet substance requirements, we help you plan office presence, director visits and local management in line with your goals.

UAE Business Set Up

End to end company formation.

Mainland company setup

Free Zone And Specialist Licences

Name approval to bank accounts

Ongoing corporate support

For SMEs and startups

Regional And Global Groups

Where we set you up.

Dubai Mainland

Dubai Free Zones

Abu Dhabi (ADGM)

Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ)

Tell us about your business.

Business set up in Dubai and the UAE.