Business Setup & Company Formation
Business Setup & Company Formation
✓ Mainland company formation
✓ Free zone company formation
✓ Offshore company formation
✓ Business license acquisition (Commercial, Professional, Industrial)
✓ Local sponsorship or service agent arrangements
✓ Trade name reservation & initial approvals
Benefits of Setting Up a Company in a UAE Free Zone:
Starting a business in a UAE free zone offers a wide range of benefits that attract entrepreneurs, start-ups, and international companies.
One of the primary advantages is 100% foreign ownership, allowing investors full control over their business without
needing a local sponsor—something not always possible in mainland setups.
Free zones are also highly attractive due to their tax incentives. Most offer zero corporate and personal income taxes, along
with exemptions on import and export duties. In addition, there are no restrictions on profit or capital repatriation, enabling
businesses to freely transfer funds abroad.
The setup process in UAE free zones is quick and straightforward, often completed in 14–21 days, with minimal red tape.
These zones impose no currency restrictions, allowing multi-currency transactions without controls. Companies benefit from
excellent infrastructure, including modern offices, warehouses, and logistics hubs near major ports and airports.
Flexible legal frameworks are tailored to specific industries such as trading, IT, media, finance, and manufacturing. Many free
zones also offer complete exemption from commercial levies. The UAE’s strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa
gives businesses access to global markets and major trade routes.
Free zones facilitate visa and residency issuance for investors, employees, and dependents, and often support long-term
residency options like the UAE Golden Visa. Industry-specific zones such as Dubai Internet City, DMCC, RAKEZ, and ADGM
cater to targeted sectors with specialized support.
Other advantages include customs duty exemptions on re-exports, privacy protections, a strong business ecosystem, and
flexible office solutions. Many zones have no minimum capital requirements, making them ideal for start-ups and SMEs.
Overall, UAE free zones offer a powerful combination of tax efficiency, regulatory simplicity, and global connectivity, making
them an excellent choice for business formation
Advantages of Establishing a UAE Mainland Company
Setting up a business in the UAE mainland provides unmatched access to the local market and greater operational flexibility,
making it a strong option for both startups and established enterprises. Since the 2021 amendment to the Commercial
Companies Law, most business sectors now permit 100% foreign ownership, eliminating the need for a UAE national sponsor
in many cases—except for a few regulated industries such as oil, gas, and banking.
Mainland companies can trade freely across the UAE without restrictions, making it easier to work directly with local
customers and suppliers. Unlike free zone entities, they are also eligible to bid for government contracts, many of which
require a mainland license.
Another advantage is the ability to engage in multiple business activities under a single license depends on the activity group chosen, whether offering services, trading products, or operating online, mainland companies are not limited to narrow
categories. Some license types even allow virtual offices or home-based operations, helping reduce start-up and rental costs.
Mainland businesses can open branches anywhere within the UAE by taking a branch license, giving them full geographic
flexibility across all seven Emirates. There are no limitations on foreign currency transactions or profit repatriation, and
access to banking services is often simpler than in some free zones, with better support for corporate accounts, loans, and
payment solutions.
Visa options are more flexible too. Depending on office size, companies can sponsor multiple employees and their families,
making it easier to build and retain a skilled workforce.
Tax policies remain favourable, with a 5% VAT & 9% Corporate Tax if net profits exceed $100,000.00.
Finally, mainland companies generally enjoy higher credibility among local clients, greater hiring freedom, and no customs duties when trading within the UAE—making them a strong choice for long-term growth and market integration