Start with a structure that fits your ambition.
Clear, practical guidance for comparing UAE company structures, selecting activities and organising the setup process.
Mainland companies
Guidance for businesses considering mainland structures, activity selection, licensing and operating requirements.
Free zone companies
Compare free-zone ecosystems, ownership arrangements, workspace options and activity-specific considerations.
Offshore companies
Understand international structuring considerations, documentation and the limitations of offshore structures.
Complete Business Setup & Corporate Support Solutions
Practical coordination across the company formation lifecycle, from selecting the right activity through ongoing administration.
Business Activity Selection
Guidance on selecting suitable business activities and licence categories.
Trade Name Reservation
Assistance with trade name checks and reservation documentation.
Initial Approval Coordination
Support with initial approval applications and related documentation.
Company Registration & Incorporation
Assistance with company registration and incorporation requirements.
MOA & AOA Documentation
Coordination of constitutional documents and shareholder resolutions.
Trade Licence Applications
Assistance with commercial, professional and industrial licence applications.
Establishment Card & Immigration File
Guidance on immigration registration and establishment card requirements.
Investor & Partner Visa Assistance
Administrative support with applicable residency procedures.
Employee Visa & Work Permit Support
Assistance with employment visa and work permit documentation.
Corporate Bank Account Preparation
Assistance organising corporate bank account application documentation. Account opening remains at the bank's discretion.
Office Space & Flexi-Desk Solutions
Guidance on physical office and eligible workspace arrangements.
VAT & Corporate Tax Documentation
Administrative document coordination; regulated tax advice and filing decisions remain with qualified tax professionals.
Customs & Import/Export Registration
Guidance on customs registration and trading documentation.
Licence Renewal & Amendments
Support with renewals, activity changes and company record amendments.
Corporate Document Attestation
Coordination of notarisation, translation and document legalisation.
Ongoing Corporate Administration
Support with company records, documentation and administrative coordination.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore Comparison
A high-level starting point for comparing the operating implications of each structure. Requirements vary by activity and authority.
| Consideration | Mainland | Free zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Department of Economy / relevant authority | Free zone authority | Offshore registry |
| Ownership considerations | Depends on activity, legal form and current rules | Depends on jurisdiction, activity and licence type | Depends on registry and applicable rules |
| Office requirements | Usually a physical office is required | Flexi-desk or office options vary | No UAE operating office by default |
| Business activities | Broad local-market activity options | Authority and licence specific | Limited operating activity in the UAE |
| Visas | Investor and employee visas subject to office quota | Visa eligibility varies by package and space | Generally not intended for UAE residency |
| Ongoing compliance | Renewals, records and authority obligations | Free zone renewals and authority filings | Registry renewals and corporate records |
Your Business Setup Journey
A straightforward path from first conversation to a well-organised operating company.
Consultation
Clarify your goals, activities, ownership needs and preferred operating model.
Structure Selection
Compare mainland, free zone and offshore options against your priorities.
Documentation
Prepare identity, shareholder, constitutional and supporting documents.
Registration & Licensing
Coordinate applications, approvals, incorporation and licence issuance.
Banking & Visas
Organise supporting documentation; eligibility and approvals remain with the bank and relevant authorities.
Ongoing Support
Keep renewals, amendments, records and corporate administration on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about company formation, licensing and corporate support in the UAE.
START WITH CLARITY
Ready to Establish Your Business in the UAE?
Tell us what you are building and we will help you understand the most practical next steps.
Book a ConsultationReady to Move Your Business Forward?
Tell us what you are building, improving or organising. We will help you identify the next practical step.