Business Setup in the UAE
Register a UAE company — mainland or free zone — with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax. We structure the entity, secure the licence, open the bank account and arrange visas, end to end.
Foreign ownership
100% foreign ownership (most sectors)
Main entity
Mainland LLC or Free Zone Company
Typical timeline
Free zone ~3–10 days; mainland ~1–3 weeks
Corporate tax
9% above AED 375k; 0% on qualifying free-zone income
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Talk to us about UAE
UAE is built for foreign founders
The Gulf's flagship hub — 0% personal tax, 100% foreign ownership and a free-zone network built for global trade.
0% personal income tax
No personal income tax, and corporate tax of just 9% on profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying free-zone income can still be taxed at 0%.
100% foreign ownership
Since the 2021 reform, most mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership with no Emirati sponsor. Free zones have always been fully foreign-owned.
Gateway between East and West
World-class ports, airports and banking make the UAE the natural base for trade across the Gulf, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Free-zone networks
40+ free zones, each tuned to a sector — from DMCC for commodities to DIFC for finance and Dubai Internet City for tech.
Ways to set up in UAE
Mainland LLC
Trade anywhere in the UAE, including with the government. 100% foreign ownership on most activities since 2021.
Free Zone Company (FZ-LLC / FZE)
100% foreign ownership, fast setup and sector-specific incentives. Trades within its zone and internationally.
Offshore Company
For holding, asset protection and international trade (e.g. RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore). No UAE visa or local office.
Branch of a foreign company
Extends your existing parent into the UAE under the same legal identity, without forming a separate entity.
UAE at a glance
- Foreign ownership
- 100% foreign ownership (most sectors)
- Main entity
- Mainland LLC or Free Zone Company
- Typical timeline
- Free zone ~3–10 days; mainland ~1–3 weeks
- Corporate tax
- 9% above AED 375k; 0% on qualifying free-zone income
- Personal income tax
- 0%
How we set up your UAE company
One team coordinates every step — so you deal with us, not a chain of local agents.
Choose activity and jurisdiction
We map your activity to the right emirate and to mainland vs the optimal free zone for cost, visas and market access.
Reserve the name and apply for the licence
Trade-name reservation, initial approval and the commercial or professional licence application.
Incorporation and establishment card
MoA/AoA, lease or flexi-desk, licence issuance and the establishment card that unlocks visas.
Banking and visas
Corporate bank account introductions plus investor and employee visa processing.
Everything your UAE entity needs to trade
One partner for the whole structure — including alongside your Saudi setup.
- Entity structuring advice — the right vehicle for your activity, tax position and ownership
- Name reservation and incorporation with the local registry
- Registered office / agent and local-address requirements
- Trade or activity licensing and any sector regulator approvals
- Corporate bank account introductions
- Tax, VAT and beneficial-ownership registrations
- Director, shareholder and UBO documentation, attested where required
- Ongoing compliance — renewals, filings and annual returns
Documents you'll typically need
A guide — we confirm the exact checklist for your activity on the first call.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address
- Business activity selection and trade-name options
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Passport-size photographs
- NOC where the applicant is a UAE resident on another sponsor
UAE setup — common questions
- Do I need a local sponsor in the UAE?
- No — most mainland activities and all free zones now allow 100% foreign ownership without an Emirati sponsor. A small set of strategic or regulated activities still require local participation.
- Is there really 0% tax in the UAE?
- There is no personal income tax. Corporate tax is 9% on profits above AED 375,000; free-zone companies that meet the qualifying-income conditions can still be taxed at 0%.
- Mainland or free zone — which is better?
- Mainland lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts. A free zone is usually cheaper and faster and is ideal if you trade internationally or within your zone.
Can you own 100% of your Saudi company?
Six questions. Get an instant eligibility verdict, the exact documents you'll need, and a week-by-week licensing timeline. No sales call to unlock it.
3 minutes · Free · No account needed
Setting up in more than one market?
We anchor you in Saudi Arabia and build the rest of your footprint around it — one partner, one process.