Start a Company in the UAE

Route 1 · Free zone

Own 100% and launch within a week

The UAE has more than 40 free zones, each built around specific industries: media, tech, logistics, commodities and more. A free zone company gives you full foreign ownership, a simple setup and favourable tax treatment on qualifying income.

100% foreign ownershipFull profit repatriationNo customs duty in zoneLicence in 3–7 daysFlexi-desk options

Best for consultancies, e-commerce, trading and tech startups
Visa quota linked to your office size
Trade mainly within the zone and internationally

Quote me for a free zone

Typical licence time3–7 working days

Route 2 · Mainland

Sell to anyone, anywhere in the UAE

A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE. Most commercial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, opening the full local market to international founders.

Trade UAE-wideGovernment contractsVisas by office sizeMultiple branchesWide activity choice

Best for retail, restaurants, contracting, real estate and services
A physical office with Ejari is required
Some professional activities need a local service agent

Quote me for mainland

Licensed byDubai DET

Route 3 · Offshore

Hold assets privately, with no office

Offshore companies in RAK ICC or JAFZA are ideal for holding assets, owning property, protecting intellectual property and running international trade, without needing an office or staff in the UAE.

Asset protectionConfidential ownershipNo physical officeHold UAE propertyMulti-currency banking

Best for holding companies, wealth and IP structuring
Cannot trade within the UAE onshore market
No residence visas issued

Quote me for offshore

Registered withRAK ICC or JAFZA

At a glance

The three routes, side by side

Green means it works in your favour, amber means there are conditions, and red means it isn't possible.

What matters	Free zone	Mainland	Offshore
Foreign ownership	100%	Up to 100%for most activities	100%
Trade within the UAE	Limitedvia a distributor or branch	Unrestricted	Not permitted
Residence visas	Yesquota by office size	Yesquota by office size	No
Physical office	Flexi-desk is fine	Requiredwith Ejari	Not required
Government tenders	No	Yes	No
Typical setup time	3–7 working days	1–3 weeks	1–2 weeks
Annual audit	Depends on zone	Required	Depends on registry

Before you decide

What founders usually ask next

Still unsure? Try the setup finder on our home page.

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

Most free zone companies are licensed within 3–7 working days once documents are ready. Mainland companies typically take 1–3 weeks depending on activity approvals.

Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?

Many free zones and offshore registries allow fully remote setup. You will need to visit the UAE for your visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.

Can I open a corporate bank account as a new company?

Yes. We prepare your KYC file, business plan and introductions to suitable banks to make the account-opening process as smooth as possible.

Is corporate tax applicable to my company?

UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Qualifying free zone persons may benefit from 0% on qualifying income. Our tax team will assess your position.

What documents do I need?

Usually a passport copy, passport photo, entry stamp or visa page (if in the UAE) and a short description of your business activities. Corporate shareholders need attested company documents.

Own 100% and launch within a week

Sell to anyone, anywhere in the UAE

Hold assets privately, with no office

The three routes, side by side

What founders usually ask next

Still weighing it up?