Company registration in the UAE
Registering a company in the UAE means choosing one of three legal forms: Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore. Each opens up its own set of possibilities — access to the local market of the emirate, working on export and with clients abroad, or owning assets through a holding structure. The company serves as the basis for resident visas for you, your family, and your team, for an Emirates ID, for opening a bank account and leasing housing, and it operates under a clear tax regime: transparent rates, small-business relief, and a zero rate for qualifying income in a free zone, subject to conditions. We pick the form for your task, prepare the document package, and support you the whole way — from consultation to licence, bank account, and resident visas with Emirates ID. The approximate timeline end to end is 5–8 weeks, in most cases while keeping 100% foreign ownership without a local partner. We work calmly, step by step, and without pressure, with a Big-4-level team.
What company registration in the uae gives you
100% ownership
In free zones, and in many mainland activities, a foreigner can own the company outright, without a local partner.
The basis for visas
The company gives you the right to resident visas for you, your family, and your team — plus an Emirates ID, a bank account, and a housing lease.
A clear tax regime
Transparent, moderate rates, small-business relief, and qualifying income in free zones — subject to conditions.
Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore
Three forms for different tasks. Below is how they differ. We'll pin down which one fits you on a consultation.
Mainland company
Registered through the emirate's Department of Economic Development. Gives access to the local UAE market, government contracts, and hiring a team.
Trade and retail, local services, working with clients inside the UAE.
Free Zone
Registered in one of the free economic zones. A fast start, 100% foreign ownership, and tax benefits for qualifying income.
IT, services, consulting, online business, and working with clients abroad.
Offshore
A tool for asset ownership and holding structures. Does not grant resident visas and isn't intended for operating activity inside the UAE.
Holdings, owning shares and assets, international trade outside the UAE.
The process, step by step
- 1
Consultation and choosing a structure
We go over your task and pick the company form, jurisdiction, and licence type.
- 2
Preparing documents and the application
We assemble the package, help you describe the activity correctly, and file the application.
- 3
Registration and licence
We register the company and obtain the licence in the chosen jurisdiction.
- 4
Bank account application
We prepare the application to improve your odds, and support communication with the bank.
- 5
Resident visas and Emirates ID
We arrange visas for you and your family, and help you go through the medical test and get an Emirates ID.
- 6
Bookkeeping and ongoing support
We set up the accounting, help with reporting, and stay in touch going forward.
How long each stage takes
| Stage | Approximate duration |
|---|---|
| Choosing a structure and preparing documents | 3–5 days |
| Company registration and licence | 1–3 weeks |
| Opening a bank account | 2–6 weeks |
| Resident visas and Emirates ID | 1–3 weeks |
| Total, end to end | ~5–8 weeks |
Timelines are approximate and depend on the jurisdiction, the bank, and how complete the documents are. Opening the account is the least predictable step — the final decision is made by the bank.
What we'll need from you
The base package is minimal. The exact list depends on the jurisdiction and the type of activity — we'll tell you upfront.
- PassportValid, for all participants and visa recipients.
- Proof of addressFor example, a utility bill or a bank statement.
- Description of activityWhat the company will do — we'll help you word it.
- CV or backgroundA short summary of your background — matters for the bank.
- Bank statementsSometimes requested for the account application.
What's included, and what to know upfront
Honest about the work, and about the extra costs that aren't part of our fee but you'll run into along the way.
Included in our support
- Consultation and choosing a structure for your task
- Company registration and obtaining the licence
- Preparing the document package for the bank account
- Support with resident visas and Emirates ID
- A personal manager at every step
Extra costs
- Government fees and registrar charges
- Licence cost and office / flexi-desk rent
- Medical test and Emirates ID for each visa
- Bank deposits and minimum balance
- Notarised translations and apostille, if needed
Exact amounts depend on the jurisdiction and the package — we'll name them before you start, no surprises along the way.
Tax regime — short and to the point
Corporate tax — 9% on profit above the set threshold, with relief for small businesses. VAT — 5% once you cross the turnover threshold; some operations are exempt or zero-rated. For qualifying income in a free zone, subject to the regime's conditions, a 0% rate applies. The tax regime depends on the structure and the type of activity. Registering a company in the UAE is a tool for running a business legally, not a way to avoid tax. We calculate the exact figures for your specific situation.
Common mistakes and reasons for rejection
Problems usually don't come from registration — they come from the account. Here's what's worth accounting for in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. In free zones, and in many mainland activities, a foreigner can own the company outright. The exact answer depends on the activity — we'll check on a consultation.
For most structures, no longer required. Certain mainland activities may have special requirements — we'll look at your specific situation.
Some steps can be done remotely, but resident visas and Emirates ID usually require entry and biometrics. We'll plan the trip in advance to fit it into a single visit.
Not mandatory, but it's usually needed for operations. The final decision is made by the bank — we prepare the application to improve your odds, and support the process.
Roughly 5–8 weeks end to end. Timelines depend on the jurisdiction, the bank, and how complete the documents are; the least predictable step is opening the account.
Tell us about your task — we'll suggest a calm plan
Free consultation: we'll go over your situation, suggest the next step, and give you a sense of timelines and cost. No pressure.