Company setup in Dubai and the UAE
Mainland, free zone, offshore and branch structures explained, with the steps, documents and timelines for each.
Company setup in Dubai
The complete guide to company setup in Dubai: mainland vs free zone vs offshore, step-by-step process, documents, costs, timelines, visas, banking and tax.
Mainland company setup
How to set up a mainland company in Dubai with the Department of Economy and Tourism: ownership, legal forms, office rules, visas, steps and timeline.
Free zone company setup
How free zone company setup works in Dubai and the UAE: ownership, packages, visas, what free zone companies can and cannot do, and how to choose a zone.
Offshore company setup
UAE offshore companies explained: what they can and cannot do, RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore, holding property and shares, banking and costs.
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore
Side-by-side comparison of mainland, free zone and offshore companies in Dubai: ownership, trading rights, visas, office, tax, banking and cost.
Branch office in Dubai
How a foreign company opens a branch in Dubai, on the mainland or in a free zone: requirements, parent documents, liability, visas and tax.
Representative office
What a representative office in Dubai can and cannot do, who it suits, and how it differs from a branch.
Holding company in the UAE
How to set up a holding company in the UAE: free zone vs offshore vs ADGM/DIFC, participation exemption, substance and banking for international groups and families.
Setup timeline
A realistic timeline for company setup in Dubai: licence, establishment card, visas, Emirates ID and bank account, for free zone and mainland companies.
Documents required
Checklist of documents needed to set up a company in Dubai for individual and corporate shareholders, managers, visas and bank accounts.
LLC in Dubai
How to form a limited liability company on the Dubai mainland: shareholders, ownership, manager, MOA, capital, office and process.
Sole establishment
What a sole establishment is in Dubai, unlimited liability, professional and commercial activities, and when to choose it over an LLC.
Civil company
How professional partnerships such as consultants, engineers and doctors form a civil company in Dubai, liability and requirements.
Company setup in Abu Dhabi
Setting up a company in Abu Dhabi: ADDED mainland licences, free zones including ADGM, KEZAD and others, and how Abu Dhabi compares with Dubai.
Company setup in Sharjah
Setting up a company in Sharjah: SEDD mainland licences, SPC, Shams, SAIF Zone and Hamriyah free zones, costs and who Sharjah suits.
Company setup in Ras Al Khaimah
Setting up in Ras Al Khaimah: RAKEZ free zone and non-free zone licences, RAK ICC offshore and RAK mainland, and who RAK suits.
Remote company setup
How to set up a UAE company entirely from abroad: which jurisdictions allow it, e-signature and video verification, then one short trip for visas and bank.
Talk it through with a specialist
Tell us where you live, what the business does and what you need from the UAE. We reply within one business day with a recommended structure and a fixed quote.