Start your business in the UAE today!

A free zone is a demarcated piece of land that is legally distinct from the UAE national territory (= mainland) and subject to special tax, customs and import rules. Free zones offer several advantages such as tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, centralized administration (one stop shop), attractive locations, and a very business friendly environment. However, free zone companies are limited to the free zone and cannot do business with end consumers on the mainland (there are certain exemptions).

Mainland companies can do business in all emirates of the UAE and sell & deliver products to end consumers. Recently, the UAE also liberalized foreign ownership requirements for mainland companies. However, mainland companies will have to pay the newly introduced corporate tax of 9% as of summer 2023. The establishment of a mainland company is similar to the establishment of a free zone company.

Offshore companies do legally not have a seat on the mainland, they are “offshore”. Offshore companies were traditionally used as a holding company to conceal assets or shareholdings. Following stricter AML regulations, offshore companies are used less often nowadays.

You can set up your business without having to be present in the UAE. We can take care of all formalities on your behalf under a power of attorney.

Yes, however, visa requirements depend on the type of business and office space rented.

Depending on your business type, incorporation will take between two to six weeks. Large industrial company establishments might take up to eight weeks.

Attestation and legalization of the required corporate documents in the home country usually consumes the most time of the establishment process. If you have these documents ready the company can be registered within a couple of days.

• Kick-off meeting with the client to explain the overall process

• Choosing the right location and license type for your business in mainland UAE, one of the 40 free zones or even offshore

• Providing information and documents (authorities will require information about you and your business; documents need to be attested and legalized in the home country)

• Preparation and execution of establishment documents

• Issuance of business license and registration of the company

• Support on visa & employment issues

• Support on bank account opening

The required documents ultimately depend on the respective UAE authority (ie, different free zones or mainland authorities will ask for different documents). However, most authorities will ask you to provide the following information and documents (some of them attested and legalized):

• Personal information of the shareholder/business owner/director (eg, passport copy, address, personal details, proof of residence in home country, utility bills etc)
• Information of the corporate shareholder (MoA/AoA, certificate of good standing, certificate of incumbency, certificate of incorporation, registration certificate, shareholder resolutions etc). These documents need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis as they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
• Formation documents: MoA, resolution to appoint managers, etc
• Other information or documents that the authority might require on a case-by-case basis

In 2020, the UAE has introduced a VAT of 5%. It has also recently introduced a corporate tax of 9% as of June 2023. However, there is still no income tax in the UAE. If UAE residents need to pay taxes in the home countries depends on the applicable double taxation agreement between the UAE and the respective home country. This needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Establishment costs vary extremely between different free zones and mainland authorities. The cheapest licenses start at AED 10,000 – 15,000 (approx. EUR 2,500 – 3,500). However, additional costs will incur for visas, offices, etc.

Office space is required for free zone and mainland companies. Offshore companies do not require a physical office in the UAE.

Yes, all free zones offer 100% foreign ownership. Since 2021, also most mainland companies can be 100% owned by a foreign investor (there are some exemptions).

Yes.