Company Setup
Mainland, free zone or offshore, in the emirate that suits your business. We compare the options and handle the setup from start to finish.
Three routes
Choose how your company is licensed
Each route suits a different kind of business. Start with the one that matches your customers, your visa needs and your plans.
At a glance
How the routes compare
A general guide. Requirements vary by authority and activity, and your advisor will confirm what applies to you.
| Compare | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best suited to | Selling to UAE customers and government | International trade and services | Holding assets and group structuring |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Trade within the UAE | Unrestricted | Via distributor, branch or permit | Not permitted |
| Residence visas | Linked to office size | Set by package | None |
| Office requirement | Physical office with Ejari | Flexi desk upwards | Registered agent address |
| Typical timeline | 1–3 weeks | 3–10 working days | 1–2 weeks |
Mainland
- Best suited to
- Selling to UAE customers and government
- Foreign ownership
- 100% for most activities
- Trade within the UAE
- Unrestricted
- Residence visas
- Linked to office size
- Office requirement
- Physical office with Ejari
- Typical timeline
- 1–3 weeks
Free Zone
- Best suited to
- International trade and services
- Foreign ownership
- 100%
- Trade within the UAE
- Via distributor, branch or permit
- Residence visas
- Set by package
- Office requirement
- Flexi desk upwards
- Typical timeline
- 3–10 working days
Offshore
- Best suited to
- Holding assets and group structuring
- Foreign ownership
- 100%
- Trade within the UAE
- Not permitted
- Residence visas
- None
- Office requirement
- Registered agent address
- Typical timeline
- 1–2 weeks
Where you can register
Choose your jurisdiction
Mainland by emirate
Dubai free zones
Abu Dhabi free zones
Sharjah free zones
Ajman free zones
Fujairah free zones
Ras Al Khaimah free zones
Offshore registries
Our process
From first call to first invoice
Six stages, one advisor. You always know which stage you are in and what comes next.
- 01
Discovery call
We learn what you plan to sell, to whom, and from where. No forms — a conversation with an advisor.
- 02
Structure & cost plan
You receive a written recommendation: jurisdiction, legal form, licence activities and a line-by-line cost schedule.
- 03
Name & initial approval
We reserve your trade name and secure initial approval from the licensing authority.
- 04
Documents & licence
Constitutional documents are drafted and signed, the lease is registered and the licence is issued.
- 05
Visas & banking
Establishment card, residence visas and your corporate bank account application run in parallel.
- 06
Ongoing support
Renewals, tax filings and amendments are tracked for you, with reminders well before each deadline.
Free consultation
Planning a business in Dubai?
Speak with an advisor. The first consultation is free and you will leave with a clear view of structure, timeline and cost.