Incorporation consulting.
Choosing the right UAE structure is a 5-to-10-year decision dressed up as a setup question. We advise on jurisdiction, structure, and activity scope first; and handle the licensing, paperwork, and authority engagement as the operational follow-through. Mainland, all major free zones (IFZA, DMCC, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ, Meydan, Sharjah), and offshore structures.
The right jurisdiction is the one you'd still pick three years from now.
Most setup mistakes don't show up at incorporation — they show up at the first renewal, the first audit, or the first time someone tries to open a bank account. Choosing IFZA when DMCC was right, picking a sub-licence that limits your activities, or signing into an office package you don't need; these are the kinds of decisions that quietly cost real money for years.
We start every setup engagement with a structuring conversation, not a brochure. What's the activity? Who are the shareholders? What visas do you need? Where will the bank be? What does the next three years look like? Only after that do we recommend a jurisdiction; and we tell you the trade-offs of every option, including the ones we are not recommending.
The result is a setup you do not have to re-do six months later.
What's included in setup.
A representative scope for a free zone or mainland setup. Specifics vary by jurisdiction — your engagement letter will be the actual checklist.
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01
Jurisdiction selection
A written recommendation comparing 2-3 viable jurisdictions for your activity, with the trade-offs on cost, visa quota, banking, and growth.
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02
Activity selection & licence type
Selection of the right business activity codes and licence type — professional, commercial, industrial, or e-commerce.
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03
Shareholding & MOA
Shareholding structure, share capital, Memorandum of Association, and Article of Association drafting.
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04
Initial approvals & trade name
Reserving the trade name and obtaining initial approvals from the relevant authority.
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05
Trade licence issuance
Submission of the licence application, payment of fees, and collection of the trade licence and incorporation certificate.
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06
Establishment card & immigration file
Opening the establishment card and immigration file required for any subsequent visa applications.
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07
Bank account introduction
Document preparation and introductions to banks. We don't promise approvals — we help you present cleanly to maximise your odds.
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08
Office solution
Flexi-desk, smart office, or full physical office setup as required by your chosen jurisdiction and visa quota.
Where we set up.
A representative list of jurisdictions we work with regularly. Many free zones offer broadly similar packages — the difference is in the detail.
Dubai DET / DED
Full UAE market access, 100% foreign ownership for most activities, and the broadest activity catalogue. Best for B2C and local services businesses.
IFZA
Cost-effective free zone in Dubai with a wide activity list and flexible visa quotas. Popular for service and consultancy businesses.
DMCC
Premium Dubai free zone for trading, commodities, and crypto. Strong banking reputation and well-regarded internationally.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market — common-law jurisdiction, ideal for fund structures, family offices, and financial services.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre — common-law, regulated financial services, prestigious address. Suited to financial firms.
RAKEZ & SHAMS
Cost-leading free zones in Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. Suitable when budget is the dominant constraint and Dubai address is not required.
Setup questions, answered.
How long does company formation in Dubai take?+
Free zone setup typically takes 3-7 working days from when documents are in order. Mainland setup with DET usually takes 7-14 working days. The variability is mostly around document attestation, name approvals, and external authority approvals for specific activities.
Can a foreign national own 100% of a UAE company?+
Yes. Free zones have always permitted full foreign ownership. Since the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, mainland businesses in most activities also allow 100% foreign ownership. We confirm the position for your specific activity during scoping.
Mainland or free zone — which is better?+
Neither is universally better. Mainland gives you full UAE market access and physical presence. Free zones give you cost efficiency, simpler setup, and 0% on qualifying corporate tax income. The right answer depends on whether you sell to UAE customers, what your activity is, and where your bank wants you to be.
Do you help with bank account opening?+
Yes; but we are honest about it. UAE bank approvals depend heavily on the source of funds, your background, and the bank's current risk appetite. We prepare the documentation, KYC pack, and introductions, but the bank decides. We don't charge based on whether the account is approved.
What's the minimum capital required?+
Most free zones have no minimum paid-up capital requirement, or a nominal AED 50,000 declared (not deposited). Mainland LLCs typically declare AED 300,000 share capital, though it does not need to be deposited. We'll confirm specifics during scoping.
Can you set up a holding company structure?+
Yes. We work regularly on holding-and-subsidiary structures, single-purpose vehicles, and cross-jurisdiction groups (e.g., ADGM SPV holding mainland operating company). Structure recommendations come during the initial scoping conversation.
Ready to set up in the UAE?
The first call is free. We'll tell you which jurisdiction we'd recommend; and why — before you spend on anything else.