Dubai · UAE
Dubai & UAE Company Formation for Foreigners
Set up any UAE entity online from anywhere in the world. Mainland LLC, Free Zone (IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA), Offshore or Branch - with residency visas, Emirates ID, corporate tax registration and banking handled.
Dubai & UAE company at a glance
- Best for
- Tax-efficient global trading, Middle East HQ, residency for founders
- Foreign ownership
- 100% allowed (Mainland & Free Zone)
- Time to incorporate
- Free Zone: 3 to 10 days. Mainland: 5 to 15 days
- Corporate tax
- 9% above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons keep 0% on Qualifying Income
- Personal tax
- 0%
- VAT
- 5% (registration mandatory above AED 375,000 turnover)
- Residency visa
- Available with most Free Zone packages, valid 2-3 years (Golden Visa available)
- Annual compliance
- Licence renewal, Corporate Tax + VAT returns, ESR & UBO filings
- Starting price
- From AED 5,500 with Bastion Formations
Every UAE company structure, fully supported
We help international founders register every type of UAE entity - Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore. Not sure which one fits? Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right structure and Free Zone.
Free Zone Company (FZE / FZCO)
Single or multi-shareholder company in a UAE Free Zone with 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup and visa quotas. Trade internationally and within the Free Zone.
Best for: Online businesses, consulting, e-commerce, trading, holding international assets.
Mainland LLC (DED)
Onshore company licensed by the Department of Economic Development. Full access to the UAE local market and government contracts. 100% foreign ownership now allowed for most commercial activities.
Best for: Businesses serving the UAE local market, retail, restaurants, services.
Offshore Company (JAFZA / RAK ICC)
Non-resident company used purely for international holding and structuring. No UAE office or visa, full confidentiality, no audit requirement (RAK ICC).
Best for: Asset holding, international trade, IP holding and group structuring.
Branch of a Foreign Company
Register your existing foreign company as a UAE branch (Mainland or Free Zone). Same legal entity as the parent, conducts the parent's activities in the UAE.
Best for: Foreign companies expanding into the UAE without forming a new entity.
DIFC / ADGM Company
Incorporated in the financial Free Zones (DIFC in Dubai, ADGM in Abu Dhabi) under English common law. Required for regulated financial services, fintech and family offices.
Best for: Fintech, asset management, family offices, holding companies, regulated finance.
Sole Establishment / Civil Company
Mainland structure for individual professionals (doctors, lawyers, consultants, engineers). Owner has unlimited liability but full ownership.
Best for: Licensed professionals practising in the UAE.
Why incorporate in Dubai
0% personal tax
No personal income tax on salaries, dividends or capital gains for UAE residents.
9% corporate tax (or 0% in Free Zones)
9% federal Corporate Tax above AED 375k. Qualifying Free Zone Persons stay at 0% on Qualifying Income.
100% foreign ownership
Full ownership in all Free Zones and most Mainland activities. No local sponsor required.
Strategic global hub
Between Europe, Asia and Africa. World-class airport, ports and logistics infrastructure.
UAE residency visa
Investor and Golden Visa pathways come with the company, plus dependants' visas for family.
Strong banking & fintech
Access to Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK and digital banks Wio, Mercury (offshore) and Mashreq NeoBiz.
All major UAE Free Zones supported
We work with every major Free Zone in the UAE and recommend the right one based on your activity, budget and visa needs.
IFZA (Dubai)
Most cost-effective Free Zone. Up to 7 activities, no office required, fast setup.
Meydan
Premium Dubai Free Zone with prestigious address, virtual office and quick licensing.
DMCC
Top-rated Free Zone for trading, commodities, gold, diamonds, crypto and tech.
DIFC
Financial Free Zone under English common law. For finance, fintech, family offices and holding companies.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market - the other major financial Free Zone with English common law.
JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone. Industrial, logistics, manufacturing and trading. Also offers Offshore companies.
Dubai Internet City
For tech and digital companies. Premium ecosystem with Microsoft, Google, Meta as neighbours.
RAK ICC
Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. Top jurisdiction for Offshore holding companies.
Choose your Dubai package
Three flat-price packages covering everything you need in year one. Custom pricing available for DIFC, ADGM, Offshore and Branch - get in touch for a quote.
Free Zone Starter
Free Zone company licence with no visa. Ideal for non-residents needing a UAE entity for invoicing and contracts.
- Free Zone (IFZA / Meydan) trade licence
- Up to 3 business activities
- Certificate of Incorporation & MoA
- Shared workspace / flexi-desk (1 year)
- E-channel registration
- Corporate Tax registration with the FTA
Free Zone + Visa
Free Zone company with 1 investor residency visa, Emirates ID and bank account introduction.
- Everything in Free Zone Starter
- 1 investor residency visa (2 years)
- Emirates ID processing
- Medical fitness test coordination
- Bank account introduction (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, WIO)
- VAT registration if required
Mainland LLC
Department of Economic Development (DED) Mainland LLC with 100% foreign ownership, office address and visas.
- Mainland DED LLC licence
- 100% foreign ownership (eligible activities)
- Ejari office tenancy contract
- MoA notarisation
- Up to 2 investor residency visas
- Corporate Tax & VAT registration
Ongoing UAE compliance
Every UAE company has annual obligations to its Free Zone authority or the DED, plus the Federal Tax Authority. We help you stay on top of them.
Trade Licence Renewal
Renew your Free Zone or Mainland licence annually with the issuing authority.
Corporate Tax (CT) Return
Annual Corporate Tax return filed with the FTA within 9 months of financial year end.
VAT Returns
Quarterly VAT returns if registered (mandatory above AED 375,000 turnover, currently 5%).
Economic Substance (ESR)
Annual notification and report for relevant activities. Penalties for non-compliance are significant.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
Maintain and file UBO declarations with the registrar.
Audited Financial Statements
Required by most Free Zones (DMCC, DIFC, ADGM) and recommended for Corporate Tax compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai company?
Yes. In all Free Zones and now in most Mainland (onshore) commercial activities, foreigners can own 100% of the company. A local Emirati partner is no longer required for most activities.
What's the difference between Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore?
Mainland (DED licensed) lets you trade freely across the UAE and bid for government work. Free Zone gives 100% ownership, simplified setup and tax incentives but trades inside the zone or internationally. Offshore (e.g. JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC) is for holding and international structuring - no UAE office or visas.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up a company?
Most Free Zones allow remote setup with notarised documents and video KYC. A short visit is usually required to issue your residency visa and open a corporate bank account, but the company itself can be incorporated remotely.
How fast can I incorporate in Dubai?
Free Zone companies are typically issued within 3 to 10 business days. Mainland LLCs usually take 5 to 15 days depending on activity and approvals.
What is the UAE corporate tax rate?
9% federal Corporate Tax on annual profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons can still benefit from a 0% rate on Qualifying Income. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need to register for VAT?
VAT is 5%. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 per year. Voluntary registration is allowed above AED 187,500.
Can I get a UAE residency visa with my company?
Yes. Most Free Zone packages include 1 to 6 investor / employee visas. The investor visa is typically valid for 2 years (3 years in some zones), and the Golden Visa is available for qualifying investors.
Which Free Zone should I choose?
It depends on your activity: IFZA and Meydan for general trading and consulting; DMCC for commodities and crypto; DIFC and ADGM for finance; Dubai Internet City for tech; JAFZA for logistics and trading. We recommend the right one based on your business.
Can I open a UAE business bank account?
Yes. We help with applications to Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, WIO, RAKBANK and digital options like Mercury (offshore) or Wio. KYC is strict; an in-person meeting is usually required.
What ongoing compliance is required?
Annual licence renewal, Corporate Tax registration and return with the FTA, VAT returns (if registered), Economic Substance and UBO filings where applicable, and audited financial statements depending on the zone.
Ready to launch your Dubai company?
Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right structure and Free Zone, prepare every document and keep you compliant from day one.
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