BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI

Mainland company formation in UAE refers to setting up a business with the Department of Economic Development (DED). This type of company allows you to trade and offer services anywhere in the UAE, without location restrictions.

Mainland offers:

• Freedom to trade across the UAE and internationally
• Ability to work with government contracts
• No restrictions on office locations
• 100% foreign ownership in most activities
• Flexible visa options for employees

For mainland business setup in UAE, follow these steps: 

• Choose your business activity
• Decide the legal structure
• Register your trade name
• Prepare required documents
• Get approvals from authorities
• Obtain a trade license
   

Mainland company registration in UAE is usually fast and can be done in about 5 working days. The time may vary depending on how quickly the correct documents are submitted, approvals are received, and required fees are paid.

Foreign employees in the UAE need a standard work visa sponsored by their employer, which requires:

• A valid company operating license
• No employer violations
• Employee’s skills match the company’s activity
• Employee holding at least a high school diploma
   

Yes, for mainland company formation in UAE, having a physical office space is mandatory. There are many options available for business spaces, including private offices, co-working spaces, and shared offices, depending on your business needs and budget.

A Freezone company in UAE is a business registered within a designated economic zone, offering benefits and simplified setup processes, while allowing trade within the zone or internationally.

Some of the benefits of freezone company formation include:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Zero personal and corporate taxes
• Full repatriation of capital and profits
• Easy and fast company formation
• World-class infrastructure
   

The cost of starting a Freezone company in UAE varies based on the selected Freezone, type of business activity, license category, and the number of visas needed. Each Freezone has its own pricing and packages, which affect the total setup cost.

Yes, setting up a Freezone company in UAE allows investors, owners, and employees to apply for UAE residence visas. The number of visas you can obtain depends on the company’s size, office space, and the specific license type issued by the Freezone.

No, Freezone company setup allows 100% ownership for foreign investors, so there is no need for a local sponsor or partner. This is one of the main reasons many entrepreneurs choose Freezones for business setup.

An offshore company setup is a legal business entity set up to operate outside the UAE market. It is mainly used for holding assets, international trade, tax planning, and protecting investments, without conducting business within the UAE.

An offshore company in UAE offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and the ability to own properties or shares in other companies. It is also ideal for international trade and protecting assets securely.

No, an offshore company in UAE is not allowed to conduct business or trade within the UAE market. It is limited to international operations, holding investments, and asset management outside the country, following UAE offshore regulations.

The cost of setting up an offshore company in the UAE varies on:

• Chosen jurisdiction
• Company structure, and
• Additional services (Document attestation or nominee services). 
   

The most well-known Offshore jurisdictions are JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, and Ajman Offshore, each offering different benefits and requirements.

There are three types of business licenses :

1. Industrial license
2. Commercial license
3. Professional license

Yes, having a physical warehouse or industrial space is usually required when applying for an industrial license in the UAE, especially if you’re involved in production, manufacturing, or heavy processing.

To start a trading company, you need a commercial license, business name, legal structure, office space, and initial approval from DED or free zone. You’ll also need to list the products you want to trade.

A professional license covers services like consulting, marketing, IT, healthcare, and more. It allows individuals or companies to legally offer knowledge-based or skilled services to clients in Dubai and across the UAE.