Set up your UAE company the right way
Mainland or free zone, we guide you through activity selection, licensing, bank account opening and tax registration, then keep your accounts in order once you start trading.
What's included
- Advice on business activity, jurisdiction and legal form
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Licence application and document preparation
- Office or flexi-desk options to meet licensing rules
- Visa and establishment card guidance
- Corporate bank account opening support
- Corporate Tax and VAT registration after setup
- Bookkeeping set up from day one, in an accounting system of your choice
Mainland or free zone?
The right choice depends on where your customers are, the activity you want to carry out and how many visas you need. We compare the options with you before you apply.
Mainland company
Licensed by the economic department of the emirate, such as the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai.
- Trade directly anywhere in the UAE market
- Bid for government contracts
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Physical office lease required
Free zone company
Licensed by one of the UAE free zone authorities, each focused on particular sectors.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Flexi-desk and shared office options
- Suited to international trade and services
- Trading in the mainland market usually needs a distributor or extra permit
Choose the licence that fits your activity
Commercial licence
For trading activities, including import, export, general trading and e-commerce.
Professional licence
For service businesses, consultancies and skilled professionals.
Industrial licence
For manufacturing, processing and other industrial activities.
From idea to trading company
Choose activity and jurisdiction
We help you choose your business activity, mainland or free zone, and legal form, and estimate the authority costs.
Licence and approvals
Trade name reservation, initial approval, memorandum of association and office or flexi-desk, then your trade licence is issued.
Visas and bank account
Establishment card, investor and employee visa guidance, and corporate bank account opening support.
Tax registration and books
Corporate Tax registration, VAT if required, and bookkeeping set up from your first transaction.
Why combine formation with accounting
Many new companies miss their Corporate Tax registration deadline or start trading without proper books. Because we also handle your accounting and tax, your company is registered with the Federal Tax Authority on time and your records are organised from the first invoice.
Government, licensing authority and visa fees are set by each authority and quoted separately from our service fee.
Services new companies need next
Bookkeeping & accounting
Accurate, organised records: transactions recorded, accounts reconciled and books kept up to date every month.
View service →VAT
Registration, returns and input VAT reviews prepared to Federal Tax Authority requirements.
View service →Corporate Tax
Registration, tax computation, relief assessments and annual return preparation.
View service →Planning a new company?
Tell us about your activity and plans. We will explain your setup options, timelines and costs before you commit.