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Company setup

Mainland, freezone or offshore. Chosen with care.

Each UAE structure suits a different kind of business. Here is what each one offers, who it fits, and how they compare side by side.

01 / mainland

Mainland company license

A mainland license, also called an onshore license, gives your company the freedom to do business inside the UAE and internationally without restriction, with the flexibility and investment reach that come with it.

Best suited toCompanies selling directly to UAE customers, opening premises in any emirate, or working with government and semi-government clients.

mainland benefits

07
  1. 01100% foreign ownership
  2. 02No minimum capital requirement
  3. 03Location flexibility and no trade restrictions
  4. 04No currency restrictions
  5. 05Corporate bank account opened with ease
  6. 06Fast registration process
  7. 07No personal income tax

02 / freezone

Freezone company license

A freezone, also called a free trade zone or special economic zone, is a designated area offering tailored business incentives to attract foreign investment and drive economic development. Each zone has its own authority, rules and permitted activities.

Best suited toInternational trading, consultancies and regional headquarters that serve clients outside the UAE market.

freezone benefits

10
  1. 01100% foreign ownership
  2. 02No paid-up share capital
  3. 03Simplified regulation
  4. 04Customs benefits
  5. 050% corporate tax on qualifying income and no personal income tax
  6. 06Physical office optional
  7. 07Higher allowance for foreign employees
  8. 08License terms of 1 to 3 years
  9. 09Document screening and submission handled for you
  10. 10Ongoing support after setup

03 / offshore

Offshore company license

Offshore companies are used mainly for holding, and for operations in foreign countries. They offer financial, legal and tax advantages with a lighter administrative footprint than an operating company.

Best suited toHolding structures, property and asset ownership, and international trade that does not touch the UAE market.

offshore benefits

09
  1. 01100% foreign ownership
  2. 02Fast and efficient formation
  3. 03Low capital
  4. 04Confidentiality in your business dealings
  5. 05Well suited to international trading
  6. 06Lighter audit and reporting obligations
  7. 07Asset protection against lawsuits and claims
  8. 08Access to the UAE banking sector
  9. 09Full repatriation of funds and multi-currency transactions

Side by side

How the three structures compare.

FeatureMainlandFreezoneOffshore
Foreign ownership100%100%100%
Where you can tradeAnywhere in the UAE and internationallyWithin the freezone and internationallyOutside the UAE
CapitalNo minimum requirementNo paid-up share capitalLow
Physical officeRequired, any locationOptionalNot required
Residence visasYes, based on office spaceYes, based on office spaceNot available
Typical useLocal trade and servicesGlobal trade, services, regional HQHolding and asset protection

General guidance only. Requirements vary by activity, emirate and freezone authority, and we confirm the specifics for your case during consultation.

Other license services

Already licensed? We keep it that way.

Renewals, changes and closures handled for existing companies, whoever set them up.

See PRO services
  1. 01Trade license renewal
  2. 02Trade license amendments
  3. 03License liquidation
  4. 04Regulatory body license renewals
  5. 05Municipality approvals and licenses

Not sure which structure fits?

A short call is usually enough to confirm the right structure, the timeline and the full cost. No obligation and no sales script.

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