Intergroup
Company Formation

UAE Company Formation

Establish your business in the United Arab Emirates — whether on the mainland, in a free zone or as an offshore entity. We help you choose the right structure, obtain trade licences and navigate the setup process from start to finish.

Why incorporate in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates is one of the fastest-growing business hubs in the world, offering a strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa, a stable political environment, world-class infrastructure and zero personal income tax. With over 40 free zones, each tailored to specific industries, the UAE provides flexible company structures for virtually any business activity.

Recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies in most sectors, eliminating the historic need for a local sponsor. Combined with an expanding network of double-taxation treaties, residency visa options and access to a large, affluent consumer market, the UAE has become a top destination for entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinational groups alike.

0%

Personal income tax

9%

Corporate tax (above threshold)

100%

Foreign ownership

40+

Free zones

Zero or low corporate tax

Most UAE free zones offer 0% corporate and personal income tax for up to 50 years. Mainland companies enjoy a competitive 9% rate introduced in 2023, with a generous AED 375,000 tax-free threshold.

Strategic global trade hub

Situated between Europe, Asia and Africa, the UAE has world-class logistics, Jebel Ali — the region's largest port — and connectivity to 250+ cities via Emirates and Etihad.

100% foreign ownership

Free zone companies may be 100% foreign-owned. Recent reforms also allow full foreign ownership of many mainland company categories, removing the former 51% local-sponsor requirement.

Business-friendly regulation

The UAE ranks among the top economies for ease of doing business, with clear company legislation, independent courts (DIFC, ADGM) and strong IP protection.

Major banking & fintech centre

Home to branches of every major global bank, a thriving fintech ecosystem and multi-currency corporate banking solutions.

Multiple free-zone options

Over 40 specialised free zones — DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, ADGM, DIFC, RAKEZ and more — each tailored to specific industries with fast setup and visa packages.

UAE company formation

Setup costs vary by emirate, free zone and business activity. Contact us for a personalised quotation tailored to your specific requirements.

UAE Company Formation

The UAE offers a wide range of company types and jurisdictions — mainland LLCs, free-zone establishments and offshore entities — each with different fee structures. We'll help you select the optimal setup and provide a detailed cost breakdown.

The incorporation process

A clear, guided path from choosing your jurisdiction to a fully licensed UAE company.

  1. 1

    Free consultation & jurisdiction selection

    Same day

    We assess your business model, activity type and target market to recommend the optimal setup — mainland LLC, free zone or offshore — and the best emirate and free zone for your needs.

  2. 2

    Trade name reservation

    1–2 days

    We reserve your preferred company name with the relevant authority (DED, free zone authority or RAK ICC). Naming rules vary by jurisdiction and activity type.

  3. 3

    Document preparation

    2–3 days

    Our team prepares the Memorandum of Association, application forms, shareholder/director consents and business-plan documentation required by the chosen authority.

  4. 4

    Licence application & approval

    3–10 days

    We submit your application to the licensing authority. For free zones this is typically a streamlined electronic process; mainland setups may require an additional DED trade licence.

  5. 5

    Post-incorporation & visa processing

    2–4 weeks

    We assist with establishment card, corporate bank account introduction, Emirates ID and residence visa applications for shareholders and employees.

  6. 6

    Bank account introduction

    2–4 weeks

    We introduce you to partner banks in the UAE for a corporate account. Note: bank account opening is an additional service not included in the base price.

What you'll need

Documentation requirements vary by entity type — we'll guide you every step of the way.

For individual shareholders & directors

  • Colour copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, within 3 months)
  • Passport-size photo (white background)
  • CV / résumé (some free zones and mainland activities)
  • Brief description of business activities

For corporate shareholders

  • Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Register of directors and shareholders
  • Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent
  • Board resolution authorising the UAE incorporation
  • Passport copies of authorised signatories

Jurisdiction-specific requirements

  • Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
  • Minimum 1 director/manager (individual)
  • A registered office or flexi-desk in the chosen free zone or emirate
  • Business-plan summary (required by some free zones)
  • Activity-specific approvals if applicable (e.g. financial services, healthcare)

Advantages

  • Zero or very low corporate and personal income tax
  • Strategic location connecting Europe, Asia and Africa
  • 100% foreign ownership in free zones and most mainland activities
  • World-class banking, logistics and telecommunications infrastructure
  • Residence visas available for company shareholders and employees
  • Over 40 specialised free zones to suit virtually any business activity
  • Growing network of double-taxation treaties

Things to consider

  • Setup costs vary significantly by emirate, free zone and activity type
  • Free zone companies cannot trade directly in the mainland market without a distributor
  • Annual licence renewal and potential office-space lease costs
  • Economic Substance Regulations may apply to certain activities

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone company in the UAE?
A mainland (onshore) company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and can trade freely within the UAE and internationally. A free zone company is licensed by a specific free zone authority and benefits from 0% corporate tax, 100% foreign ownership and simplified setup, but cannot trade directly in the mainland market without a local distributor or a dual licence.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. In free zones, 100% foreign ownership has always been permitted. Since 2020, the UAE has also opened full foreign ownership of many mainland company categories, removing the former requirement for a 51% local-sponsor shareholding in most sectors.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up a company?
In many cases the initial incorporation can be completed remotely. However, certain free zones and mainland setups may require you to visit for Emirates ID biometrics, bank account opening or visa stamping. We coordinate the entire process and advise if and when travel is needed.
How long does it take to incorporate in the UAE?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction. Free zone incorporations typically take 3–7 business days. Mainland LLCs may take 1–2 weeks including trade-name reservation, MOA notarisation and DED licence issuance. Visa processing adds a further 2–4 weeks.
Does the UAE have corporate tax?
Since June 2023 the UAE applies a 9% federal corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 for mainland companies. Free zone companies that meet the qualifying conditions continue to enjoy a 0% rate. There is no personal income tax in the UAE.
Can I get a residence visa through my UAE company?
Yes. Free zone and mainland companies can sponsor residence visas for shareholders, directors and employees. The number of visas depends on the office space or licence type. Some free zones offer visa packages as part of their company-formation plans.

Register in the UAE

Get a tailored quote for your UAE company — we'll recommend the best structure for your goals.

+852 5803 1008

Ready to set up in the UAE?

Speak with our team for a free consultation. We'll help you choose the right emirate, structure and licence — and handle the entire process.

+852 5803 1008