JurisdictionsMiddle East
United Arab Emirates
Online formation available3 entity typesFree zone and mainland routes
Region
Middle East
Formation
Online, remote in most cases
Entity types
Free Zone · Mainland LLC · Offshore
Indicative timeline
Days to a few weeks
Banking
Application support included from Professional
Company Structures
Three Routes to Incorporation.
FZCOFree Zone CompanyIncorporated within a free zone authority with its own registrar and licence categories. Popular authorities include SHAMS, RAKEZ and IFZA.Typical useInternational trading, consulting, technology, holding
LLCMainland LLCLicensed by the emirate's economic department to operate across the local market and bid for government contracts.Typical useRetail, local services, government contracting
OFFOffshore CompanyHolding and asset-ownership structure registered with an offshore authority; no local trading.Typical useHolding shares, property, intellectual property
Considerations
Why founders choose United Arab Emirates
01Established gateway between Europe, Asia and Africa
02Wide choice of free zones with activity-specific licences
03Remote incorporation available for many structures
04Residency visas can be linked to the company licence
Notes
What to plan for
—Corporate tax registration and annual filing apply to most companies
—Licence renewals are annual and tied to the registered address
—Bank account opening timelines vary and depend on the bank's acceptance
—Some activities require additional approvals from regulators
General orientation only. Requirements depend on the chosen authority and activity and are confirmed by your specialist.
Documents
What You Will Need.
Typical requirements for individual shareholders. Corporate shareholders require additional constitutional documents.
Passport copyValid for at least six monthsEach shareholder & director
Proof of residential addressUtility bill or bank statement, under three months oldEach shareholder
Passport-size photographDigital, white backgroundEach shareholder
Business plan or activity descriptionOne to two pages is sufficientCompany
Proposed company namesThree options in order of preferenceCompany
Entry stamp or visa pageWhere applicableEach visa applicant
Packages
Formation Packages.
Prices exclude government fees
Package 01Essential€ 1,900+ government fees—Free zone company registration—Constitutional documents—Registered agent, first year—Digital document deliveryConfigure Essential
Package 02Professional€ 3,400+ government fees—Everything in Essential—Flexi-desk / registered address, first year—Banking application support—Tax registration assistance—Dedicated specialistConfigure Professional
Package 03Premier€ 5,800+ government fees—Everything in Professional—Corporate administration, first year—Accounting & bookkeeping, first year—Compliance calendar & filings—Priority processingConfigure Premier
Services in United Arab Emirates
01Company Formation
02Corporate Administration
03Registered Office Services
04Accounting & Bookkeeping
05Tax Registration Assistance
06Banking Application Support
07Visa & Residency Assistance
08Ongoing Compliance
Delivered locally
Formation in the UAE is delivered by our Dubai partner, operating since 2013, with corporate bank account opening, VAT and corporate tax registration and residency visas.
Questions
United Arab Emirates Formation, Explained.
Free zones suit international trading and services with simplified setup; mainland licences allow trading directly across the local market. Your specialist confirms which fits the intended activity.
Begin in the Emirates.
Configure your company online or speak with a specialist first.