YOUR GATEWAY TO MIDDLE EAST
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YOUR GATEWAY TO MIDDLE EAST
Business Setup Guide UAE
A comprehensive overview of the jurisdictions and steps required to establish your business in the United Arab Emirates.
Choose Business Activity
Discuss your business goals, target markets, and requirements. Get recommendations on best jurisdictions and license types for your specific needs.
Select Jurisdiction
Review your business activity, target market, and requirements. Get the best jurisdiction that matches your business model and long-term goals.
Register Trade Name
Submit your proposed business name(s) to the Department of Economic Development (DED) for approval and reservation.
Initial Approval
Obtain Initial approval to signify that the Government has no objection to your business being established in the UAE.
Draft LSA / MOA
Form the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement. A notarised MOA or SA agreement, if applicable for Mainland setups.
Choose Location
Select a physical space or virtual office that suits your business needs and meets the necessary trade license requirements.
Get Your License
Submit all required documents and complete the licensing procedure to officially receive your trade license and officially start operations.
Transparent packages
designed for your growth
Mainland
B2C retail, restaurants, and businesses that need a local UAE presence.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
- No currency restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership (for most activities now)
- Can bid on lucrative government contracts
Free Zone
Import/export companies, tech startups, consultancies, and businesses involved in international trade.
- 100% foreign ownership guaranteed
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 0% corporate tax (subject to qualifying income)
- Exemption from import/export duties
Offshore
Wealth management, holding companies, and international property ownership.
- No physical office required
- Complete privacy and confidentiality
- Cannot trade within the UAE
- Ideal for holding companies and asset protection
Mainland
B2C retail, restaurants, and businesses that need a local UAE presence.
- Trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally
- No currency restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership (for most activities now)
- Can bid on lucrative government contracts
Free Zone
Import/export companies, tech startups, consultancies, and businesses involved in international trade.
- 100% foreign ownership guaranteed
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- 0% corporate tax (subject to qualifying income)
- Exemption from import/export duties
Offshore
Wealth management, holding companies, and international property ownership.
- No physical office required
- Complete privacy and confidentiality
- Cannot trade within the UAE
- Ideal for holding companies and asset protection
FAQS
Everything you
wanted to ask
(but didn't know who to)
We're just a form away—send us your question, and we'll be happy to help!
We're just a form away—
send us your question, and we'll be happy to help!