Service Guide
Company Formation
Set up free zone, mainland, or holding entities with structured workflows, license selection, document preparation, and end-to-end execution.
Entity types & setup timelines
Free Zone Company
2-4 weeks100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified setup. Ideal for service businesses, consultancies, and international operations.
- •0% corporate and personal income tax
- •100% repatriation of profits
- •Streamlined licensing and visa allocation
Mainland LLC
3-5 weeksTrade directly in the UAE market with no geographic restrictions. Required for contracts with government entities and certain industries.
- •Unrestricted market access across UAE
- •Government and institutional contract eligibility
- •Office flexibility (can operate from anywhere in UAE)
Holding Company
3-6 weeksParent entity structure for asset ownership, IP holding, and subsidiary management. Available in DIFC, ADGM, or select free zones.
- •Holding structure for subsidiaries and assets
- •IP and brand ownership vehicle
- •Cross-border entity planning
Branch or Representative Office
4-6 weeksExtension of an existing foreign entity. Used for market presence, liaison, or specific project execution without forming a new legal entity.
- •No separate legal entity required
- •Operates under parent company license
- •Suitable for project-based or liaison activities
How the formation process works
Structure consultation
We assess your business activity, ownership requirements, and operational scope to recommend the right entity type and jurisdiction.
Name reservation & approvals
We prepare trade name options, submit for approval, and secure initial authority clearances before proceeding with incorporation.
Document preparation
We draft the Memorandum of Association, shareholder agreements, and supporting documentation, then coordinate signatures and notarization.
License issuance
We submit the full incorporation file to the relevant authority, track approvals, and deliver the trade license and establishment card.
Post-incorporation setup
We coordinate bank account opening preparation, visa allocation planning, and initial compliance setup to activate operations.
Frequently asked questions
How long does company formation take in the UAE?
Free zone companies typically take 2-4 weeks from name approval to license issuance. Mainland LLCs take 3-5 weeks due to additional approvals. Holding companies in financial free zones (DIFC, ADGM) can take 3-6 weeks depending on structure complexity.
What is the difference between free zone and mainland companies?
Free zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and faster setup, but are restricted to trading within their free zone or internationally (not the UAE domestic market). Mainland companies can trade freely across the UAE but historically required a local partner (though 100% foreign ownership is now allowed in most activities).
Do I need a physical office to incorporate?
Most free zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office packages that satisfy licensing requirements without a dedicated physical space. Mainland companies require a registered office address, which can be a coworking space or serviced office. We coordinate office solutions as part of the incorporation workflow.
How many visas can my company sponsor?
Visa allocation depends on your license type, office size, and jurisdiction. Free zones typically allocate 1-6 visas for small office packages, scalable with larger spaces. Mainland licenses calculate visa quotas based on office square footage and approved activities. We map visa requirements during the consultation phase.
Can I change my business activity after incorporation?
Yes, you can amend your trade license to add or modify business activities. This requires authority approval and may involve additional documentation. We handle activity amendments and license modifications as part of our renewals and compliance services.
Ready to incorporate your UAE entity?
Create an account to begin the formation workflow, upload documents, and track incorporation progress.