Establishing a Business in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates is a premier global hub for commerce, technology, and wealth creation. With 0% personal tax, dynamic free trade zones, and direct access to Middle Eastern, Asian, and African markets, there is no better jurisdiction to launch your startup or expand your international enterprise.
At VestaDoc, we handle the entire business registration pipeline. From selecting the ideal legal structure to securing trade licenses, drafting Articles of Association (MOA), setting up corporate bank accounts, and obtaining investor residency visas, our corporate lawyers guarantee a smooth, legally compliant setup.
Mainland vs. Free Zone Jurisdictions
Choose the jurisdiction that matches your target market, budget, and business activities.
Dubai Mainland
Best for trading inside the UAE, retail stores, and bidding for local government contracts.
- ✓ 100% Foreign Ownership (most activities)
- ✓ Physical Office required (minimum 200 sqft)
- ✓ Unlimited (linked to office size)
- ✓ 9% Corporate Tax on income > AED 375,000
UAE Free Zone
Best for service providers, tech startups, e-commerce, and global import/export.
- ✓ 100% Foreign Ownership (all activities)
- ✓ Virtual Office / Flexi-Desk allowed
- ✓ Limited (packages starting from 0 to 6 visas)
- ✓ 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
Setup Costs Visualizer (2026 Estimates)
First-year licensing costs comparison (estimated in AED). Additional costs apply for visas and corporate bank setup.
Step-by-Step Company Formation Process
Choose Activity & Structure
Select from over 2,000 business activities and decide on an LLC, branch, or sole proprietorship.
Register Trade Name
Submit 3 preferred names matching local regulations to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Draft & Notarize MOA
Draft the Memorandum of Association and notarize it electronically via our remote video notary.
Secure Office Lease
Lease a physical office (Ejari) for Mainland or register a flexi-desk package for Free Zone.
Get Trade License
Submit all government documents, pay fees, and receive your trade license in 2-3 business days.
Open Bank Account
Submit corporate files to Tier-1 local UAE banks (ENBD, Mashreq, Wio) to start operations.
Client Success Spotlight
VestaDoc successfully incorporated a UK-based e-commerce enterprise in the Ajman Free Zone. The founders required a fast, 100% remote trade license and corporate bank account. VestaDoc secured the license in 48 hours and opened a business bank account with Wio Bank in 5 days, all without the founders visiting Dubai.
Official Legal & Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Can I own 100% of my UAE company?
Yes. Since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership of mainland companies for most commercial and professional activities, in addition to free zones.
Q.What is the minimum cost to setup a company?
Ajman Free Zone licenses start from AED 5,500. Dubai Free Zones start from AED 12,500. Mainland licenses start around AED 15,000. These are first-year licensing fees.
Q.Is corporate tax applicable to all companies?
The UAE corporate tax rate is 9% for taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone companies may qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income under specific criteria.
Dr. Salim Al-Mansoori
Senior Corporate Lawyer & Legal Adviser — Dr. Al-Mansoori has over 15 years of experience in UAE corporate structure, commercial litigation, and offshore compliance. Verified in compliance with DET and Ministry of Economy guidelines.
Last Updated: July 2026Book Your Free Corporate Setup Consultation
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