Company Formation & Business Setup
Company Formation & Business Setup in Dubai
Guidance through free zone and mainland company formation in Dubai — licensing, documentation and the accounting setup that follows incorporation.
Why it matters
The right structure now avoids compliance issues later
Choosing between a free zone and mainland licence, selecting the right activity codes, and structuring shareholding correctly all affect your VAT and Corporate Tax position from day one. We guide the formation process with that downstream compliance in mind.
We work alongside your chosen registered agent or free zone authority, coordinating documentation and ensuring your new entity is accounting-ready from incorporation.
- Free zone and mainland structure comparison
- Licensing and documentation coordination
- Bank account application support
- Accounting setup from day one of incorporation
What's included
What our Company Formation & Business Setup service covers
Structure advisory
Comparison of free zone vs. mainland options based on your activity, ownership and market needs.
Documentation support
Coordination of the paperwork required for licensing and registration.
Bank account support
Preparation of the financial documentation typically required to open a UAE corporate bank account.
VAT & Corporate Tax registration
Registration with the FTA as soon as your new entity is incorporated and thresholds are assessed.
Post-incorporation accounting
Chart of accounts and bookkeeping set up from your very first transaction.
Ongoing compliance calendar
A clear schedule of renewal, VAT and Corporate Tax deadlines from the outset.
How does company formation in Dubai work?
In short
How does company formation in Dubai work? it involves choosing a jurisdiction (mainland or a free zone), selecting a business activity and legal structure, submitting licensing documentation, and — once incorporated — registering for VAT and Corporate Tax where applicable and opening a corporate bank account.
Our process
How we deliver Company Formation & Business Setup
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01
Assess your business needs
We discuss your activity, target market and ownership requirements to identify suitable jurisdictions.
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02
Compare structures
You receive a comparison of relevant free zone and mainland options, including indicative costs.
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03
Coordinate documentation
We help prepare and coordinate the documents required for licensing and registration.
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04
Set up accounting & tax
Once incorporated, we register you for VAT/Corporate Tax where required and set up your books.
FAQs
Company Formation & Business Setup in Dubai — frequently asked questions
It depends on your target customers, activity type and ownership preferences. Free zones suit businesses trading internationally or within the zone; mainland suits businesses trading directly across the UAE. We can talk through which fits your plans.
Timelines vary by jurisdiction and activity, typically from a few days to a few weeks once documentation is complete. We'll give you a realistic estimate based on your chosen structure.
Most mainland activities in Dubai now permit 100% foreign ownership, though some strategic activities still require a local partner or agent. We'll confirm the requirement for your specific activity.
We coordinate documentation and advisory support alongside your chosen registered agent or free zone authority, and take over accounting and tax registration once the entity is formed.
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Talk to us about Company Formation & Business Setup
Get a clear scope and fixed fee before any work begins.