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Business Setup in UAE | Company Formation Consultants

Legacy Partners helps entrepreneurs and international businesses set up in the UAE with end to end support, from choosing the right jurisdiction to license issuance, visas, and bank account opening. Our team has guided founders, SMEs, and multinational entities through mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the wider Emirates.

Whether you are a first time founder or expanding an existing business into the region, we handle the paperwork, government liaison, and compliance so you can focus on launching.

Why Set Up a Business in the UAE

The UAE remains one of the world's most attractive jurisdictions for entrepreneurs and investors, combining a pro-business regulatory environment with world-class infrastructure and market access across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

100% foreign ownership
Most mainland and all free zone business activities in the UAE now permit full foreign ownership, removing the earlier requirement for a local Emirati sponsor or partner in the majority of sectors.
0% personal income tax, competitive 9% corporate tax
The UAE does not levy personal income tax, and corporate tax is charged at a competitive 9% on taxable profits above the AED 375,000 threshold, with 0% on profits below it and continued exemptions for qualifying free zone entities.
Strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa
The UAE's position gives businesses same-day or next-day access to over two billion consumers, supported by world-leading ports, airports, and logistics infrastructure.
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Foreign investors can repatriate 100% of profits and capital, with no restrictions on currency conversion or fund transfers out of the UAE.

Business Setup Options in the UAE

Choosing the right structure is the single most important decision in the setup process, as it determines ownership rules, permitted activities, office requirements, and tax treatment.

Mainland company formation
A mainland license, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant Emirate, allows a business to trade directly across the UAE market and take on government contracts, with no restriction on the number of visas depending on office size.
Free zone company formation
Free zone company formation offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and streamlined setup, and is well suited to businesses focused on international trade, consulting, or holding structures rather than direct UAE mainland trading.
Offshore company formation
An offshore company is used primarily for holding assets, international trading, or tax planning, and does not require a physical office or UAE residency, though it cannot trade directly within the UAE market.
Branch office / representative office setup
Foreign companies can establish a branch or representative office to conduct business activities or market research in the UAE under the parent company's name, without incorporating a new legal entity.

Our Business Setup Services

Legacy Partners manages every stage of company formation under one roof, working directly with the relevant free zone authorities, the DED, and federal government bodies on your behalf.

Business activity and jurisdiction selection
We assess your business model, target market, and growth plans to recommend the mainland, free zone, or offshore structure and the specific activity codes that best fit your operations.
Trade name reservation and license application
We handle trade name checks and reservation, initial approval, and the full trade license application to the relevant licensing authority.
PRO and government liaison services
Our PRO team manages document attestation, submissions, and follow ups with government departments, saving founders the time and friction of navigating UAE bureaucracy directly.
Visa and Emirates ID processing
We process investor, employee, and dependent visas alongside Emirates ID applications and medical and biometric appointments.
Corporate bank account assistance
We prepare your business banking file and introduce you to suitable banks based on your business activity, ownership structure, and expected transaction volumes.
VAT and corporate tax registration
We register your entity for VAT and corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority and advise on ongoing filing obligations from day one.

Business Setup Process

Our process is designed to take a new company from concept to fully operational, including a bank account, in as few steps as possible.

Step 1: Free consultation
We start with a free consultation to understand your business activity, ownership structure, and goals, and to outline the best jurisdiction options available to you.
Step 2: Jurisdiction and activity selection
We confirm the mainland, free zone, or offshore jurisdiction, finalize the business activity codes, and reserve your trade name.
Step 3: Documentation and approvals
We prepare and submit the required incorporation documents, obtain initial approval, and complete any Memorandum of Association or lease agreement requirements.
Step 4: License issuance
Once all approvals are in place, your trade license is issued, making your company legally operational in the UAE.
Step 5: Visa and bank account setup
We process investor and employee visas and support your corporate bank account application so your business is fully ready to operate.

Business Setup Cost in the UAE

Business setup costs in the UAE vary depending on jurisdiction, business activity, office requirements, and the number of visas needed, and typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dirhams. Free zone packages are generally the most cost-predictable option for smaller teams, while mainland setups can involve additional costs tied to office leasing and DED approvals.

Industries We Support

We support company formation across a wide range of sectors, including:

  • Trading
  • Consulting
  • E-commerce
  • Technology
  • Media
  • Manufacturing

Why Choose Legacy Partners as Your Business Setup Consultant

Legacy Partners is a multi-disciplinary professional services firm operating across the UAE, GCC, India, and UK, bringing company formation, tax, audit, Virtual CFO, and corporate advisory expertise under one roof. This means your business setup is backed by the same team that can support your ongoing tax compliance, bookkeeping, and financial reporting as your company grows, rather than handing you off once the license is issued. Our government liaison network and cross-border experience allow us to move setups through efficiently, with clear, transparent guidance at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of a company in the UAE across all free zones and in the vast majority of mainland business activities, following reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law.

Most free zone company formations can be completed within a few working days once documentation is in order, while mainland setups typically take one to three weeks depending on the activity and approvals required.

No. Many free zones allow full remote incorporation, though a visit is generally required at the visa stage for Emirates ID biometrics and medical testing.

A mainland license allows a business to trade directly anywhere in the UAE and take on government contracts, while a free zone license offers 100% ownership and full repatriation but generally restricts direct trading within the UAE mainland market.

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