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.
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.
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.
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.
Our process is designed to take a new company from concept to fully operational, including a bank account, in as few steps as possible.
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.
We support company formation across a wide range of sectors, including:
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.
Most UAE business activities permit 100% foreign ownership; a small number of strategic impact activities may still require a local partner or service agent.
A mainland license requires physical business premises, with the tenancy contract attested and registered with the relevant municipality before the license can be issued. Most free zones offer more flexible options, from shared flexi desks to fully fitted offices, and some free zones do not require a physical office at all for certain license types. The size of your premises directly affects how many residence visas your company can sponsor, so we help you choose an office that matches both your budget and your visa needs, and manage the tenancy attestation process on your behalf.
The exact checklist depends on your shareholder type and jurisdiction; we confirm a tailored list after your consultation.
Direct operational experience aligned to your corporate rollout, wherever in the UAE you choose to set up.
Need expert help? Contact our agents today.
Aug 31, 2026
Setting up a business in the UAE as a foreigner in 2026? Learn how to choose the right free zone, obtain a licence, secure visas, open a corporate bank account, and budget for the often overlooked costs of doing business.
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Aug 03, 2026
Setting up a business in the UAE as a foreigner in 2026? Discover how to choose the right free zone, obtain the necessary licence, secure visas, open a corporate bank account, and plan for overlooked costs, compliance requirements, and other essential expenses involved in launching and operating your business.
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Jul 24, 2026
Understand what it takes to qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) in the UAE and maintain the 0% Corporate Tax benefit. Explore key requirements, including qualifying income, adequate substance, the De Minimis Rule, audited financial statements, Transfer Pricing compliance, and Designated Zone documentation.
Read MoreJoin over 500+ entrepreneurs who chose Legacy Partners.
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