Business Set Up Consultancy Services in Dubai, UAE

Setting up a company in UAE requires choosing the right jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), selecting the appropriate legal structure (LLC, Branch, Sole Establishment, etc.), reserving a trade name with the relevant authority, obtaining initial approvals, drafting a Memorandum of Association (MOA), securing office space (physical or Flexi-desk), and obtaining the trade license. Additional requirements may include professional certifications, sector-specific approvals, and registrations with FTA for VAT if applicable. HAMG guides clients through every step, ensuring full legal compliance from day one.

A Mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or equivalent authority and can operate freely across the UAE and internationally, including with government entities. A Free Zone company is licensed within a specific Free Zone and can operate within that zone and internationally, but may face restrictions on direct trading with the UAE mainland. Key differences include: Mainland allows 100% foreign ownership for most activities (post-2021 reforms); Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup, and industry-specific clusters. The choice depends on your target market, business activity, and tax considerations.

Company formation timelines in UAE vary by jurisdiction. A Free Zone company can often be registered within 24–72 hours for straightforward activities. A Mainland LLC typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on the business activity, approvals required, and documentation completeness. Activities requiring sector-specific regulatory approvals (healthcare, education, financial services) may take longer. HAMG works to accelerate timelines by ensuring all documentation is prepared correctly from the outset and managing authority interactions efficiently.

Yes. Following the UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments of 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of Mainland companies for most business activities without requiring a UAE national partner. Free Zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Some restricted activities in strategic sectors may still require a UAE national partner or specific government approvals. HAMG advises clients on activity-specific ownership requirements and the optimal legal structure to achieve their business objectives.

Newly set up companies in UAE may be subject to VAT (5%) if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 annually, requiring mandatory FTA registration. UAE Corporate Tax (9%) applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023 — registration is mandatory for all taxable persons regardless of income level. Free Zone companies may qualify for a 0% Corporate Tax rate subject to qualifying conditions. HAMG provides comprehensive tax advisory as part of every company setup engagement to ensure businesses start fully tax-compliant.

While it is technically possible to set up a company independently in UAE, working with HAMG significantly reduces the risk of costly errors. HAMG ensures you choose the right jurisdiction and structure for your specific business activity and ownership requirements, avoid activity restrictions and licensing mismatches, comply with FTA, MOHRE, and authority requirements from day one, and benefit from 20+ years of UAE business setup and regulatory expertise. We also provide post-formation support including accounting, tax compliance, AML, and CFO services — making HAMG your one-stop business partner in UAE.