Company Formation · UAE
Company Formation Services in the UAE
Establishing a business in the UAE requires choosing between mainland (onshore), free zone, and offshore structures — each governed by different licensing authorities and ownership rules.
Overview
Fintax Support Limited navigates Department of Economic Development (DED) mainland licenses, free zone registrations in DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, and ADGM, and handles MOA drafting, visa quotas, and initial approvals from relevant Emirates authorities. We register your entity with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) for Corporate Tax and VAT where applicable, and ensure Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosures are filed on time.
Key compliance areas in UAE
06 areas- Corporate Tax 9%
- FTA VAT registration
- Free Zone vs Mainland
- ESR
- WPS
- UBO reporting
Regulatory framework
UAE mainland companies require annual trade license renewal with the relevant DED and must maintain a registered office address in the Emirates. Free zone entities must comply with their specific authority's renewal deadlines and ESR reporting. All UAE entities must file UBO details with the relevant licensing authority, and those subject to Corporate Tax must register with the FTA within the prescribed timeline.
FTA (Federal Tax Authority)Key facts
- AnnualTrade licence renewalwith the relevant DED
- UBOOwnership details filedwith the licensing authority
10 specialised services
Our Company Formation services in UAE
On this page (10)
- Mainland LLC Formation (DED, DET, ADDC)
- Free Zone Company Setup (DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ)
- Offshore Company Formation (JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC)
- Trade License Application & Activity Selection
- Investor & Partner Visa Processing
- PRO Services & Government Liaison
- Virtual Office & Flexi-Desk Solutions
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance
- Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) Filing
- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Declaration
01 / 10
Mainland LLC Formation (DED, DET, ADDC)
Establish a mainland limited liability company licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDC). Mainland LLC formation under the 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendments allows 100% foreign ownership in most activities, giving you direct access to the UAE domestic market, government contracts, and mainland office locations.
Emirate-specific DED licensing
100% foreign ownership
MOA and local agent setup
Mainland market access
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Activity and structure review
Confirm trade license activity codes, legal form, share capital, and emirate jurisdiction with DED, DET, or ADDC eligibility checks.
- 02
Initial approval application
Submit name reservation, initial approval, and shareholder documentation to the relevant economic department before license issuance.
- 03
MOA notarisation and lease
Notarise the Memorandum of Association, secure Ejari-registered office tenancy, and complete external approvals where required.
- 04
Trade license issuance
Obtain the commercial trade license, establishment card, and coordinate MOHRE registration for visa and labour quota allocation.
- 01
Activity and structure review
Confirm trade license activity codes, legal form, share capital, and emirate jurisdiction with DED, DET, or ADDC eligibility checks.
- 02
Initial approval application
Submit name reservation, initial approval, and shareholder documentation to the relevant economic department before license issuance.
- 03
MOA notarisation and lease
Notarise the Memorandum of Association, secure Ejari-registered office tenancy, and complete external approvals where required.
- 04
Trade license issuance
Obtain the commercial trade license, establishment card, and coordinate MOHRE registration for visa and labour quota allocation.
Mainland LLC formation in the UAE is governed by the relevant emirate's Department of Economic Development — Dubai DED, Dubai DET (formerly DED), or Abu Dhabi ADDC — under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies. The 2020 CCL amendments removed the previous 51% local sponsor requirement for most commercial and industrial activities, enabling 100% foreign ownership where permitted by the positive list. Formation follows a two-stage process: initial approval confirming activity eligibility and shareholder details, followed by trade license issuance after MOA notarisation, office lease registration, and any sector-specific clearances. Your mainland entity receives a commercial trade license valid for one year, subject to annual renewal with the licensing authority. Post-licensing, register the establishment card with MOHRE to activate visa quotas and comply with UBO and ESR obligations applicable to your activity.
Common questions
02 / 10
Free Zone Company Setup (DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ)
Incorporate in leading UAE free zones including DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, and RAKEZ with 100% foreign ownership, streamlined licensing, and sector-specific incentives. Each free zone authority sets its own activity lists, visa quotas, and office requirements — we match your business model to the zone that offers the best combination of cost, credibility, and operational flexibility.
Multi-zone authority expertise
100% foreign ownership
Fast-track incorporation
Visa quota allocation
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Free zone selection
Compare DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, and alternative zones against your activity, budget, visa needs, and client profile.
- 02
License application submission
File company name reservation, activity selection, shareholder KYC, and office package with the chosen free zone authority.
- 03
License issuance and MOA
Receive the free zone trade license, incorporation certificate, and signed Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- 04
Establishment and visa setup
Register the establishment card, activate visa quotas, and coordinate Emirates ID and bank account opening.
- 01
Free zone selection
Compare DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, and alternative zones against your activity, budget, visa needs, and client profile.
- 02
License application submission
File company name reservation, activity selection, shareholder KYC, and office package with the chosen free zone authority.
- 03
License issuance and MOA
Receive the free zone trade license, incorporation certificate, and signed Memorandum and Articles of Association.
- 04
Establishment and visa setup
Register the establishment card, activate visa quotas, and coordinate Emirates ID and bank account opening.
UAE free zone company formation is regulated by individual free zone authorities rather than mainland DED departments, with DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, and RAKEZ among the most established jurisdictions for international businesses. Each authority publishes approved activity lists, minimum share capital requirements, and office packages — from flexi-desk to dedicated warehouse facilities — that determine visa quota entitlements. Free zone entities benefit from 100% foreign ownership, simplified incorporation, and in many cases corporate tax incentives for qualifying free zone persons under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Licensing follows the authority's application portal: name reservation, KYC submission, activity and office selection, then license issuance with incorporation documents. Free zone companies must comply with their authority's annual license renewal deadlines, Economic Substance Regulations where applicable, and UBO register filing requirements.
Common questions
03 / 10
Offshore Company Formation (JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC)
Register an offshore company through JAFZA Offshore or the RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) for asset holding, international trading, and estate planning without a physical UAE office requirement. Offshore structures are designed for operations outside the UAE mainland and free zone premises, offering confidentiality, zero corporate tax on qualifying activities, and efficient cross-border structuring.
JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC
Asset holding structure
International trading vehicle
Minimal local presence
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Structure and registry selection
Determine whether JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC best suits your holding, trading, or investment objectives and banking plans.
- 02
Due diligence and application
Submit shareholder and director KYC, source of funds documentation, and proposed company name to the offshore registry.
- 03
Certificate of incorporation
Receive incorporation certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and share certificates from the registry.
- 04
Compliance and banking
Appoint registered agent, file UBO register where required, and coordinate offshore corporate bank account introduction.
- 01
Structure and registry selection
Determine whether JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC best suits your holding, trading, or investment objectives and banking plans.
- 02
Due diligence and application
Submit shareholder and director KYC, source of funds documentation, and proposed company name to the offshore registry.
- 03
Certificate of incorporation
Receive incorporation certificate, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and share certificates from the registry.
- 04
Compliance and banking
Appoint registered agent, file UBO register where required, and coordinate offshore corporate bank account introduction.
UAE offshore company formation through JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC provides international businesses with a UAE-domiciled vehicle that operates outside mainland and free zone territorial scope. These registries issue certificates of incorporation under dedicated offshore regulations, requiring a registered agent and registered address within the jurisdiction but no physical office lease or employee visa quota. Offshore companies are commonly used for holding real estate and investments, owning intellectual property, international trading where goods do not enter the UAE, and group structuring for cross-border tax planning. They cannot conduct business within the UAE mainland or hold a mainland trade license without converting to an onshore entity. Offshore registrants must maintain beneficial ownership registers and comply with Economic Substance Regulations where the entity conducts relevant activities. Annual registry renewal and registered agent fees apply to maintain good standing.
Common questions
04 / 10
Trade License Application & Activity Selection
Select the correct trade license activity codes and navigate initial approval and license issuance with DED, DET, ADDC, or your free zone authority. Activity selection determines ownership eligibility, external approvals, visa quotas, and annual renewal fees — errors at this stage can delay formation by weeks or restrict your commercial operations after licensing.
Activity code mapping
Initial approval preparation
External approval coordination
Renewal planning
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Business activity analysis
Review your products, services, and target market to identify the optimal primary and secondary activity codes.
- 02
Authority eligibility check
Confirm activity availability, foreign ownership rules, and external approval requirements with the licensing authority.
- 03
Initial approval filing
Submit trade name reservation, activity selection, and shareholder details for first-stage approval from DED or free zone.
- 04
License issuance completion
Finalise documentation, pay license fees, and receive the trade license with correct activities for commercial operations.
- 01
Business activity analysis
Review your products, services, and target market to identify the optimal primary and secondary activity codes.
- 02
Authority eligibility check
Confirm activity availability, foreign ownership rules, and external approval requirements with the licensing authority.
- 03
Initial approval filing
Submit trade name reservation, activity selection, and shareholder details for first-stage approval from DED or free zone.
- 04
License issuance completion
Finalise documentation, pay license fees, and receive the trade license with correct activities for commercial operations.
Trade license application and activity selection is a critical step in UAE company formation, whether filed with mainland authorities such as Dubai DED, DET, or ADDC, or with a free zone licensing body. Each authority maintains a catalogue of approved activities with specific codes determining share capital minima, foreign ownership eligibility under the 2020 CCL amendments, and whether external approvals from ministries or municipalities are required before license issuance. The process typically involves initial approval — confirming your proposed name, activity, and shareholders — followed by final license issuance once supporting documents, office lease, and external clearances are complete. Selecting too narrow an activity restricts future business lines; selecting incorrect codes triggers rejection or post-licensing fines. Annual trade license renewal fees vary significantly by activity tier, making upfront activity planning essential for long-term cost management.
Common questions
05 / 10
Investor & Partner Visa Processing
Secure UAE residence visas for company investors, partners, and shareholders under MOHRE investor visa categories linked to your trade license and establishment card. Our team manages entry permits, medical fitness tests, Emirates ID biometrics, and visa stamping so founders and partners obtain legal residency aligned with their shareholding and license quota entitlements.
Investor visa categories
Emirates ID processing
Entry permit coordination
Dependent visa support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Quota and eligibility review
Confirm visa quota availability on your establishment card and investor shareholding meets MOHRE category requirements.
- 02
Entry permit application
Apply for an entry permit or status change through the relevant GDRFA immigration channel linked to your company sponsorship.
- 03
Medical and Emirates ID
Complete UAE medical fitness test, biometrics enrolment, and Emirates ID application at approved health and typing centres.
- 04
Visa stamping and delivery
Submit passport for residence visa stamping, receive Emirates ID card, and activate MOHRE labour card where applicable.
- 01
Quota and eligibility review
Confirm visa quota availability on your establishment card and investor shareholding meets MOHRE category requirements.
- 02
Entry permit application
Apply for an entry permit or status change through the relevant GDRFA immigration channel linked to your company sponsorship.
- 03
Medical and Emirates ID
Complete UAE medical fitness test, biometrics enrolment, and Emirates ID application at approved health and typing centres.
- 04
Visa stamping and delivery
Submit passport for residence visa stamping, receive Emirates ID card, and activate MOHRE labour card where applicable.
Investor and partner visa processing in the UAE connects your company's trade license and MOHRE establishment card to individual residence visa sponsorship under GDRFA immigration rules. Shareholders holding qualifying equity in a mainland or free zone entity may apply under investor or partner visa categories, subject to minimum investment thresholds set by the licensing authority and available quota on the establishment card. The process flows from entry permit or in-country status change, through medical fitness testing at an approved centre, biometric enrolment for Emirates ID, to final residence visa stamping in the passport. Visa validity typically matches the trade license period and requires renewal alongside license and establishment card renewal. Free zone and mainland authorities allocate visa quotas based on office type and license package. Dependent visas for spouse and children follow once the primary investor visa is active.
Common questions
06 / 10
PRO Services & Government Liaison
Outsource document clearing, government submissions, and authority liaison to experienced Public Relations Officer (PRO) support that keeps your UAE company compliant. From DED and free zone renewals to MOHRE, GDRFA, and municipality transactions, PRO services eliminate queue time and reduce rejection risk on time-sensitive government filings.
Authority liaison
Document attestation
Renewal management
Same-day processing
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Compliance calendar setup
Map renewal dates for trade license, establishment card, visas, and labour cards across all active government registrations.
- 02
Document preparation
Compile, attest, and verify application documents against current DED, MOHRE, and GDRFA submission requirements.
- 03
Government submission
File applications through authority portals or service centres and manage follow-up queries until approval is received.
- 04
Delivery and record-keeping
Collect stamped documents, updated licenses, and visa pages and maintain a compliance file for audit and renewal reference.
- 01
Compliance calendar setup
Map renewal dates for trade license, establishment card, visas, and labour cards across all active government registrations.
- 02
Document preparation
Compile, attest, and verify application documents against current DED, MOHRE, and GDRFA submission requirements.
- 03
Government submission
File applications through authority portals or service centres and manage follow-up queries until approval is received.
- 04
Delivery and record-keeping
Collect stamped documents, updated licenses, and visa pages and maintain a compliance file for audit and renewal reference.
PRO services and government liaison in the UAE cover the ongoing document processing requirements that mainland and free zone companies face after formation. Public Relations Officers navigate DED and free zone authority counters, MOHRE labour offices, GDRFA immigration departments, and municipality service centres on your behalf — handling trade license renewals, establishment card updates, visa amendments, labour card issuance, and NOC letter requests. UAE government processes often require physically attested documents, Arabic translations, and specific formatting that causes costly rejections when submitted incorrectly. PRO support ensures initial approval and renewal applications meet current authority checklists, fees are paid through correct channels, and clearance timelines are met. For businesses without in-house admin capacity, outsourced PRO services provide predictable compliance costs and free management time for core operations.
Common questions
07 / 10
Virtual Office & Flexi-Desk Solutions
Meet UAE licensing authority address requirements with virtual office and flexi-desk packages that satisfy DED, DET, ADDC, and free zone office rules without the cost of a full physical lease. Flexi-desk arrangements at DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, and other zones include shared workspace access, mail handling, and visa quota entitlements at a fraction of dedicated office costs.
Virtual office packages
Flexi-desk licensing
Cost-efficient setup
Upgrade pathway
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
License and quota assessment
Confirm virtual office or flexi-desk eligibility for your activity code and required visa allocation with the authority.
- 02
Facility selection and booking
Choose a licensed business centre or free zone flexi-desk package with valid tenancy documentation for license filing.
- 03
Tenancy registration
Register Ejari for mainland or activate free zone office agreement linked to your trade license application.
- 04
License linkage and activation
Office address attached to trade license issuance with mail handling and facility access activated upon licensing.
- 01
License and quota assessment
Confirm virtual office or flexi-desk eligibility for your activity code and required visa allocation with the authority.
- 02
Facility selection and booking
Choose a licensed business centre or free zone flexi-desk package with valid tenancy documentation for license filing.
- 03
Tenancy registration
Register Ejari for mainland or activate free zone office agreement linked to your trade license application.
- 04
License linkage and activation
Office address attached to trade license issuance with mail handling and facility access activated upon licensing.
Virtual office and flexi-desk solutions allow UAE startups and international businesses to satisfy licensing authority address requirements without committing to expensive dedicated office leases. Mainland DED and DET formations require an Ejari-registered tenancy contract at a licensed business centre or co-working facility meeting minimum space rules for the selected activity. Free zones including DMCC, IFZA, and RAKEZ offer flexi-desk packages bundling registered address, shared workspace access, and one to three visa quota entitlements at competitive annual fees. Virtual office arrangements provide mail handling and call forwarding services but may carry lower visa allocations than flexi-desk options. Authority rules on acceptable office types vary by activity — consulting and trading licenses typically qualify for flexi-desk, while some operational activities require warehouse or dedicated office space. Annual renewal of the office agreement is mandatory for trade license renewal.
Common questions
08 / 10
Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance
Navigate UAE corporate bank account opening with structured KYC preparation, bank introduction, and application support aligned with your trade license and ownership structure. Local and international banks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi apply rigorous due diligence — proper documentation and activity narrative significantly improve approval rates and reduce weeks of delay.
Bank selection guidance
KYC dossier preparation
Bank introduction and referral
Compliance-ready structure
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Bank and account type selection
Assess transaction volume, currency needs, and minimum balance requirements across suitable UAE banking partners.
- 02
KYC documentation assembly
Prepare trade license, MOA, shareholder passports, proof of address, business plan, and source of funds evidence.
- 03
Application submission and interview
Submit the corporate account application, attend bank signatory interview, and respond to compliance follow-up queries.
- 04
Account activation
Complete initial deposit, receive online banking credentials, and configure WPS payroll routing where required.
- 01
Bank and account type selection
Assess transaction volume, currency needs, and minimum balance requirements across suitable UAE banking partners.
- 02
KYC documentation assembly
Prepare trade license, MOA, shareholder passports, proof of address, business plan, and source of funds evidence.
- 03
Application submission and interview
Submit the corporate account application, attend bank signatory interview, and respond to compliance follow-up queries.
- 04
Account activation
Complete initial deposit, receive online banking credentials, and configure WPS payroll routing where required.
Corporate bank account opening assistance supports newly formed UAE mainland and free zone companies through the rigorous KYC and due diligence process applied by UAE banks under Central Bank regulations. Banks require the commercial trade license, Memorandum of Association, certificate of incorporation, shareholder and director passport copies with residence visas, proof of address, a business plan describing revenue sources, and evidence of source of funds for share capital deposits. Approval timelines range from two to eight weeks depending on ownership nationality, activity type, and transaction profile. Free zone and offshore structures face enhanced scrutiny compared to mainland operating companies with local presence. We prepare a compliance-ready dossier, introduce you to relationship managers at banks suited to your profile, and manage follow-up documentation requests through to account activation including online banking and WPS payroll setup for MOHRE-registered employees.
Common questions
09 / 10
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) Filing
Meet UAE Economic Substance Regulations notification and reporting obligations for entities conducting relevant activities such as headquarters, distribution, leasing, and holding company functions. ESR filing with the Ministry of Finance is mandatory for in-scope license holders — non-compliance attracts penalties up to AED 50,000 and can affect trade license renewal with your licensing authority.
Relevant activity assessment
ESR notification filing
Substance report preparation
Penalty avoidance
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Scope and activity review
Assess trade license activities against MOF relevant activity categories to confirm ESR applicability and filing tier.
- 02
ESR notification submission
File the annual ESR notification through the MOF portal within the prescribed deadline after financial year-end.
- 03
Substance evidence compilation
Gather payroll, lease, board minutes, and operational records demonstrating adequate substance in the UAE.
- 04
Annual report filing
Submit the ESR report with substance test outcomes and supporting documentation to the Ministry of Finance.
- 01
Scope and activity review
Assess trade license activities against MOF relevant activity categories to confirm ESR applicability and filing tier.
- 02
ESR notification submission
File the annual ESR notification through the MOF portal within the prescribed deadline after financial year-end.
- 03
Substance evidence compilation
Gather payroll, lease, board minutes, and operational records demonstrating adequate substance in the UAE.
- 04
Annual report filing
Submit the ESR report with substance test outcomes and supporting documentation to the Ministry of Finance.
Economic Substance Regulations filing applies to UAE mainland and free zone entities that conduct relevant activities including banking, insurance, fund management, headquarters, shipping, distribution, leasing, intellectual property, and holding company functions as defined by Cabinet Resolution No. 57 of 2020. In-scope license holders must file an annual ESR notification with the UAE Ministry of Finance within six months of their financial year-end, followed by an ESR report where the entity earns income from a relevant activity and is not exempt. The substance test requires adequate employees, operating expenditure, and core income-generating activity conducted in the UAE. Pure holding companies face a reduced substance standard but must still comply with notification requirements. Non-compliance attracts administrative penalties starting at AED 10,000 and escalating to AED 50,000 for repeat offences, with licensing authorities increasingly verifying ESR status during trade license renewal.
Common questions
10 / 10
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Declaration
Prepare and file Ultimate Beneficial Ownership register declarations with your DED, DET, ADDC, or free zone licensing authority identifying individuals who own or control 25% or more of your UAE entity. UBO compliance is mandatory for all UAE commercial license holders — inaccurate or late filings can result in fines, license suspension, and banking relationship disruption.
Beneficial owner identification
UBO register maintenance
Authority portal filing
Change notification support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Ownership structure mapping
Identify all natural persons with 25% or more direct or indirect shareholding or veto rights over company decisions.
- 02
UBO register creation
Establish the internal UBO register with passport details, nationality, ownership percentage, and control mechanisms documented.
- 03
Authority declaration filing
Submit UBO details through the licensing authority portal within thirty days of license issuance or ownership change.
- 04
Ongoing update management
Monitor shareholding changes and file updated UBO declarations within fifteen days of any register amendment.
- 01
Ownership structure mapping
Identify all natural persons with 25% or more direct or indirect shareholding or veto rights over company decisions.
- 02
UBO register creation
Establish the internal UBO register with passport details, nationality, ownership percentage, and control mechanisms documented.
- 03
Authority declaration filing
Submit UBO details through the licensing authority portal within thirty days of license issuance or ownership change.
- 04
Ongoing update management
Monitor shareholding changes and file updated UBO declarations within fifteen days of any register amendment.
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership declaration is a mandatory compliance requirement for all UAE mainland and free zone commercial license holders under Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020 and subsequent amendments. Entities must maintain an internal UBO register identifying natural persons who ultimately own or control 25% or more of shares or voting rights, or who exercise effective control through other means such as appointment of majority directors. The register must be filed with the relevant licensing authority — Dubai DED, DET, ADDC, or the applicable free zone — within thirty days of license issuance and updated within fifteen days of any ownership or control change. Nominee shareholders and layered corporate structures require tracing to the ultimate natural person beneficial owner. Non-compliance attracts administrative fines and may result in trade license suspension during renewal. UAE banks also request UBO information during corporate account opening and periodic KYC refresh, making accurate registers essential for banking continuity.
Common questions
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