Your three main routes
How UAE company formation works
- Choose the emirate, activity and legal formDecide the licence type (commercial, professional, industrial) and legal form (LLC, sole establishment, civil company or branch).
- Reserve the trade nameSubmit options to the authority; approval commonly takes a few working days.
- Submit documents and pay feesPassports, photos, proof of address, application; attested documents for corporate shareholders.
- Sign incorporation documents and receive the licenceDigital or in-person signing depending on the zone.
- Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDEach visa holder completes medical, biometrics and Emirates ID.
- Bank account and tax registrationApply for a corporate account; register for corporate tax and VAT if required.
Where to set up
Guides to read next
UAE company formation: FAQs
How do I register a company in the UAE?
Choose a route (free zone, mainland or offshore), confirm your activity, reserve a trade name, submit documents and pay fees, sign incorporation documents, receive the licence, then arrange the establishment card, visas, bank account and tax registration.
Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
For free zone companies, generally yes. On the mainland, since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law changes most activities allow 100% foreign ownership, with a limited list of strategic activities still restricted. Confirm for your activity.
How long does UAE company formation take?
From a few working days for simple free zone set-ups to several weeks for mainland or regulated activities, plus visa and bank timelines. Each authority sets its own timing.
What is the cheapest way to form a company in the UAE?
On published government fees, northern-emirate free zones have the lowest entry licences. Compare total first-year cost, not just the licence. See the cost guide.
Do I need a business setup consultant?
Not legally. Some founders handle the application themselves; others use a consultant to compare options, prepare documents and manage visas and banking. Ask any consultant to separate government fees from service fees and to avoid guarantees.
Free zone or mainland?
It depends on where your customers are, the activity, premises, visas and budget. See the decision framework.
Get a written quote for UAE company formation
Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email with government fees shown separately from any service fee.
- Free, no obligation
- Honest advice — including when a different zone or mainland fits better
- No guarantee of visa or bank-account approval; both are subject to the relevant authority or bank
Information on this page is general and was compiled from public sources; fees and rules are set by the relevant authorities and change. Figures were last reviewed in July 2026 and exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond any bundled desk, external approvals and bank requirements. This is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always confirm the current position with the relevant authority before paying. See our Disclaimer.