Company Formation

A Mainland company is licensed by the local economic department and can trade directly anywhere in the UAE, including with government entities, and can bid for local contracts. A Free Zone company enjoys 100% ownership and customs benefits within its zone but generally needs a local distributor or agent to trade directly in the mainland market.

Yes. Free Zone and Offshore companies have always permitted 100% foreign ownership, and following the commercial companies law reforms, full foreign ownership is now available for most activities in the Mainland as well. A small number of strategically restricted activities still require a local partner.

Total cost depends on the jurisdiction, the number of visas you need and the activity. Free Zone packages commonly start in the region of AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 for the first year including licence and one visa quota, while Mainland licensing carries additional premises and approval costs. We prepare an itemised quote before you commit.

A Free Zone licence can often be issued within three to seven working days. Mainland setups generally take two to four weeks depending on the activity and external approvals. Corporate bank account opening is a separate process that typically runs a further three to six weeks.

Yes. We manage investor and partner visa applications, employment visas for staff, the establishment card, medical testing, Emirates ID and the family sponsorship process that follows.

Offshore structures such as RAK ICC are typically used for international holding, owning shares in other companies, holding bank accounts outside the UAE, and asset protection. They cannot trade inside the UAE or take office space here.