Business setup in the UAE, structured the right way
From choosing the right jurisdiction to holding your trade licence and opening a corporate bank account, Cayfren handles the full formation journey. One partner for setup, tax, accounting and audit, so your company is set up correctly from the start.
Choose the right route for your business
The UAE offers three broad paths to incorporation. The right one depends on where you trade, who your customers are, whether you need visas, and your ownership and tax position. We match the structure to your plan, not the other way around.
Mainland
A licence issued by the emirate's Department of Economic Development, letting you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government work. Most commercial and professional activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
- Trade across the UAE without a local distributor
- Wide activity list and visa scaling by office space
- Eligible for government and semi-government contracts
Free Zone
Incorporation inside one of the UAE's specialised free zones, with 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation and a streamlined licence process. Suited to trading, services, holding and export-focused businesses.
- Full foreign ownership and a straightforward setup
- Potential 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, subject to conditions
- Sector-specific zones for tech, media, logistics and finance
Offshore
A non-resident structure for holding assets, international trade and group structuring. Offshore companies do not carry UAE residence visas, but offer confidentiality and a clean vehicle for cross-border activity.
- Holding, IP and international trade structuring
- No physical office or UAE visa requirement
- Corporate bank account and asset protection
Everything your setup includes
Formation is more than a licence. We manage every approval, document and government touchpoint end to end, so nothing stalls between steps and nothing gets missed.
Activity selection and trade licence
We identify the correct business activities and licence category for what you actually do, then secure the trade licence from the relevant authority.
Name reservation and initial approvals
Trade name reservation and the initial approvals that clear your activity, ownership and management before the licence is issued.
MOA and legal structuring
Memorandum of Association, shareholding split, and the governance structure drafted to reflect your ownership and future plans.
Visas and Emirates ID
Establishment card, investor and employee residence visas, medical, Emirates ID and status changes handled through the correct channels.
PRO and government liaison
Ongoing public relations officer support for renewals, amendments, attestations and any dealings with government departments.
Corporate bank account support
Preparation of the documentation and know-your-customer file banks expect, plus introductions and guidance through account opening.
From first call to open for business
A clear, four-step path with a single point of contact throughout. You always know what is happening and what comes next.
Consultation
We understand your activity, ownership, budget and visa needs, then recommend the jurisdiction and licence that fit best.
Structuring
Trade name, activities, shareholding and initial approvals are locked in, with your MOA and documents prepared.
Licensing
We file with the authority, obtain your trade licence and establishment card, and process visas and Emirates ID.
Launch
Bank account support, VAT and Corporate Tax registration, and your books set up so you can start trading.
Set up with tax and compliance in mind
Plan for VAT and Corporate Tax before you incorporate, not after. We structure your company with its tax position in view from the outset, under current FTA rules.
What you hold at the end
- Trade licence from the relevant authority
- Trade name reservation and initial approvals
- Memorandum of Association and establishment card
- Investor and employee visas with Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account support
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration where required
One partner from licence to ledger
Formation, tax, accounting and audit are usually spread across separate providers. When one firm handles all four, the decisions made at setup carry through into your accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax and audit without being re-explained.
- Advice from the same team that later handles your tax, books and audit
- Structuring that accounts for free zone qualifying income and Corporate Tax from day one
- Invoicing ready from the start, on accounting software we build and run ourselves, Accounts-AI
- E-invoicing built to the UAE FTA e-invoicing framework through our pre-approved ASP partner, Taxilla Finops 360 FZCO, as the mandate rolls out per FTA timelines
Business setup FAQs
Should I set up on the mainland or in a free zone?
It depends on where and to whom you sell. If you need to trade directly across the UAE market or bid for government work, mainland usually fits. If you serve international or other free zone clients and want the simplest ownership and setup, a free zone is often better. We assess your activity, customers and tax position before recommending a route.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership, and following changes to the Commercial Companies Law, most mainland commercial and professional activities now permit 100% foreign ownership as well. A small number of strategic activities still require a UAE national partner, and we confirm this for your specific activity.
How long does company formation take?
Timelines vary by jurisdiction, activity and the approvals required. Straightforward free zone licences can move quickly, while activities that need external approvals take longer. We give you a realistic timeline for your case at the consultation stage and manage every step to keep it on track.
Do I need to register for VAT and Corporate Tax when I set up?
Corporate Tax applies to UAE businesses, with 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that, and registration is required per FTA timelines. VAT registration becomes mandatory once your taxable supplies pass the registration threshold, with voluntary registration available below it. We assess both at setup and handle the registrations for you.
Will you help me open a corporate bank account?
Yes. UAE banks apply detailed know-your-customer checks, so we prepare your documentation and business profile, guide you through the requirements and provide introductions. Account approval is always the bank's decision, but a well-prepared file makes the process smoother.
What happens after my licence is issued?
Setup is the beginning, not the end. We handle post-setup compliance including tax registrations, bookkeeping, licence renewals, visa administration and audit readiness, so your obligations stay current year after year through a single partner.
Ready to set up your UAE company?
Talk to Cayfren about the right structure, licence and jurisdiction for your business.