The right licence, chosen for the right reasons
Mainland, free zone and offshore each solve different problems. We recommend the route that matches your activity, ownership, clients and long-term plans — and we explain the trade-offs before you commit.
Structure before paperwork
Most formation problems appear months later: an activity code that blocks a contract, a free zone that limits onshore work, or an ownership chain that complicates banking and tax. We resolve those questions first, then execute the incorporation cleanly.
What the engagement covers
- Jurisdiction and licence assessment across mainland, free zone and offshore routes
- Activity selection and legal form (LLC, FZ-LLC, branch, holding, offshore company)
- Trade name reservation and initial approvals
- Memorandum and articles, shareholder and director resolutions
- Shareholder structuring, including corporate and multi-tier ownership
- Office solutions: flexi-desk, serviced office or physical premises
- Establishment card and immigration file setup
- Coordination of residency visas for shareholders and staff
- Post-incorporation registrations and handover pack
Who it is for
Founders relocating to the UAE
You need a licence and residency in the right sequence, without over-buying visa quota you will not use.
International groups
You are adding a UAE entity, branch or holding layer to an existing structure and need it to fit the group.
Businesses outgrowing their setup
Your current licence limits your activity, clients or hiring, and a restructure or second entity is due.
What you receive
- Written jurisdiction recommendation with reasoning and indicative costs
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum / articles of association and share certificates
- Establishment card and immigration file (where applicable)
- Corporate document pack, ready for banking and contracting
- Registration and renewal calendar for the first year
How the formation runs
- 01AssessmentActivity, ownership, residency and market review; shortlist of viable jurisdictions.
- 02RecommendationWritten proposal comparing routes, costs and practical limitations of each.
- 03DocumentsName reservation, initial approvals, KYC collection, attestation and translation.
- 04IncorporationSubmission, licence issuance, establishment card and corporate document pack.
- 05ActivationResidency visas, banking preparation, tax registrations and handover.
Why it matters
Fewer costly corrections
Activity codes, ownership and substance are agreed before submission, which reduces amendments later.
Banking-ready documentation
Corporate documents are prepared to the standard banks expect, which supports a cleaner application file.
Tax-aware from day one
Corporate tax, VAT and substance considerations are factored into the structure rather than retrofitted.
Licensing requirements, permitted activities, costs and processing times are set by the relevant authority and can change. We advise on realistic options and prepare complete applications, but approvals and timelines remain at the discretion of the authority.
Company formation FAQ
Neither is universally better. Mainland suits businesses contracting widely within the UAE and with government entities; free zones can suit export, holding and service businesses and often offer simpler setups. The right answer depends on your clients, activity and staffing plans.
Full foreign ownership is available for most activities in free zones and for a broad range of mainland activities. Some strategic activities still carry ownership or approval conditions, which we check for your specific activity.
Offshore companies such as RAK ICC are typically used for holding assets, shares or property rather than for operating locally. They do not provide UAE residency and cannot generally trade within the UAE.
Visa quota depends on the jurisdiction, licence type and office space. We size the setup to the headcount you actually plan to hire.
Yes. Accounting, corporate tax and VAT, PRO work and renewals are handled by the same team, so nothing is lost in translation.
Related services
Banking Services
Preparation, documentation and coordination for UAE corporate and personal bank account applications.
Learn more — Banking ServicesTax & Accounting
Corporate Tax, VAT, bookkeeping, filings and management reporting.
Learn more — Tax & AccountingPRO & Visa Services
Visas, Emirates ID, renewals, amendments, attestations and liquidation support.
Learn more — PRO & Visa Services
Discuss your requirement with a senior adviser
A short call is usually enough to establish the right route and what it will involve.