Company formation, registered agent & UAE business setup
Company Formation in the UAEStart your UAE company the right way — the first time.
Mainland, free zone or offshore — Aabi Chartered Accountants structures your UAE company formation around how you'll actually trade, bank and grow, not just the cheapest licence on offer. From trade licence issuance to visa quota planning, we handle UAE business setup end to end.
Indicative only — activity type, budget and specific free zone rules can change this. Confirm with us before applying.
Company formation in the UAE costs from AED 5,750 for a basic free zone licence to AED 25,000+ for a mainland LLC. Since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for mainland LLCs in most activities. Free zone and mainland setup both typically take 3–10 working days once documents are complete.
Mainland, free zone or offshore — the real differences
Choosing a UAE company formation structure on price alone is the single most common mistake we're called in to fix — usually a year or two later, at far higher cost than getting it right upfront. Here's how mainland company formation, free zone company setup and offshore company formation in the UAE actually compare:
| Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership (most activities) | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Trade within UAE | Direct, no restriction | Via distributor or dual licence | Not permitted |
| Physical office | Required | Flexi-desk or full office, zone-dependent | Not required |
| Visa eligibility | Yes | Yes, quota-based | No |
| Audit requirement | Generally required | Zone-dependent, often required | Usually not required |
| Typical use | UAE-facing trading, services, retail | Import/export, holding, professional services | Holding assets, international structuring |
| Setup speed | As fast as 3–10 working days | As fast as 3–10 working days | Often under a week |
Everything you need to launch, licensed and visa-ready
We don't just file paperwork — we structure your UAE company formation so licensing, banking, visas and tax registration line up from day one.
Formation is the start of the relationship, not the whole of it
Most formation agents disappear after the licence is issued. We don't, because company formation is only the first of nine practices we run for you — accounting, tax, audit and eventual liquidation are the same team, the same file, from day one.
Related guides & specific structures
Related guides from our team
Practical explanations of the rules behind this service, written by our chartered accountants.
What business owners ask before they commit
How long does UAE company formation actually take?+
Free zone company setup typically runs 3–10 working days once documents are complete. Mainland formation takes about the same time when documents are complete; activities that need external approvals from sector regulators can take longer. Offshore formation is usually the fastest, often under a week.
Can I convert a free zone company to mainland later?+
Not as a direct conversion — you'd typically incorporate a new mainland entity and manage the transition (contracts, assets, staff) separately. Worth factoring into the original decision if UAE-wide trading is likely within a few years.
Do I need a physical office to get a visa quota?+
In most free zones, yes — visa quota is tied to office type and size (flexi-desk allowances are usually limited to one or two visas). Mainland requirements vary by activity and Dubai Municipality/DED rules.
What happens if I don't renew my trade licence on time?+
Fines accrue per day of delay in most jurisdictions, and a lapsed licence can block visa renewals, bank transactions and — in free zones — trigger deregistration proceedings if left too long.
How much does company formation in Dubai cost?+
It depends entirely on jurisdiction, activity and visa count — anyone quoting a single flat number without asking those three questions first is quoting a placeholder, not your actual cost. We itemise government fees, our fee, and any bank/PRO costs separately.
Can you help with the business bank account too?+
Yes — we prepare the documentation banks actually ask for and can make direct introductions, which materially speeds up account opening compared to applying cold.
Free structure consultation — no obligation, no hard sell.
Ready to set up your UAE company?
Tell us your activity, where you'll be trading, and your visa needs. We'll map the options against actual cost and obligations — not just headline licence fees — and get back to you within 24 hours.