It’s important to select the correct type of business license you need for your new company to be able to operate in the UAE.
Also factor in your 1-5 year growth plan with our business set up advisors.
No geographical limitations for your physical commercial space and business operations.
Companies can now have 100% ownership of their businesses without associating with a local Emirati company or individual as a partner. We also provide local service agent services and 51% local sponsorship services, if your business activity and/or company requirements legally permit.
There is no restriction on the number of shareholders and employees applying for visas for the UAE's mainland. However, the commercial space needed should align with the number of employee visas required.
We can assist if you are operating under a free zone business structure and are considering switching or expanding to a mainland corporation.
You have a wide range of options of business activities to choose from, and you can carry out your business operations anywhere in the UAE without any trade restrictions.
Mainland is the territory of Dubai that is not part of a free zone and is governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED). DED issues all three categories of Mainland trade licenses – Professional/Services Licence, Commercial Licence, and Industrial Licence.
KEY BENEFITS
– Freedom of your office/warehouse/retail geographical location.
– Sell directly to the end consumer.
– No restriction on quantity of shareholder and employment visas.
– 100% foreign ownership.
– Over 2,000 business activities available.
The UAE’s capital city provides investors and business owners with a competitive and well established market. The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (AD DED) envisions a sustainable, balanced, and diverse knowledge based economy as part of the Emirate’s economic plan. Its aim is to be a stakeholders-focused organization capable of promoting long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi, stimulating competitiveness, and assuring the well-being of the Abu Dhabi community.
By establishing a DED firm in Abu Dhabi, you can benefit from being in the UAE capital, with easy access to major seaports and international airports.
KEY BENEFITS
– Renewal every 2 years.
– Conduct business with government entities in any part of the UAE.
– No visas quantity limitations.
– Set up an office anywhere in Abu Dhabi (other than free zone).
– Over 2,000 business activities.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) was founded in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai government with the mission of providing the physical, market, and financial infrastructure necessary to set up and maintain a vibrant commodities marketplace. With over 14,100 registered enterprises, DMCC is now officially recognized as the biggest Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates.
DMCC strives to promote Dubai as a commercial gateway, assisting the government in achieving long-term economic growth. Its highly integrated marketplace is critical to the Free Zone’s existing and rising firms. As a new enterprise, DMCC is the ideal Free Zone in which to develop.
100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location
Wide variety of office solutions for every PSQFT budget
A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities
DMCC is a recognised global hub for international trade and commerce. DMCC has the ability to accommodate entry-level startups and provide avenues for their expansion with a large supply of office space for every budget.
Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.
Transparent freezone with public register and mandatory audited accounts for client and investment piece of mind.
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a 272-acre special economic zone in Dubai that opened in 2004 as a financial centre for corporations operating in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia markets. The Dubai Financial Services Authority governs DIFC, an independent regulator unique to the zone, as well as its own judicial system, DIFC Courts, which is distinct from the legal systems of the Emirate of Dubai and the federal government of the UAE. The freezone houses financial institutions and wealth funds, as well as retail and hotel spaces.
100% foreign ownership permitted
Autonomous regulatory and legal framework
Has its own independent legal and regulatory framework for all civil and commercial matters practising UK common law
Exclusive financial business activities
Public registry
Ultra prime office space available
A sophisticated, free zone and globally recognised as one of the most premium jurisdictions for conducting financial activity. Highly regulated for clients’ peace of mind, which in turn opens gateways for corporate investment opportunities.
Unlocks the ability to operate your company from some of the most prime commercial offices in the region to entertain clients.
Provides access to exclusive regulated commercial, financial activities
Meydan Free Zone provides a highly cost-effective option for establishing a business, as well as full free zones benefits such as 100% ownership, no taxation, no currency restrictions, the ability to hire foreign labour, no duty tax on import and export, and flexi desk options, which are extremely convenient for those who do not need a permanent physical office for their business.
The Meydan development also comprises a variety of commercial complexes, sports centers, hotels, entertainment stations, and a number of cutting-edge facilities.
100% foreign ownership permitted
24-hour licence issuance
Dual mainland license/permit available for select activities
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory
Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. Meydan reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.
Meydan is one of the only Dubai-free zones that allow you to extend your company’s operation onto the mainland with their exclusive permits for selected activities.
International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) is a free zone in Dubai that is co-branded with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority. IFZA provides the most affordable options for establishing a Dubai free zone firm. The International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) provides companies with more than just a free zone; they are a community that allows entrepreneurs and enterprises to become part of an ever-evolving ecosystem in one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities.
To maximize business formation in Dubai, they utilize their strategic position and combine it with the highest levels of expertise, customer-oriented service, and regulatory understanding.
Professional, commercial, and industrial business activities can all be merged under a single IFZA License.
Shareholder physical presence is not necessary; remote company formation
Fast and efficient processes
No NOC is required from the present visa sponsor
Physical office space is not mandatory
Cost-effective prime Dubai jurisdiction. IFZA reduces the high-cost mandatory office space barrier to entry by providing virtual office and business centre solutions for their clients.
Offers a wide selection of trading and commercial business activities across various sectors.
Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) is a worldwide base for thousands of firms from over 100 countries, and it has earned a reputation as a commerce accelerator both locally and globally. The Free Zone alone accounts for 23.8 percent of Dubai’s overall GDP, making it one of the UAE’s fastest-expanding free zones. Jafza is a thriving business centre for the industrial and trade sectors.
The Free Zone is home to some of the world’s most successful firms. These businesses have selected Jafza as their regional headquarters, paving the path for global connection.
Large commercial and industrial spaces are available
DLD permits the ability to own UAE real estate as a company
Internationally recognized jurisdiction
Home to the largest seaport between Singapore and Rotterdam and globally recognised as a regional hub for international trade.
Carries great import and export accessibility benefits to the UAE and wider regions.
Large plots of land are available for warehousing, industrial services and factories.
For businesses seeking a competitive and well-regulated ecosystem in which to operate more successfully locally and worldwide, the DWTC Authority offers a unique and highly attractive opportunity. They provide a great environment for startups, SMEs, and major enterprises to function locally while reaching regional and worldwide markets since they are strategically located in Dubai’s Central Business District. The bulk of Dubai Department of Economic Development operations is represented by DWTC, ranging from commodities to retail establishments and consultancies to beauty salons.
Businesses in any field that require a world-class commercial location can lease office spaces, both collaborative and conventional. The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority administers the free zone and extends from the landmark Dubai World Trade Centre to the adjacent One Central.
A comprehensive selection of trading and consultancy business activities
Fewer restrictions on sensitive nationalities
100% foreign ownership permitted
Prime central geographical location
Caters to a wide range of consultancy and trading business activities across various sectors.
Large selection of business centres to operate your company from if a physical office is not required.
Well situated in the heart of Dubai with excellent transport links and connectivity for shareholders, employees and clients.
Dubai Internet City (DIC) is an information technology and business park established by the Government of Dubai as a free economic zone and strategic location for enterprises targeting rising regional markets. DIC offers about 1.5 million square feet of premium commercial office space, which is home to over 1,400 firms employing over 10,000 people. The DIC economic regulations allow enterprises to take advantage of a multitude of ownership, taxes, and customs-related benefits that are legally guaranteed for a period of 50 years.
One style of operation incorporates 100% foreign ownership, similar to that seen in the country’s other designated economic zones. These liberties have prompted numerous worldwide information technology corporations, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, Microsoft, and IBM, as well as UAE-based enterprises like Ducont, to relocate their regional headquarters to the DIC. DIC is near other industrial clusters, including Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Park.
100% foreign ownership
Prime location
Tech-focused ecosystem
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards technology, innovation, internet, software, web 3.0.
Home to some of the largest global tech companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.
Dubai Media City, which opened in 2001 with the goal of establishing Dubai as the region’s main media centre, presently houses over 2,000 local and regional media enterprises from 142 countries. Advertising, communications, event management, media advice, and support services, as well as a variety of freelancers, are all welcome in the free zone.
For the last 20 years, Dubai Media City has secured its place as the region’s most respectable media community that contains the largest global and local media companies. It is a community where freelancers, startups, SMEs, and major corporations coexist, contributing to Dubai’s designation as “Arab Media Capital 2020.”
100% foreign ownership
Media focused ecosystem
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards media, news and journalism.
Home to some of the largest global media companies and regional headquarters for blue chip companies. Situated in the heart of Dubai, offering prime office locations.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.
Dubai Design District (D3) was launched in 2013 by Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the UAE’s Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to support growth and investment in areas such as digital media, arts, design, and fashion. The free zone is appropriate for enterprises of all sizes and is home to both local and international fashion houses.
Along with office space and development property, the Dubai Design District Free Zone also provides studio space and co-working amenities, making it an appealing free zone for business establishments in the design and fashion sectors.
100% foreign ownership
Strategic location
Fashion & Design focused ecosystem
A large Dubai jurisdiction with boutique business activities geared towards fashion, design and art.
Home to some of the largest global fashion brands and home to many of their regional headquarters.
New high-end offices.
Host regular events and networking opportunities for like-minded individuals under their jurisdiction umbrella.