Strategy-First Advice
Recommendations shaped by your objectives, not by a standard package.
UAE Business & Corporate Advisory
Build Your UAE Businesswith Clarity, Confidenceand the Right Strategy.
MMAS Advisory helps entrepreneurs, investors and growing companies establish, structure and grow their presence in the UAE — with strategic business setup, corporate and financial guidance from the first conversation onwards.
Dubai · United Arab EmiratesSetup · Structuring · Tax · Banking · Advisory
The MMAS Standard
Four commitments behind every engagement
UAE Market Knowledge
Guidance grounded in how UAE jurisdictions and authorities work in practice.
Personalised Advisory
A dedicated point of contact who understands your business.
End-to-End Coordination
From first conversation to licensing, banking and compliance.
Based inDubai, UAE
About MMAS Advisory
A UAE Advisory Partner for Founders, Investors and Growing Companies
MMAS Advisory is a UAE business and corporate advisory firm. We help entrepreneurs, SMEs and international businesses establish the right company, choose the right jurisdiction and build a structure that supports long-term growth.
Our work spans business setup in Dubai and across the UAE — mainland, free zone and offshore — alongside corporate structuring, tax and compliance, banking support and financial advisory. Every engagement starts with understanding your objectives, so the advice you receive fits the business you are building.
- Advice shaped around your objectives
- Clear, realistic guidance on UAE requirements
- One team from formation to ongoing compliance
Our Services
Business Setup and Advisory, Under One Roof
From company formation to structuring, tax, banking and financial direction — a connected set of services designed around how UAE businesses are actually built and run.
View All ServicesBusiness Setup & Company Formation
End-to-end company formation across the UAE mainland, free zones and offshore registries — from activity selection and approvals to licence issuance.
Corporate Structuring
Ownership, holding and group structures designed to support control, protect assets and allow your business to expand without costly reorganisation.
Business & Corporate Advisory
Strategic guidance for market entry, licensing strategy, expansion across emirates and the governance that keeps a growing company in good order.
Financial Advisory
Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting frameworks that give owners clarity and support stronger conversations with banks and investors.
Corporate Tax, VAT & Accounting
Registrations, bookkeeping and filing support that keep your company compliant with the UAE corporate tax and VAT framework.
Corporate Bank Account Assistance
Careful preparation of your business profile and documentation, and guidance through bank selection and due diligence.
PRO, Licensing & Government Services
The administrative work that keeps a UAE company running — licence renewals, amendments, government liaison and document attestation.
Mainland · Free Zone · Offshore
Choose the Right UAE Business Structure
Each jurisdiction offers different rules on where you can trade, how you are licensed, what premises you need and whether you can sponsor visas. The right choice depends on how your business will operate.
MainlandMainland Company
For businesses serving the UAE market directly.
Licensed by the economic department of an emirate, a mainland company can trade with customers across the UAE and, where eligible, with government entities. Full foreign ownership is now available for many activities.
Often suited to
- Retail, trading and local services
- Companies working across multiple emirates
- Businesses needing an on-the-ground presence
At a glance
| Criteria | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating scope | Across the UAE market, subject to activity | Within the free zone and internationally | Outside the UAE only |
| Foreign ownership | Full ownership for many activities | Full ownership | Full ownership |
| Licensing body | Emirate economic department | Relevant free zone authority | Offshore registry |
| Office space | Physical premises generally required | Flexi-desk to dedicated office | Not required — registered agent |
| Residence visas | Eligible, linked to premises | Eligible, linked to package | Not eligible |
| Typical use | Retail, trading, services, contracting | International trade, services, technology | Holding, assets, international business |
Indicative overview only. Requirements vary by emirate, authority and business activity — we confirm the specifics for your situation during consultation.
The Setup Journey
From First Conversation to a Fully Operational Company
A clear, structured path to establishing your UAE company — with every step coordinated and explained.
Step 1: Understand Your Business
We learn about your activity, objectives, clients, timelines and the role the UAE will play in your plans.
Step 2: Choose Your Structure
We compare mainland, free zone and offshore options and recommend the structure that fits your model.
Step 3: Select Your Business Activity
We align licence activities with how you will actually trade, avoiding gaps and costly amendments later.
Step 4: Complete Formation
We prepare documents, manage approvals and coordinate licensing through to incorporation.
Step 5: Banking & Compliance
We support bank account preparation, visas, tax registrations and the essentials of staying compliant.
Step 6: Build & Grow
As you grow, we support renewals, expansion, new entities and your ongoing advisory needs.
Start Your Brief
Tell Us About Your Business
Every UAE setup is different, so we don't publish one-size-fits-all prices. Share a few details and we'll come to your consultation prepared with the options that suit you.
Why MMAS Advisory
More Than Business Setup. A Strategic Partner for Your UAE Journey.
Company formation is only the beginning. We bring structure, foresight and dependable coordination to every stage — so your UAE business is built to last.
Strategic Guidance
We begin with your objectives, not a package. Every recommendation is tied to how your business will operate and grow.
Personalised Solutions
Structures, jurisdictions and services are selected for your situation — never pushed from a standard menu.
UAE Business Expertise
A working understanding of the UAE's jurisdictions, authorities and regulatory expectations informs every step.
Transparent Process
Clear scope, realistic timelines and open communication. You always know what is happening and why.
End-to-End Support
From the first conversation to licensing, banking, tax registration and renewals — coordinated by one advisory team.
Long-Term Partnership
We stay involved as your business evolves, supporting new entities, expansion and ongoing compliance.
The UAE Opportunity
Why Ambitious Businesses Choose the UAE
The UAE combines international connectivity, a choice of business jurisdictions and a forward-looking economy — making it a natural base for companies with regional and global ambitions.
Global Connectivity
Positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa, with major airports and ports linking businesses to international markets.
Pro-Business Environment
A long-term commitment to economic diversification, with progressive reforms to company ownership and regulation.
Diverse Jurisdictions
Mainland, free zone and offshore options let businesses choose a structure aligned with their activity and ambitions.
International Market Access
A natural regional base for reaching the Gulf, the wider Middle East and markets beyond.
Business Infrastructure
Modern business districts, digital government services and dependable logistics for companies of every size.
Investor Ecosystem
A dynamic community of entrepreneurs, investors, family businesses and international companies.
Client Perspectives
In Our Clients’ Words
How founders and businesses describe working with MMAS Advisory.
The UAE Business Ecosystem
Trusted Across the UAE Business Ecosystem
Establishing and running a UAE company involves many institutions. We help clients prepare for and work with each of them — clearly, correctly and on time.
- Mainland Licensing Authorities
- Free Zone Authorities
- Offshore Registries
- UAE Banking Sector
- Federal Tax Authority
- Immigration & Residency
Insights
Insights for Building and Growing in the UAE
Mainland vs Free Zone: Choosing the Right Structure for Your UAE Business
The jurisdiction you choose shapes where you can trade, how you are licensed and what your company costs to run. Here is how to think about mainland and free zone options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Questions About UAE Business Setup
Can't find what you're looking for? Every business is different — we're happy to answer your questions directly.
Ask an AdvisorSetting up a business in Dubai typically involves choosing a jurisdiction (mainland, free zone or offshore), selecting your business activities, reserving a trade name, obtaining initial approvals, preparing legal documents, securing premises where required and receiving your licence. Visas, banking and tax registration follow. We guide you through each step and coordinate the process on your behalf.
A mainland company is licensed by an emirate’s economic department and can trade directly across the UAE market. A free zone company is licensed by a free zone authority, can be fully foreign owned and is well suited to international business, but direct trade with the mainland is generally restricted. The right choice depends on where your customers are and how you plan to operate.
It depends on your activity, target customers, visa requirements, office needs and long-term plans. Mainland suits businesses serving the UAE market, free zones suit international and sector-focused businesses, and offshore entities are typically used for holding and international structures. A consultation is the best way to compare the options for your situation.
Yes, in many cases. Free zone and offshore companies can be fully foreign owned, and following the 2021 amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, full foreign ownership is also available for many mainland activities. Some strategic activities remain subject to specific conditions.
The licence type depends on your activities. Commercial licences cover trading, professional licences cover services and consultancy, and industrial licences cover manufacturing. Some sectors need additional approvals. Selecting accurate activities at the outset avoids amendments later.
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and activity, but usually include shareholder passport copies, proof of address, a business profile and, for corporate shareholders, constitutional documents that may need attestation. We provide a tailored checklist once your structure is confirmed.
Timelines depend on the jurisdiction, activity, approvals required and how quickly documents are available. Some licences can be issued relatively quickly, while regulated activities take longer. We give you a realistic timeline once we understand your requirements.
Yes. We help you select suitable banks, prepare a clear business profile and organise the documentation banks request. The final decision always rests with the bank, but a well-prepared application makes the process smoother.
Most UAE companies must register for corporate tax, including free zone companies. VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies exceed the AED 375,000 threshold, and voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500. We help you understand and meet the obligations that apply to you.
We discuss your business, objectives, preferred timeline and any constraints. We then outline suitable structures and jurisdictions, the steps involved and what you will need to prepare, so you can make an informed decision before committing.
Book a Consultation
Let's Build the Right UAE Strategy for Your Business.
Whether you are planning a new company, restructuring an existing one or preparing to expand, a focused conversation is the best place to start. Share your plans and an advisor will be in touch.
- info@mmasadvisory.com
- +971 4 447 3414
- +971 55 638 8268
- 304, Al Mankhool Building, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Begin With Clarity
Your UAE Chapter Starts With the Right Conversation.
Speak with an MMAS advisor about your plans. We will help you understand your options, choose the right structure and move forward with confidence.