Commercial Licence
For trading activities — buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing goods.
Business Setup
Business Setup in Dubai and Company Formation Across the UAE
Choose the right jurisdiction, select the right activities and establish your company with a clear, well-coordinated process — guided by advisors who look beyond the licence.
Company Formation in the UAE
Setting Up Is a Strategic Decision, Not Just a Formality
The UAE offers a choice of business jurisdictions, hundreds of licensable activities and a well-defined formation process. That flexibility is an advantage — but it also means the choices you make at the start shape where you can trade, how many visas you can sponsor, how you bank and how you are taxed.
MMAS Advisory helps you make those choices deliberately. We begin with your business model and objectives, recommend the structure and activities that fit, and then coordinate every step — from initial approvals and documentation to licensing, visas, banking and tax registration.
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
Six clear stages take you from an initial conversation to an operational, compliant company — with one team coordinating throughout.
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.
UAE Business Licensing
Understanding UAE Licence Types
Your licence type follows from your business activities. Choosing activities accurately at the outset avoids amendments, delays and unnecessary approvals later.
Professional Licence
For service-based and consultancy activities built on professional skills and expertise.
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing and industrial production activities.
Specialised Licences
Certain sectors — such as financial services, education or healthcare — require additional regulatory approvals.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business Setup in the UAE: Common Questions
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.
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.