Free zone or mainland
We pick the structure around your activity, clients and substance needs, not a one-size package.
Jurisdiction · UAE
Company formation in the UAE: free zone or mainland, structured properly
Set up in the UAE quickly with corporate banking and residency visas, and a structure built around how you actually operate (free zone or mainland) under the 9% corporate-tax regime, not a one-size brochure package.
AE
Why here
Why incorporate in the UAE
01
02
9% corporate tax
A clear, moderate regime with a 0% band for qualifying free-zone income that's worth getting right: see tax & substance.
03
Global banking access
Strong international banking relationships, realistic timelines and a clean KYC file.
04
Fast, recognised setup
A globally trusted base that opens doors well beyond the Gulf.
The UAE applies 9% federal corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Free-zone 0% treatment depends on meeting the "qualifying income" and economic-substance conditions of the Free Zone regime: we confirm eligibility upfront and register you with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
How it works
From licence to an operating UAE company
1
Free zone vs mainland
1–2 days2
Licence application
3–5 days3
Establishment card
3–5 days4
Corporate bank account
2–5 weeks5
Residency visas
1–2 weeks6
Corporate tax registration
1 week After formation
We keep the company running
A licence is day one. Renewals, VAT returns, corporate-tax filing and PRO work are continuous: handled by a team that keeps your free-zone or mainland entity clean, filed and audit-ready.
Registered office / flexi-deskFree zone or mainlandfrom $180/mo
PRO & government liaisonRenewals and amendmentsfrom $150/mo
Accounting & VATQuarterly filingfrom $220/mo
Corporate tax complianceAnnual return + advisoryfrom $200/mo
Indicative pricing
UAE: what it costs
Free zone formation
$5,500
one-time · incl. licence
Bank account assistance
$3,000
KYC + bank coordination
Flexi-desk / office
$180
per month
Accounting & VAT
$220
per month
Indicative ranges. Final quote depends on the free zone or mainland choice, activity and visa count: request a fixed quote.
Good to know
UAE company formation FAQ
Free zone or mainland: which is right for me?
Free zones suit companies serving international clients or operating within the zone, often with 0% qualifying income and 100% ownership. Mainland suits selling directly into the local UAE market. We choose based on your clients, activity and substance, not a default package.
How long does UAE company setup take?
A free-zone licence is typically issued in about a week, with the establishment card and residency visas over the following one to two weeks. Corporate banking usually takes 2–5 weeks depending on activity and KYC.
Does the UAE really have 0% tax?
The UAE has 9% federal corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Qualifying free-zone income can be taxed at 0%, but only where strict qualifying-income and substance conditions are met: we confirm eligibility via tax & substance before you rely on it.
Do I need to be a UAE resident?
Not to incorporate, but a residency visa is usually needed to run day-to-day operations and open banking. Setup typically includes an establishment card and investor or employment visas: see visas & residency.
Related insights
Before you decide
Banking · GCC
Opening a Gulf bank account in 2026
What KYC really requires now, realistic timelines and how to get approved.
StrategyBahrain or Saudi first? A cost-staged view
How the UAE fits a multi-entity Gulf group structure.
Tax · GCCThe 15% DMTT: who actually pays it
How Pillar Two top-up tax interacts with a Gulf group.
Ready to set up in the UAE?
Tell us what you're building. We'll pick free zone or mainland, map the timeline and cost in one call, and handle licensing, banking and visas from there.
Email us →