Company Formation in Dubai & UAE | Free Zone Setup | ASC Consulting
Service Overview
UAE, the Middle East's Global Business Gateway
The United Arab Emirates has established itself as one of the world's premier business destinations, offering zero personal income tax, a competitive corporate tax framework, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract significant foreign investment across financial services, logistics, technology, and professional services sectors.
ASC Consulting guides foreign companies through the UAE market entry process, from selecting the right jurisdiction (Mainland, DIFC, ADGM, or Free Zone) and obtaining your trade licence, to opening corporate bank accounts and maintaining compliance under UAE VAT, corporate tax, and MOHRE labour regulations. Our team manages the full registration and compliance lifecycle so your UAE operations are correctly structured from the outset.
IMPLEMENT
- • Incorporation
• Trademark, Intellectual Property & CopyRights
• Sourcing / QC
• CRM
THINK
DEVELOP
- • Distribution
• Funds raising
• Sell / purchase / stock in Europe
• Digitalize your business
What WE DO
- • Tax consulting (VAT, GST, Profit tax, ...)
• Hide the source of your goods
• Do business in China
• Set up structuring tools (Monday.com, Xero, ...)
RUN
- • Administrative services
• Tax Filing
• Temporary CEO / COO
• Recruiting
• System integration
Industry Insights
UAE Business Setup: Market Insights
The UAE attracted USD 22.7 billion in FDI in 2023, ranking it as the top FDI destination in the Arab world for the 11th consecutive year. Dubai's DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) continue to attract financial services, fintech, and asset management firms from Europe and Asia.
The 2023 UAE Corporate Tax (9% on profits exceeding AED 375,000) has changed the planning landscape, but the UAE remains highly competitive. ASC Consulting helps foreign businesses navigate these changes, determine their optimal Free Zone or Mainland structure, and ensure compliance with Corporate Tax, VAT, and economic substance requirements.
Benefits
0% Tax on Qualifying Income: Corporate tax of 9% applies above AED 375,000 profit. Free Zone qualifying companies may benefit from 0% rate.
No Personal Income Tax: Employees and shareholders pay zero personal income tax in the UAE.
100% Foreign Ownership: Full foreign ownership in Free Zones and most Mainland activities since 2021.
Strategic Location: 2-hour flight from 2.5 billion consumers. World-class logistics connecting East and West.
40+ Free Zones: Sector-specific licensing across DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, Meydan, and more.
Process
How ASC Consulting Sets Up Your UAE Company
- Structure selection (Day 1): We recommend Free Zone (DMCC, DIFC, IFZA), Mainland DED, or offshore based on your activities.
- License application (Week 1–2): We prepare all documents and handle all government submissions.
- Visa and residency: Investor visas, residency for founders and employees, Emirates ID processing.
- Bank account opening (Week 2–6): Introduction to UAE banking partners with full KYC/AML support.
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration: VAT registration and corporate tax registration with the FTA.
- Ongoing compliance: Quarterly VAT returns, corporate tax filing, payroll (WPS), and annual license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions, UAE Company Formation
What is the difference between a Free Zone and Mainland company in the UAE?
A Free Zone company can operate internationally and within the Free Zone but requires a local agent to sell in the UAE Mainland. A Mainland DED-licensed company can operate anywhere without restrictions. ASC helps you choose the right structure.
Is there corporate tax in the UAE?
The UAE introduced a 9% Corporate Tax in June 2023 on profits exceeding AED 375,000. Businesses below this threshold pay 0%. Free Zone companies meeting qualifying conditions may benefit from 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income.
Do I need a local UAE partner for a Mainland company?
Since June 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of Mainland UAE companies in most sectors without a local sponsor. Some regulated activities still require a UAE national partner.
How long does it take to set up a UAE Free Zone company?
A Free Zone company can typically be set up in 3–7 business days. Mainland DED license applications may take 2–4 weeks depending on the activity and approvals required.
Does my UAE company need to register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 taxable supplies per year. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. The UAE VAT rate is 5%.
Getting Started
To embark on your business journey in Dubai, reach out to us. We'll provide a tailored strategy, navigating you through each step of the company formation process.
Our Main Places of Activity
ASC Consulting guides foreign companies through every step of their UAE market entry, from Free Zone vs Mainland structure selection and trade license applications through to VAT registration, corporate tax compliance, and ongoing accounting.
Our team combines deep knowledge of UAE regulations with practical experience across DMCC, DIFC, and DED licensing frameworks. We have supported European, Asian, and US companies in establishing compliant, tax-efficient operations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE.
Explore our company formation services in other key markets: France · Germany · Hong Kong · Singapore
Our Group
We are a privately owned Group that prioritizes the service to its clients, and values personal approaches as well. We have been founded by qualified professionals from legal/fiscal sectors with more than 25 years cross-border experience gained in Europe & Asia - giving them perfect understanding for tax environment where client operates both at home base country or when investing abroad.
