Company formation in the UAE
Service Overview
ASC Consulting Limited provides a comprehensive guide to setting up a company in Dubai, UAE. Renowned for its dynamic economy and business-friendly environment, Dubai offers diverse opportunities for entrepreneurs globally. Our services encompass the entire process of establishing a business in Dubai, from choosing the right jurisdiction to obtaining necessary licenses and visas.
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
• Hide the source of your goods
• Do business in China
• Set up structuring tools
RUN
- • Administrative services
• Tax Filing
• Temporary CEO / COO
• Recruiting
• System integration
Industry Insights
Dubai's strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure make it a prime destination for diverse business activities. The city's progressive policies and favorable economic environment are designed to attract and support business growth across various sectors.
Benefits
Access to International Markets: Especially through Free Zones.
Tax Benefits: Significant tax exemptions in Free Zones.
100% Foreign Ownership: In Free Zones, offering complete control to international entrepreneurs.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Advanced facilities and services to support businesses.
Flexible setup options: Mainland and Free Zone structures can be considered depending on your activity and commercial needs.
Banking and international operations: The UAE can be a practical base for companies operating across the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Visa and operational presence: Depending on the structure, the UAE can support business presence, residency planning and local operations.
Process
Step 1: Choosing the Right Jurisdiction
Mainland: Ideal for businesses targeting the local UAE market, allowing direct trade within the region.
Free Zone: Perfect for international market focus, offering benefits like 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions.
Offshore: Suitable for businesses needing a legal entity without a physical presence in the UAE.
Step 2: Documentation Preparation
Essential documents across jurisdictions include Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association, Power of Attorney, Visa Sponsorship Documents, passport copies, and business activity proof.
Step 3: Business License Selection
Depending on business activities, options include Commercial, Professional, and Industrial Licenses.
Step 4: Visa Processing
Investor/Employment Visas: Required for non-UAE nationals, involving medical tests and Emirates ID issuance.
Dependent Visas: For family members, if needed.
Step 5: Bank Account Opening
Guidance in choosing and setting up accounts with local and international banks in the UAE.
Additional Considerations
Business Plan: Essential for Free Zone and Offshore companies.
Physical Office Space: Required in Mainland and most Free Zones.
Local Sponsor/Agent: Mandatory for Mainland companies, with at least 51% local ownership.
Regulatory Approvals: For certain business activities.
Post-Setup Compliance: Ongoing legal and financial obligations.
Choosing Your Free Zone
Over 20 Free Zones: Each catering to specific industries, including JAFZA, DIFC, Dubai Internet City, and DMCC.
Free Zone Company Structures: FZE, FZCO, PJSC/LLC, or Branch of a Local/International Company.
Understanding Setup Costs
Variable Costs: Depending on office space and visa requirements. Typically ranges from US$1,360 for freelancers to around US$17,000 for companies requiring office space.
Visa Quotas: Often linked to rented office space size.
Free Zone Company Set-Up Process
Efficient Online Registration: Streamlined for quick setup, usually within 3-5 weeks.
Getting Started
Setting up a company in the UAE requires choosing the right jurisdiction, business activity, licence type and ownership structure from the beginning. The right setup will depend on your market, banking needs, visa requirements and expected operations.
ASC Consulting can help you review your project, compare the available options and coordinate the right local support before you move forward.
Book a free consultation to discuss your UAE company formation project and identify the next steps.
Our Main Places of Activity
ASC Consulting Limited is proficient in company formations across Dubai's diverse economic landscape, offering expert advice and support tailored to the unique business environment of this thriving city.
Our Country Experts
We are a French boutique consultancy based in Hong Kong, working hand in hand with country experts in every market we cover. Our clients get a single point of contact at ASC, with the right specialist mobilised for each subject.
We have been founded by qualified professionals from legal and fiscal sectors with more than 25 years cross-border experience gained in Europe and Asia, giving them perfect understanding of the tax environment where clients operate both at home and abroad.
FAQ
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE ?
Timelines depend on the structure (mainland vs free zone), activity scope, and how quickly documentation is validated. We confirm a realistic timeline after reviewing your profile and requirements.
Mainland vs Free Zone: which one should I choose ?
It depends on where you plan to operate, your activity, and practical constraints (clients, contracts, staffing, and operational needs). We help you choose the structure that matches your business model and expansion plan.
Do I need to be in the UAE to incorporate ?
Not always. Some steps can be coordinated remotely depending on your structure and verification requirements. We clarify what can be done remotely and what may require presence.
What documents are typically required ?
Commonly: shareholder/director identification, proof of address, company name options, and a clear description of your activity. Exact requirements vary by structure and activity.
Can you help with banking preparation in the UAE ?
Yes. We support banking readiness by helping you prepare documentation, clarify your business model, and coordinate the process with the right partners. Approval depends on bank requirements and your profile.
Can you support accounting and ongoing compliance after setup ?
Yes. We can coordinate back-office routines, reporting, and ongoing compliance workflows so operations stay clean after incorporation.
Can you coordinate UAE + Hong Kong/Singapore structures together ?
Yes. We often coordinate multi-country setups across Asia and Europe, aligning incorporation, banking preparation, and compliance planning.
How do we start ?
Book a free consultation. We’ll map your countries, activity, timeline, and constraints, then propose a clear setup plan and next steps.
