UAE services
Company Setup in the UAE — Mainland & Free Zone
We start with the two questions that determine everything else: what exactly will the business do, and who will it sell to. From there we recommend mainland or free zone, the specific zone, and the activity codes that will support your visas, your bank account and your tax position, delivered by VIVOS Corporate Services L.L.C.
| Structure choice | Mainland or free zone, selected by activity, target market and visa needs |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities, both mainland and free zone |
| Typical timeline | 2-4 weeks depending on mainland or free zone and the licensing authority |
What’s included
- Activity classification and zone selection, with a written rationale
- Trade name reservation and initial approvals
- Licensing with the economic department or the free zone authority
- Memorandum of association and corporate documents, including attestation and legalisation
- Office or flexi-desk arrangements and Ejari registration where required
- Branch registration for existing foreign companies
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between mainland and free zone incorporation in the UAE?
A free zone company is typically faster and cheaper to set up and can offer 100% foreign ownership with zero-rated qualifying income, but it’s generally restricted to operating within the zone and internationally rather than trading freely across the UAE. A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally but has more involved setup and compliance.
Can I own 100% of my UAE company?
In most activities, yes — both mainland and free zone structures now generally allow full foreign ownership, though a small number of strategically sensitive activities carry different rules we check before you commit to a structure.
How long does UAE company setup take?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on whether you choose mainland or a free zone and how quickly the required documents, attestations and approvals come together.