How Can I Start a Business in the UAE?
You need to choose the right jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore), select your business activities, choose a legal structure, reserve a trade name, and apply for initial approval before securing your trade license. FAR Consulting Middle East manages this entire end-to-end setup, registration, and post-licensing process for you.
Can Foreigners Open a Company in the UAE?
Yes, foreigners can fully open a company in the UAE. Under current regulations, 100% foreign ownership is widely permitted across almost all Free Zone activities and the vast majority of Mainland commercial and industrial sectors.
Do You Help Set Up Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Companies in the UAE?
Yes, we handle the complete company formation process across Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore jurisdictions, tailoring the corporate structure specifically to your commercial objectives and operational needs.
What Is the Difference Between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore Company Setup?
Mainland companies can operate across the UAE, free zone companies benefit from jurisdiction-specific advantages, and offshore companies are primarily used for international business and asset holding. The right option depends on your business activities and goals.
Can Foreign Investors Own 100% of a UAE Company?
Yes, foreign investors are legally entitled to 100% equity ownership of their businesses in the UAE, subject to specific regulatory lists governing strategic high-impact sectors (such as oil and gas or defense).
What Documents Are Required to Start a Business in the UAE?
The required core documents typically include passport copies of all shareholders, visa or entry stamp pages, Emirates ID copies (if already a resident), a brief business profile or plan, and explicit details of your chosen business activities. Additional corporate documentation is required if the shareholder is an existing company.
How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Company in the UAE?
Most businesses can be successfully registered within a few business days to a couple of weeks. The exact timeline is determined by your chosen corporate structure, chosen jurisdiction, and the speed of external government department approvals.
What Is the Cost to Set Up a Company in the UAE?
Total incorporation costs vary considerably based on your business activity, selected jurisdiction, physical or virtual office requirements, and visa allocations. We provide transparent, custom fee structures optimized for your startup budget.
Do I Need a Local Partner for Mainland Company Setup?
No, a local UAE national partner holding a 51% stake is no longer required for most commercial and industrial activities. You can establish a Mainland entity with 100% foreign ownership, though some restricted or specialized sectors still require local service agents or structural sponsorship.
Do You Handle Trade License Renewals in the UAE?
Yes, we proactively manage the entire trade license renewal process—including lease agreement updates and regulatory approvals—ensuring your entity remains fully compliant and free of administrative fines.
Can You Help With Corporate Bank Account Opening in the UAE?
Yes, we offer comprehensive corporate banking assistance. We thoroughly review your commercial profile, align your KYC documentation with banking compliance standards, and guide you directly through corporate account setup with leading local and international banks.
Can a Business Safely Transfer or Change Its Setup Structure Later?
Yes, under current corporate law amendments (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025), companies can seamlessly transfer their corporate registration between different Emirates or Free Zones, or transform their legal form altogether, while completely maintaining their original legal personality, contracts, and obligations without going into liquidation.
Do You Provide Ongoing Support After Company Setup?
Yes, we act as your long-term corporate partner by providing end-to-end back-office support, including dedicated PRO services, visa processing, structured bookkeeping and auditing, VAT compliance, payroll management, and strict corporate tax reporting.