UAE Company Formation, Renewal & Business Setup

Establish your UAE business with tailored company formation and setup support, including jurisdiction selection, registration, licensing, tax registration, visas, and corporate banking guidance.
Schedule a quick call with a company formation specialist

We'll get back to you within 24 hours. No spam.

The Challenges Most People Face

Navigating UAE business setup can be overwhelming, filled with red tape, hidden costs, and complex processes.

  • Choosing between mainland and free zone
  • Selecting the right licence and business activities
  • Understanding setup costs and regulatory requirements
  • Managing documentation, approvals, and deadlines
What Business Setup Journey Looks Like With Capitals28

We've streamlined every step so you can launch your business quickly, confidently, and with zero stress.

  • Guidance on jurisdiction, licence, and legal structure
  • Clear breakdown of requirements, timelines, and costs
  • End-to-end support with documentation and approvals
  • Ongoing assistance with visas, compliance, and renewals

UAE Company Formation Services for Mainland, Free Zone & International Businesses

Starting a company in the UAE requires choosing an appropriate jurisdiction, legal form, business activity, and licensing pathway. Our UAE company formation services help entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses establish a presence in the local UAE market through mainland and free zone structures, as well as offshore or other international corporate structures where appropriate.

Trade License

Complete trade license acquisition for mainland or free zone. Expert guidance on selecting the right license type for your business activities.

Visa & Immigration Support

Support with investor, partner, employee, and family residence procedures based on your company structure and eligibility.

Corporate Banking

Corporate bank account opening assistance, including document preparation, application readiness and coordination with suitable banks. Approval remains subject to each bank’s requirements.

Business Address & Workspace

Physical and virtual workspace solutions selected according to your jurisdiction, business activity, and licensing requirements.

Tax Registration & Compliance

Corporate Tax and VAT registration support as per business requirements, with guidance on FTA compliance and ongoing obligations.

PRO Services

Support with government procedures, including establishment records, immigration and labour processes, document submissions, amendments, and renewals.

Mainland Company Formation in the UAE

Our mainland company formation services help businesses establish a presence in the local UAE market and operate in accordance with the requirements applicable to their business activity and jurisdiction.

We assist with:

  • Trade name reservation
  • Business activity selection
  • Legal form assessment
  • Licence type selection
  • Company registration documentation
  • Government application procedures

A mainland company can be suitable for businesses seeking to operate in the UAE market, subject to the applicable activity, licensing, ownership, and regulatory requirements.

An LLC can be one of the available legal forms for a mainland company, depending on the business activity and applicable regulations. LLC is a legal form and should be considered separately from the jurisdiction in which the company is established.

Free Zone Company Formation & Registration

We provide free zone company formation and free zone company registration support across leading UAE jurisdictions, including:

  • DMCC
  • IFZA
  • RAKEZ
  • JAFZA
  • DIFC 
  • ADGM
  • SHAMS

Our specialists help investors compare free zones based on business activity, ownership requirements, licensing options, operational needs, costs, and long-term objectives. Free zone structures can offer advantages such as foreign ownership, streamlined incorporation procedures, and access to specialised business ecosystems, subject to the rules of the selected free zone.

Offshore & International Company Formation

Our offshore and international company formation services support investors and businesses considering corporate structures for international activities, asset holding, investment, and cross-border operations.

The appropriate structure depends on the intended purpose, jurisdiction, ownership requirements, business activities, and applicable regulations.

Where appropriate, we can assist with structures such as RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore, subject to the relevant jurisdictional requirements.

An offshore structure is not suitable for every business. The appropriate jurisdiction and legal form should be selected based on the company's actual activities, operational requirements, and objectives.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in the UAE?

UAE company formation costs vary according to the jurisdiction, licensed activities, legal form, visa requirements, office or facility requirements, external approvals and ongoing compliance needs. Capitals28 reviews these factors before providing a setup estimate so clients can understand the expected formation and operating costs before proceeding.

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Business Type

Details about your planned business type and activity.

Your UAE Business Setup Journey With Capitals28
Your UAE Business Setup Journey With Capitals28

Setting up a business in the UAE involves more than obtaining a trade licence. The appropriate jurisdiction, legal form, business activity, office arrangement, tax obligations, and ongoing administrative requirements all need to be considered together. Our team helps you select the appropriate setup, prepare the required documentation, coordinate registration and licensing, and manage the key administrative requirements after incorporation.

How Our Setup Process Works
01
Schedule Quick Call

Book a free consultation to discuss your business goals and get expert advice.

02
Business Setup Assessment

We assess your requirements and recommend an appropriate jurisdiction and structure based on your business needs and objectives.

03
Document Preparation

Our experts prepare all required documentation and handle attestations.

04
Application & Follow-up

We submit your application and keep you updated on every milestone.

05
Approval & Support

Receive your trade license and visa while benefiting from dedicated ongoing PRO support.

Trade Licence, Trade Name & Company Registration

We provide support with trade licence applications, trade name reservation, and company registration in the UAE.

The appropriate legal form depends on the selected jurisdiction and business activity. Available structures may include:

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)
  • Other applicable legal forms

These legal forms should be considered separately from the jurisdiction in which the company is established. UAE company jurisdictions can include Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore structures, depending on the intended business model and applicable rules.

From initial jurisdiction and legal-form selection through registration and licensing, we coordinate the required documentation and submission process.

Investor Visas, Corporate Banking & PRO Services

Beyond company formation, we provide additional support for the practical requirements of establishing and operating a UAE business.

Our services include:

  • Investor and residence visa support
  • Family sponsorship assistance
  • Corporate banking guidance
  • Physical or virtual office solutions
  • PRO services and government coordination

We help business owners address essential operational requirements after company formation and throughout the life of the business.

Testimonials

Using Capitals28 services to open a company in was a fantastic experience. Highly appreciate the professionalism of your staff and recommend the company for their expert guidance. We will continue using Capitals28 services for license renewals.

R
Rodrigues M

Businessman from Portugal

Thanks to the Capitals28 team for making the process of Dubai company formation extremely smooth and for being supportive throughout the whole process. The best part was clear communication and instant response to all my questions.

N
Nicole T

Investor from Belgium

Before I found Capitals28 , I was overwhelmed by complexity of rules, documentation, and procedures, but after using their services, the whole process went smoothly from the start to the end. Wish to continue our partnership in the future.

L
Laura P

Entrepreneur from Brasil

Ready to Start Your UAE Company?

Tell us about your business activity, preferred jurisdiction and operational requirements. Our team will help you identify an appropriate company structure and outline the setup process, expected timeline and cost factors.

Schedule a quick call with company formation specialist

We'll get back to you within 24 hours. No spam.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
The timeline depends on the business activity, jurisdiction, and how quickly the required documents are provided. In many cases, company formation can be completed within a few working days, while businesses requiring additional regulatory approvals may take longer. Your consultant will provide a realistic timeline before the process begins.
Can I own 100% of my UAE company?
Yes. In most business activities, foreign investors can own 100% of their company without requiring a local shareholder. The ownership structure depends on the chosen jurisdiction and the nature of the licensed activities, and we help you select the most suitable option.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to establish my company?
Many parts of the company formation process can be completed remotely. Depending on the selected jurisdiction, business activity, and banking requirements, a personal visit may be required for identity verification or account opening. We will advise you in advance if travel is necessary.
What happens if I want to expand or change my business activities later?
Your company can usually be amended as your business grows. Depending on your license and jurisdiction, you may be able to add or remove business activities, change shareholders, appoint new managers, or relocate your office. Our team can manage these amendments while ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance.
What are the ongoing obligations after my company is established?
After incorporation, businesses should maintain an active trade license, renew visas and establishment documents when required, keep accounting records where applicable, and comply with relevant UAE tax and regulatory requirements. Staying compliant helps avoid penalties and ensures your business continues operating without interruption.
How often does a UAE trade license need to be renewed?
A UAE trade license is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually to keep your business legally active. Renewing on time allows your company to continue operating, maintain visas, access banking services, and remain compliant with UAE regulations. Delayed renewals may result in penalties or interruptions to business activities.
Can my company carry out business activities that are not listed on its trade license?
No. A UAE company may only conduct the business activities that are specifically listed on its trade license. If you wish to offer additional products or services outside your approved activities, you must first amend your trade license and obtain any required regulatory approvals before commencing those activities.