Registration of a Company in the UAE

Starting a business in the United Arab Emirates is a convenient way to enter the international market. Here you’ll find minimal taxes, developed infrastructure, and the ability to establish a business in virtually any field. Many entrepreneurs choose a company in Dubai because this emirate has become a centre for trade, logistics and finance.

Advantages of registering a company in the UAE

No corporate tax for most activities

You retain more of your profits and reduce business-running costs.
Free economy and protection of capital

Your investments are reliably protected by UAE legislation.
Access to international banks and payment systems

Convenient for dealing with clients and partners worldwide.
Ability to establish a firm 100% owned by foreign investors

You fully control your company without needing local partners.
Fast registration process — from 3 to 7 days

You can launch your business in about a week after filing your documents.

Business formats in the UAE

Mainland (on-shore)
Suitable for those planning to operate across the whole UAE territory; ability to participate in government tenders.
- Requires an office and licence.
- Can work with both government and private clients.
- Registration cost — from US $6,500.
- Timeframe — 7-10 days.
Free Zone
The most popular option for foreign investors. In a free zone you can register a company with full foreign ownership, operate globally, and obtain residence visas.
- More than 40 free zones.
- Possible to register remotely.
- Registration cost — from US $4,500.
- Timeframe — 5-7 days.
Offshore
Used for asset protection and international operations. This format does not allow doing business in Dubai or other emirates locally.
- No office or visas required.
- Suitable for asset holding and international transactions.
- Registration cost — from US $3,000.
- Timeframe — 3-5 days.

Free economic zones

There are over 40 free economic zones in the UAE, differing by terms and cost.

Popular free zones for company formation:

DMCC Free Zone (Dubai) — trade in commodities, IT, services
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) (Dubai) — major logistics and wholesale trade
RAK Free Zone (Ras Al Khaimah) — a lower-cost option for small business

Company registration process in the UAE

We assist clients at every stage of setting up a company:

Step 1

Choosing a jurisdiction and suitable free zone
Step 2

Checking and reserving the company name
Step 3

Preparing founders’ documents
Step 4

Registering the company in the UAE and obtaining the licence
Step 5

Selecting an office in the economic zone
Step 6

Opening a bank account

Requirements for registering a company in the UAE

Passport and proof of address of the founders
Legal address (virtual or real office in a free zone)
Specification of business activities during registration
In some cases — minimum share capital

Additional services

Obtaining residence visas
Opening a business bank account
Accounting and legal support
Assistance with licences for specific sectors
Office selection in a free economic zone

Support services when registering a company in UAE

Registered address — from €1,200/year

Accounting services — from €175/month

Local director services — on request

Compliance checks — depend on number of participants and directors

Why work with Gellert Group

Your consultant available 24/7 anywhere in the world

We're always available, no matter your time zone or location.
Cooperation with local experts

We have many-year partnerships with legal and audit firms.
Extensive experience in international projects

Dozens of successfully completed registrations and business support for clients from different countries.
Minimal execution time

Thanks to streamlined processes, registration and opening accounts take the shortest possible time.
Comprehensive support

We not only register the company, but also provide accounting, tax support and help with subsequent changes.
Transparent terms

Fixed service-package costs without hidden fees and unexpected expenditures.
Individual approach

We select the optimal business form and service package according to the client’s objectives.