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 Hungarian 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.
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