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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE business setup for UK & European companies
we structure, register and launch your UAE company, usually within 1-4 weeks. Licensing, visas, banking, VAT and accounting handled by one team with 13+ years on the ground in Dubai.
Golden Visa
Eligibility.
Which UAE structure is right for you?
Dubai / UAE mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE, take government contracts, open branches.
Best for retail, F&B, services, firms selling into the UAE.
(Starting from)
AED 17,999*
UAE free zone
100% ownership, fast remote setup, zones matched to your activity (IFZA, DMCC, SHAMS, RAKEZ + 40 more).
Best for tech, e-commerce, consultancies, holdings.
(Starting from)
AED 10,999*
UAE offshore
RAK ICC and Dubai offshore for holding structures, asset protection and international trade — no UAE operations.
(Starting from)
AED 7,999*
Mainland vs free zone at a glance
UAE Mainland
UAE Free Zone
Ownership
100% foreign ownership
100% foreign ownership
UAE market trade
Anywhere in the UAE
Via distributor/ within free zone rules
Office
Physical office required
Flexi-desk/virtual office OK
Visas
Scales with office size
Per package/quota
Government contracts
Yes
No
Typical timeline
2-4 weeks
1-3 weeks
Our process, week by week
Step
01
Discovery call
Day 0, free
Step
02
Activity, name & documents
Days 1-3
Step
03
Licence issued
Days 7-14 free zone; 2-4 weeks mainland
Step
04
Visas & Emirates ID
Days 14-21
Step
05
Corporate bank account
Days 21-28
Documents you will need
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Proposed trade names
- Brief activity description
- (Mainland) Tenancy/Ejari once premises chosen
- NOC where applicable.
We prepare name reservation, initial approval, MOA and licence applications for you.
After setup: the part most agencies skip
Bookkeeping
VAT registration and filing
Payroll Services
Payroll Services
corporate tax registration and returns
licence renewals
PRO Services
FAQs
Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in UAE
If your question is not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to us. We value your inquiry.
Most free zone registrations complete remotely from the UK; you visit only for biometrics once your entry permit is issued (a few days). Mainland setups may need one short visit. We coordinate everything around your diary.
Free zone packages start from around AED 10,999 (~£2,300) and mainland from around AED 17,999 (~£3,800), depending on activity, visas and office needs. You will get a fixed written quote before anything starts — no hidden fees.
Since 2021, MISA licences permit 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Some regulated activities still require local participation; we flag this in the first call.
It depends on your residency, where control is exercised, and the UK's double-tax treaties with the UAE and KSA. We structure with this in mind and refer complex personal tax questions to UK advisors. (This is guidance, not tax advice.)
Yes — bookkeeping, VAT registration and filing, corporate tax, payroll, audit support and virtual CFO. Most clients stay with us long after formation.
Ready to enter the GCC?
Speak with a senior advisor — no obligation, UK hours.