Business Establishment
End-to-end Business establishment services in Mainland, freezone and offshore jurisdictions in the UAE, and selected International offshore markets including British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Singapore, Switzerland, Mauritius.
- Advising on optimal business structures aligned with commercial and regulatory requirements
- Structuring holding companies, family foundations, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs)
- Advising on ownership, governance, and succession matters
- Licensing, approvals, and coordination with relevant authorities for regulated activities
- Drafting incorporation and shareholder documentation
- Post-incorporation compliance, renewals, and ongoing corporate support
- Advising on restructuring, expansion, and group reorganisation
What is the difference between Mainland, Freezone and Offshore jurisdictions in the UAE?
Mainland:
A Mainland company is licensed by the relevant Emirate’s Department of Economy and allows businesses to operate freely across the UAE. It can deal directly with customers, companies, and government entities within the local market. Mainland companies usually require a physical office and are suitable for businesses that need unrestricted access to the UAE market.
Free Zone:
A Free Zone company is licensed by a specific Free Zone authority and allows 100% foreign ownership with simplified regulations. It can operate within the Free Zone and internationally but cannot conduct business directly in the UAE mainland unless a local distributor or branch is appointed. Free Zones are commonly used for consulting, holding, trading (within limits), and international-facing businesses.
Offshore:
An Offshore company is a non-operational entity used mainly for holding assets, Intellectual property, investments, or shares. It cannot conduct business within the UAE, does not require a physical office, and cannot issue residence visas. Offshore structures are typically used for asset protection and international structuring.
Do I need a residence visa to own or run a business in Dubai?
No, holding a residence visa is not mandatory to obtain or own a business license in Dubai. However, a residence visa is generally required to actively operate the business, as it is an essential requirement in the UAE for practical matters such as opening and maintaining a corporate bank account and accessing other business-related services.
What are the freezone jurisdictions in the UAE?
DUBAI:
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) – Financial services, legal firms, funds, fintech (common law jurisdiction)
- JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Logistics, manufacturing, trading, industrial
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – Technology, IT, startups
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) – Aviation, logistics, trading, electronics
- Dubai South Free Zone – Logistics, aviation services, import-export tradingDIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) – Financial services, legal firms, funds, fintech (common law jurisdiction)
- JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) – Logistics, manufacturing, trading, industrial
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – Technology, IT, startups
- Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) – Aviation, logistics, trading, electronics
- Dubai South Free Zone – Logistics, aviation services, import-export trading
ABU DHABI:
- ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market: International financial services, funds, fintech.
- KEZAD – Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi: Ports-linked industrial and manufacturing hub.
- Masdar Free Zone: Clean tech, renewable energy, sustainability
SHARJAH:
- SHAMS – Sharjah Media City: Media, advertising, digital content
- Hamriyah Free Zone: Industrial production, services, trading.
- SAIF Zone – Sharjah Airport International Free Zone: Trading, Logistics, Manufacturing
- SRTIP – Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park: Tech, R&D, innovation.
- SPC – Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone: Publishing, e-commerce, consulting.
AJMAN:
- Ajman Free Zone: General trading, services, SME focused
- Ajman Media City Free Zone: Media, digital marketing, creative services.
UMM AL QUWAIN:
- UAQ FTZ – Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone: General trading, services, SMEs and e-commerce.
FUJAIRAH:
- Fujairah Creative City, Fujairah – Media, creative industries and services.
RAS AL KHAIMAH:
- RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Ras Al Khaimah – Manufacturing, trading, SMEs.
What are the mainland jurisdictions in the UAE?
- Dubai – Department of Economy and Tourism (DED)
- Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
- Sharjah – Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD)
- Ajman – Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED)
- Fujairah – Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy (FDIE)
- Umm Al Quwain – Umm Al Quwain Department of Economic Development (UAQ DED)
- Ras Al Khaimah – Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED)
What are the offshore jurisdictions in the UAE?
- JAFZA Offshore – Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai
- RAKICC Offshore – RAK International Corporate Centre, Ras Al Khaimah
- RAKICC Foundation – RAK International Corporate Centre, Ras Al Khaimah
- Ajman Offshore – Ajman Free Zone