01
Business Activity & Licence Selection
Review your proposed activities, customer market and regulatory requirements to identify suitable licence categories and authorities.
- Location: Zainal Mohebi Plaza, Karama, Dubai, UAE
- Mail: info@vassintl.com
Vass International is the only member of SBC Global Alliance in UAE. We are located at Karama, Dubai and provide professional services to our clients across the region.
- Zainal Mohebi Plaza, Karama, Dubai, UAE
- +971 50 210 5100
- info@vassintl.com
- vassintl.com
COMPANY FORMATION IN DUBAI & UAE
Build Your Business in the UAE. Start with the Right Structure.
From selecting a suitable licence and
legal structure to preparing documents
and coordinating registration, VASS
International helps entrepreneurs
and investors navigate company
formation in the UAE.
Explore mainland, free zone and offshore
options with guidance tailored
to your business activities, ownership
requirements and operating plans.
CHOOSE A SUITABLE SETUP ROUTE
Three Approaches. Different Business Needs.
01
Mainland Company
Consider mainland licensing for operations serving the local UAE market, subject to activity and regulatory requirements.
02
Free Zone Company
Explore authority-specific licences, facilities and packages aligned with your chosen business activity.
03
Offshore Structure
Evaluate registry-specific holding or international structures, including their permitted uses and operational restrictions.
Eligibility, permissions, pricing and
incorporation requirements depend on
the selected authority and activity.
COMPARE YOUR BUSINESS SETUP OPTIONS
Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore? Make an Informed Choice.
The right jurisdiction depends on what your business does, where it operates, your ownership requirements and the approvals you need.
| COMPARISON |
01 / OPTION
MainlandUAE local market operations |
02 / OPTION
Free ZoneAuthority-specific business ecosystem |
03 / OPTION
OffshoreRegistry-specific corporate structures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Businesses planning local UAE operations, retail, services, trading or other permitted activities. | Businesses whose activities fit a particular free zone's licensing, facilities and operational model. | Certain holding, international or asset ownership arrangements, subject to registry rules. |
| UAE Market Access | Generally permits direct UAE market operations within licensed activities and applicable regulations. | Mainland business may require specific licensing, permits, branch arrangements or other authorised routes. | Generally not a substitute for a mainland or free zone operating licence. |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership is available for many activities. Exceptions and conditions apply. | Full foreign ownership is generally available, subject to the authority's entity and licensing rules. | Depends on the registry, proposed legal form and applicable eligibility requirements. |
| Office / Premises | Business premises must meet licensing and location requirements; tenancy documentation may be necessary. | Options may include flexi-desks, offices or other approved facilities, depending on the zone and activity. | Registered office or registered-agent arrangements generally apply. Local operating premises are a separate issue. |
| Visas | Eligibility depends on licence, establishment requirements and applicable immigration procedures. | Visa allocation and services depend on the selected free zone and package. | Offshore incorporation should not be assumed to provide UAE residence visa eligibility. |
| Setup Costs | Depend on licence, activity, premises, approvals and other incorporation expenses. | Depend on the zone, licence category, facility package and visa requirements. | Depend on registry, registered-agent services, documentation and ongoing requirements. |
| Tax Considerations | UAE corporate tax and other obligations are assessed under applicable legislation. | Special corporate tax treatment applies only where the relevant qualifying conditions are satisfied. | Tax treatment depends on the entity's facts, activities, residence and applicable rules. |
| Explore in Detail | Mainland Setup ↗ | Free Zone Setup ↗ | Offshore Setup ↗ |
Not Sure Which Structure Fits Your Business?
Discuss Your Setup ↗
Share your proposed activity, target market, number of shareholders, office requirements and visa plans. VASS can help you compare suitable setup routes.
This comparison provides general guidance only. Eligibility, ownership, activities, permissions, visa options and tax treatment must be confirmed for the selected jurisdiction and authority.
HOW VASS SUPPORTS YOUR SETUP
Company Formation Support, From Planning to Registration.
Establishing a business involves more than obtaining a trade licence. VASS helps coordinate the essential decisions, documentation and procedures for your proposed setup.
02
Entity & Shareholder Structure
Assess available legal forms, shareholder arrangements and ownership considerations under the selected jurisdiction's requirements.
03
Incorporation Documents
Assist with the document checklist, application preparation, shareholder information and supporting paperwork required for registration.
04
Registration & Approval Coordination
Support application submission, authority correspondence and coordination of external approvals where the licensed activity requires them.
05
Office & Facility Requirements
Help assess premises, tenancy documentation and available facility arrangements according to your licence and chosen authority.
06
Visa & Immigration Coordination
Discuss relevant establishment, investor or employee visa procedures where available, subject to immigration eligibility and authority requirements.
One Coordinated Company Setup Plan
Discuss Your Requirements ↗
Service scope is tailored to your chosen jurisdiction, business activity and registration requirements. Government fees and third-party approvals are assessed separately.
COMPANY FORMATION DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Prepare the Essentials. Avoid Unnecessary Delays.
Organise the information and documents commonly requested during business setup. Exact requirements depend on the authority, entity type and activity.
Your Preparation Checklist
0 of 6 ready
Your checklist stays on this page
and is not submitted to VASS.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Documents Depend on Your Company Structure.
Some applications require additional corporate records, notarisation, premises documents or external approvals. Confirm the relevant checklist before submission.
Corporate Shareholders
- Parent company trade licence or registration certificate
- Constitutional documents, where required
- Board resolution and authorised signatory details
- Power of attorney, if applicable
- Attested or translated documents, where required
Licensing & Premises
- Completed authority application forms
- Business plan, if required
- Memorandum or Articles of Association, as applicable
- Lease or facility documentation
- Activity-specific regulatory approvals
Important:
A document being listed here does not mean
it is mandatory for every UAE company
formation application.
Confirm My Document Requirements ↗
This is a preliminary preparation guide, not a final application checklist. Relevant authorities may request further information depending on jurisdiction, ownership, business activity and approvals.
05 / THE FORMATION JOURNEY
From Business Planning to Licence Issuance.
Explore the key stages involved in establishing a company in the UAE. Select any step to see the activities and potential outputs.
STAGE 01 / 05
Initial Consultation
Discuss your proposed business activities, shareholders, market and operational plans.
- Business activity review
- Shareholder information
- Initial requirements
EXPECTED STAGE OUTPUT
Initial Setup Requirements
A preliminary understanding of the business setup needs.
This is an illustrative journey. The actual sequence, approvals, costs and timelines depend on the chosen jurisdiction and business activity.
Discuss Your Setup Plan ↗COMPANY FORMATION COST FACTORS
Understand the Costs Before You Commit.
Your company setup quotation should reflect the actual licensing, facilities and documentation requirements of your proposed business.
01
Licence & Business Activity
Registration and licensing charges vary according to your selected authority, licence category and permitted activities.
Licensing authority fees
02
Jurisdiction & Legal Structure
Mainland, free zone and offshore authorities have different registration procedures, legal forms and applicable charges.
Incorporation and entity fees
03
Office & Facilities
Office leases, approved flexi-desks, facility packages and related tenancy requirements can affect initial and recurring costs.
Premises and facilities
04
Visa & Immigration Requirements
Where eligible, establishment, investor and employee procedures may involve separate application and processing charges.
Applicable immigration fees
05
External Approvals
Certain regulated activities may require approvals, permits, document authentication or specialist compliance reviews.
Third-party and approval charges
06
Professional Service Scope
Advisory, documentation, government liaison and post-registration assistance should be identified separately in the service quotation.
Professional coordination fees
REQUEST A CLEAR COST BREAKDOWN
Request a Setup Quotation ↗
Know What's Included Before You Start.
Discuss your proposed business activity, preferred jurisdiction, shareholders, office requirements and visa plans. Ask for a quotation separating authority charges, third-party expenses and professional services.
Cost factors are illustrative. Actual fees, renewal charges, approvals and eligibility requirements depend on the selected licensing authority, legal form, proposed activity and circumstances of the applicant.
THE VASS ADVISORY APPROACH
A Business Setup Partner Focused on the Details.
Company formation is not simply a licence application. The decisions you make about structure, activities, ownership and operating requirements can shape how your business functions after registration.
VASS International helps entrepreneurs and investors work through these decisions with practical guidance, organised documentation and coordinated support throughout the incorporation journey.
Speak with Our Advisory Team ↗
HOW WE APPROACH COMPANY FORMATION
Thoughtful Guidance. Clearer Decisions. Coordinated Execution.
01
Business-First Recommendations
We consider your activities, target market, ownership needs and operational plans before discussing suitable setup routes.
02
Clear Scope & Cost Discussion
We help identify relevant licensing and service requirements so you can understand the proposed scope and applicable third-party costs.
03
Organised Documentation
We support preparation and coordination of relevant records, application requirements and authority-related communications.
04
Looking Beyond Licence Issuance
We help identify relevant post-registration considerations, including ongoing obligations and next steps for operations.
The appropriate setup route and service
scope depend on your proposed activities,
chosen authority and individual
business requirements.
COMPANY FORMATION FAQs
Your Questions, Answered Clearly.
Understand the key requirements before starting your company formation journey in the UAE. These answers provide general guidance; the right approach depends on your circumstances.
Have Another Question? Contact VASS ↗Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
Full foreign ownership is available for many mainland business activities and generally through eligible free zone structures. Some activities have additional conditions or restrictions, so eligibility should be confirmed before registration.
Is mainland or free zone company formation better?
Neither is automatically better. Mainland licensing can suit certain UAE market operations, while free zones offer authority-specific activities and facilities. Compare licence scope, market access, premises, visa needs and total cost.
How long does it take to register a company in Dubai?
Timelines depend on the selected authority, business activity, ownership structure, document readiness and external approvals. Processing estimates should be confirmed for your application.
What documents are required for company formation?
Common requirements include identification documents, proposed activities, company names and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders and regulated activities may require further documents or approvals.
Do I need an office to start a UAE company?
Premises requirements vary. Certain licences require approved commercial premises, while some free zones offer eligible flexi-desk or facility packages. Requirements depend on the activity and licensing authority.
Are free zone companies exempt from UAE corporate tax?
No automatic exemption should be assumed. Free zone businesses are subject to the UAE corporate tax framework. Specific qualifying tax treatment is available only when the relevant conditions are satisfied.
Does company formation guarantee a UAE residence visa?
No. Residence visa eligibility depends on the business structure, relevant establishment procedures, immigration requirements and applicant circumstances. Offshore incorporation should not be assumed to provide residence visa eligibility.
How can VASS help with company formation?
VASS provides company setup advisory and coordination, including structure assessment, licensing guidance, documentation preparation and relevant authority-related procedures according to the agreed service scope.
START YOUR UAE BUSINESS SETUP JOURNEY
Ready to Establish Your Business in the UAE?
Tell us about your proposed activity, shareholders, target market and preferred jurisdiction. VASS International can help you assess a suitable incorporation approach and relevant next steps.
