UAE company formation, made clear
Business setup and ongoing support in the UAE.
Establish your presence in a jurisdiction with favourable taxation, international reach and no sanctions-related restrictions. Whether you need a local company, an international holding structure or a corporate settlement base, Brightlink builds a plan around you.
Brightlink: your trusted partner for business setup in the UAE
Corporate structure planned around your activity, tax position and growth goals
Remote company registration with owner privacy and asset protection
Corporate bank account opening handled and followed up for you
Legal and accounting support at every stage of your business
Live. Invest. Grow.
Why choose to invest in Dubai?
Dubai is more than a global business destination: it is a place where investment, lifestyle and long-term opportunity come together.
From waterfront homes and branded residences to growing communities and off-plan projects, Dubai offers options for different investment goals.
Entrepreneurs & Growing Businesses
Launch and scale your venture in an efficient ecosystem designed for growth.
Private Wealth & Family Enterprises
Explore regional destinations for private wealth management and family business growth.
Business Headquarters
Make Dubai the strategic base for your regional operations and global ambitions.
Industrial Growth
Benefit from modern infrastructure, supply chain access, and advanced manufacturing.
Your setup map
Four routes. One clear next step.
Explore the jurisdictions and structures our consultants use to match your activity, customers, budget, office needs, visas, and long-term plans.
Free Zone
Industry-focused zones with 100% foreign ownership and simple set-up.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
- Meydan Free Zone
- Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Sharjah Media City (Shams)
- Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Ajman Free Zone Authority (AFZA)
- Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Fujairah Creative City Free Zone
Setting up a business in Dubai
Structure and Location
Choose your business structure and legal structure, then decide on the mainland or a specialised free zone.
Initial Approvals
Reserve your trade name in line with Dubai guidelines and obtain initial approval for your activity.
Licensing & Office Space
Apply for your trade licence through the relevant authority, secure office space, and complete the remaining approvals.
Mainland or Free Zone?
What is a Mainland Company?
A mainland company is registered with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). It can trade across the UAE market and with international clients, and it operates both inside and outside the country.
Many business activities now allow up to 100% foreign ownership, making mainland setup a flexible option for investors looking to establish and grow in Dubai.
More about mainland companiesMainland Licences
- Industrial Licence
- Commercial Licence
- Professional Licence
- E-Trader Licence
- Dual Licence
Types of business licences in Dubai
For service-based businesses that earn income through professional expertise, including consultancies, administrative service providers, educational institutions, technical services, and other specialised professional activities.
For businesses that buy, sell, import, export, distribute, or trade goods and services. It is commonly used for retail, e-commerce, logistics, general trading, software trading, construction, and real estate activities.
For businesses involved in manufacturing, production, packaging, processing, assembling, or collecting goods, including food production, textiles, paper products, petroleum-related activities, and equipment manufacturing. Certain activities may require additional approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities.
A home-based licence for freelancers and entrepreneurs selling products or services through social media and online platforms. It is issued under a Sole Establishment structure, with the owner holding full legal responsibility for the business.
Designed for eligible Dubai free zone companies that wish to conduct approved activities outside their free zone and within the Emirate. Depending on the activity and authority requirements, businesses may establish a free zone branch or obtain a permit for specific mainland activities.
A fast, fully digital licensing option for eligible activities that do not require external approvals. It includes a virtual business address for the first year, while a physical business location must be provided at renewal or when making amendments.
Also known as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment Licence, this option supports eligible UAE and GCC national entrepreneurs launching small and medium-sized businesses. It offers reduced government fees, making it a practical choice for qualifying startups and early-stage ventures.
A home-based business licence available to eligible UAE and GCC nationals residing in Dubai. It allows entrepreneurs to legally operate selected activities from home under a Sole Establishment structure.
Differences between Mainland and Free Zone
| Feature | Mainland Company | Freezone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Registered with the relevant emirate's economic authority, such as Dubai DET. | Registered within a designated economic zone under its own regulations. |
| Where you can operate | Across the UAE market and internationally, subject to the licensed activity. | Mainly within the zone and internationally; direct UAE trading usually needs a distributor or extra approval. |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities, subject to UAE regulations. | 100% foreign ownership is generally available. |
| Corporate tax & VAT | Corporate tax applies on taxable profits above the AED 375,000 threshold; VAT rules apply. | Qualifying free zone persons may benefit from 0% on qualifying income; VAT rules still apply. |
| Legal structures | LLCs, sole establishments, civil companies and more. | Free Zone Establishments, Free Zone Companies, branches. |
| Office requirements | A registered address, depending on the licence and activity. | Flexi desk, shared or dedicated space, depending on the zone. |
| Visa eligibility | Visa quota depends on the licence and office size. | Quota depends on the package and office space chosen. |
| Audit & compliance | Compliance depends on the activity and authority. | Annual audit and accounting requirements vary by zone. |
| Best for | Businesses serving the local UAE market, clients and retail. | Start-ups, consultants, international trading and holding companies. |
Company registration process in the UAE
- 1Choose the right legal structure: Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore
- 2Select the business activities and licence you need
- 3Prepare and submit the required documents
- 4Receive incorporation documents and the trade licence
- 5Rent an office or choose a Flexi Desk
- 6Obtain additional permits for regulated activities, if applicable
Company setup timeline: up to 2.5 weeks
Timelines may extend if a corporate entity is among the founders, or if your chosen business activity requires additional permits.
Our services
Company formation packages
Company Formation in the UAE
Company Formation in the UAE
- + 1 resident visa
Company Formation in the UAE
- + 1 UAE residency visa
- + Corporate bank account
We will help you solve all the issues
Leave your contacts and our specialists will reach out to you.
Request a callFAQ
Most companies are licensed within a few days to roughly two and a half weeks, depending on the jurisdiction, activity and whether additional approvals are needed.
Yes. A company licence and a residence visa are separate. You can incorporate first and apply for visas later, or skip them if you don't plan to relocate.
It depends on where your customers are, your activity, office needs and budget. Mainland allows trading directly across the UAE market; Free Zones offer simpler set-up and full foreign ownership within the zone.
Usually some form of registered address is required, but it can be a Flexi Desk or shared space rather than a full office, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
In most activities, yes. Foreign ownership rules were liberalised, though a few strategic or regulated sectors still have specific requirements. We confirm this per activity.
Stages of work
We explain all the legal intricacies of starting and running a business in the UAE
We help you choose the optimal solution for setting up your business
We handle the entire company registration process for you
We assist with bank account opening and residency visa procedures
We provide comprehensive accounting and legal support
Articles
Further reading
Leave Your Contact Details
Our legal and corporate advisors will analyze your request and provide a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
