Set up a company in the UAE
There are three main options in the UAE: a free zone company, a mainland company and an offshore company. The choice depends on where your clients are, how many visas you need and which bank you want.
Company types compared
| Free zone | Mainland (DET) | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clients in the UAE | Within the zone and abroad | No restrictions | No UAE activity |
| Visas | Per zone package | Based on office size | None |
| Office | Flexi desk is enough | Required, Ejari | Registered agent |
| Tax | 9%, or 0% on qualifying income | 9% on profit above AED 375,000 | Depends on activity |
| Timeline | 5-15 business days | 2-4 weeks | 7-14 business days |
FAQ
01What suits a freelancer or consultant?
Usually a free zone: cheaper, faster and with a visa. Mainland makes sense if your main clients are UAE mainland companies.
02Can I start in a free zone and add mainland later?
Yes, many founders do. You can add a mainland company or branch once you have clients in the country.
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