Setting Up an International Business in Dubai & the UAE
100% foreign ownership. No local sponsor required. Set up your UAE company remotely from the UK, India, US, Australia, Germany, or anywhere in the world.
Since the 2021 UAE ownership reform, entrepreneurs and investors of any nationality can own 100% of a Dubai Mainland or Free Zone company.
About the figures on this page. Amounts in AED are indicative ranges for planning, not quotes. Government and free zone fees differ by activity, emirate, number of visas and date, and they change. Confirm current fees with the relevant authority or get a written quote before you pay. Free zone and provider prices are market estimates rather than official tariffs. Timelines are indicative and depend on the authority, the activity and how complete your documents are.
Can Foreigners Set Up a Company in Dubai & the UAE?
Yes, and since the landmark UAE Commercial Companies Law reform in 2021, setting up an international business in the UAE has never been more accessible. Foreign nationals of any nationality can now own 100% of a Dubai Mainland company for most business activities, with no requirement for a UAE national sponsor or partner.
For entrepreneurs and investors setting up from outside the UAE, the choice of jurisdiction is the most important decision in your company formation journey. Dubai Mainland companies, licensed through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), give you full access to the UAE domestic market and government contracts. Free Zone companies, licensed through the relevant free zone authority (DMCC, IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, and 40+ others), offer simplified compliance, faster registration, and the ability to set up remotely without visiting Dubai. If you are incorporating a branch office of an existing foreign company, starting as a new entrepreneur, or relocating an international business to the UAE, we handle every step of the process.
Business Structure Options for International Founders
Your jurisdiction, Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, determines your ownership structure, liability, visa quota, banking options, tax treatment, and compliance obligations. Here is what each option means for an international entrepreneur.
- Trade freely with any UAE customer or business
- Eligible for UAE government contracts
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Unlimited employee visa quota (tied to office space)
- All emirates accessible, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and beyond
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) required, foreign shareholders may need document attestation
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Full setup possible remotely without visiting Dubai
- Simplified registration requirements, no MOA for most zones
- Trade licence issued in 1–5 working days
- Flexi-desk, virtual office, and physical office options
- Qualifying Free Zone Persons may access 0% corporate tax rate
- 100% foreign ownership, full privacy of shareholders
- Hold international assets, intellectual property, or shares in other companies
- Ideal for Marshall Islands or Cyprus-type international holding structures
- No physical office required in UAE
- Cannot trade directly in the UAE domestic market
- Does not qualify for UAE investor visa independently
- UAE branch of an existing overseas registered company
- Operates under the parent company's name and trade licence
- Requires a local service agent for mainland branches
- Parent company retains full liability for branch operations
- Can conduct the same activities as the parent company
- Work under your own name without incorporating a company
- Available in SHAMS, IFZA, Meydan, and SPC Free Zones
- Includes UAE residency visa eligibility
- Starting from AED 5,500, the most affordable UAE setup option
- Ideal for writers, designers, developers, consultants, and coaches
Step-by-Step Process for International Company Formation in UAE
Every international setup follows the same core journey but the specific requirements, timelines, and documentation differ by jurisdiction, nationality, and business activity. Here is how the process works from start to finish.
Choose Your Business Activity & Licence Type
The UAE has over 2,000 licensed business activities. Your activity determines which government body issues your trade licence, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for mainland, or the relevant free zone authority for free zones. Selecting the wrong activity code causes application rejections. We identify the correct activity and licence type before any submission is made.
Choose Your Jurisdiction
This single decision affects everything that follows: cost, ownership, liability, visa quota, banking access, tax benefits, and compliance obligations. Mainland gives full UAE market access. Free Zone gives speed, lower costs, and remote setup capability. Offshore suits international holding and asset structures. We match your specific situation, business model, team size, visa needs, and target market, to the right jurisdiction.
Prepare Requirements & Documents
Core requirements for international founders include: passport copies for all shareholders and directors, passport-size photographs, proof of address, and your proposed trade name. For mainland LLC structures, a Memorandum of Association (MOA) is required and foreign shareholders may need document attestation, notarisation and authentication from relevant authorities in the founder's home country. Free zone setups have simpler documentation requirements. We prepare and review every document before submission to avoid rejections.
Register Trade Name & Submit Application
Your trade name must comply with UAE naming regulations, names referencing international brands, containing religious or political terms, or using non-standard abbreviations are commonly rejected. We check name availability, confirm compliance with government body naming rules, and submit both the name reservation and your initial approval application simultaneously. For free zones, the registration application goes to the free zone authority. For mainland, it goes to the DET.
Receive Your Trade Licence
Once documents are verified and office registration is confirmed, your trade licence is issued by the relevant government authority. This is the official document authorising your international business to operate in the UAE. Free zone licence issuance takes 1–5 working days. Mainland DET licences take 2–7 working days. Mainland companies also receive an Establishment Card from MOHRE, required for employee visa processing.
Apply for Investor Visa & Residency
With your trade licence issued, you can apply for your UAE investor visa, giving you legal residency in the UAE and the right to sponsor employee visas and dependents (spouse, children). The visa process includes a medical fitness test, biometric data submission, and Emirates ID issuance. Investors with qualifying structures may also be eligible for the UAE Golden Visa (10-year residency). International founders not visiting the UAE can manage this step remotely in many free zones.
Open Corporate Bank Account & Start Operations
Opening a UAE corporate bank account is the final step before you can receive payments and begin trading. UAE banking compliance requirements are strict, banks assess your business activity, source of funds, and expected transaction volumes. For international founders, banks including WIO, ZAND, and Mashreq NeoBiz are generally more accessible than traditional banks. We prepare complete bank applications, including business plan documentation, to minimise the risk of rejection. Post-setup accounting, VAT registration, and Corporate Tax registration obligations begin immediately and we provide ongoing compliance support.
Documents & Requirements for Foreign Shareholders
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and nationality. Here is what most international founders need to prepare, and what may need attestation from your home country before submission to UAE government bodies.
Core documents - all structures
Additional - mainland LLC & some free zones
Cost of International Business Setup in UAE (2026)
All costs are shown in AED. The total investment for a complete setup, licence, investor visa, and bank account, typically ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 45,000 depending on your chosen structure, activity, and visa requirements.
| Service | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Trade Licence | AED 5,500 – AED 18,000 SHAMS / UAQ from AED 5,500 · IFZA from AED 7,500 · DMCC from AED 18,000 |
| Mainland DET Licence (LLC) | AED 12,000 – AED 25,000 Varies by activity and number of shareholders |
| Investor Visa | AED 3,500 – AED 7,000 Includes medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping |
| Corporate Bank Account | AED 0 – AED 1,500 Most UAE banks have no account opening fee; minimum balance requirements vary |
| Flexi-Desk / Office Space | AED 5,000 – AED 20,000/yr Flexi-desk included in many free zone packages · Mainland requires physical office lease |
| Attestation (if required) | AED 1,500 – AED 5,000 Mainland LLC with foreign shareholders only · Free zone setups rarely require attestation |
| Accounting & Compliance (annual) | AED 3,500 – AED 8,000/yr Bookkeeping, Corporate Tax registration, and annual licence renewal |
Can I Set Up a UAE Business Without Visiting Dubai?
Yes, for most free zone setups, the entire company formation process can be completed remotely. The requirements differ between Free Zone and Mainland structures.
The majority of UAE free zones allow complete remote registration, from licence application through to visa stamping, without requiring a single visit to Dubai. Documents are submitted digitally and couriered for signatures where needed.
- ✓Licence application submitted digitally
- ✓Documents uploaded or couriered
- ✓Licence issued and emailed to you
- ✓Visa processing initiated remotely
- ✓Biometrics done on first UAE visit (or arranged in advance)
- ✓Bank account consultations conducted via video call
Best remote free zones: IFZA, SHAMS, Meydan, UAQ, SPC. All support fully remote international founder setups.
Most of the documentation and preparation for a mainland company can be done remotely, but at least one in-person visit to the UAE is typically required for biometric registration and Emirates ID collection.
- ✓MOA drafting and attestation managed remotely
- ✓DET application submission managed on your behalf
- ✓Office lease arranged on your behalf
- !Biometric registration requires a UAE visit
- !Emirates ID collection requires in-person presence
- !Some banks require an in-person visit to open an account
We coordinate the full preparation remotely so your Dubai visit is short, focused, and productive, typically 2–3 days total.
Best Free Zones for International Businesses in 2026
With 40+ UAE Free Zones to choose from, the right choice depends on your business activity, budget, visa requirements, and whether you need to set up remotely. Here are the most popular options for international founders.
A leading free zone for international trade and commodities. Prestigious JLT address. Excellent for high-volume trading, manufacturing licences, and established international businesses. Strong banking relationships.
✓ Remote setup availableDubai-based, highly flexible, and one of the most accessible free zones for international entrepreneurs. Wide range of permitted activities, competitive pricing, and strong remote setup support. Recommended for most international founders.
✓ Fully remote setupOutstanding for manufacturing, industrial production, and trading businesses. Lower overall cost than Dubai free zones with access to physical warehousing and production facilities. Strong for international supply chain operations.
✓ Remote setup availableMost affordable UAE free zone option. Excellent for digital businesses, media companies, consultants, and individual freelancers. Flexi-desk included. Very fast setup, often completed within 48 hours. Popular with international solo founders.
✓ Fully remote setupDubai-address free zone with broad activity coverage. Particularly popular with international e-commerce, consulting, and professional service businesses. Flexible office packages and strong onboarding support for remote applicants.
✓ Fully remote setupUAE's most reputable offshore jurisdiction. Suitable for international holding companies, IP holding, and structures where the business operates outside the UAE. Can hold UAE property. Strong for multi-entity international corporate structures.
✓ Fully remote setupOpening a UAE Corporate Bank Account as a Foreign National
UAE banking compliance requirements have tightened significantly in recent years. For international founders, choosing the right bank, and preparing a complete application, is the difference between a smooth opening and weeks of delays or outright rejection.
What banks require from international founders
Accounting, Compliance & Regulations After Setup
Your compliance obligations begin on the day your trade licence is issued. UAE regulations are clear and manageable but international founders need to understand what is required from day one to avoid penalties.
All UAE companies must maintain proper accounting records from the date of incorporation. Free zone companies typically need to submit annual financial statements to their free zone authority. Mainland companies must maintain records under UAE Commercial Companies Law. We recommend engaging a UAE-based accounting firm from day one.
Required from Day 1All UAE companies, regardless of profit level, must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority. The 9% corporate tax rate applies to profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying Free Zone Persons may maintain a 0% rate on qualifying income. Registration must be completed within specific deadlines after licence issuance. Full corporate tax guide →
Mandatory for All CompaniesVAT registration is required for businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. The UAE VAT rate is 5%. International businesses supplying goods or services to UAE customers typically need to register once their revenue threshold is met. VAT registration guide →
Above AED 375,000 thresholdAll UAE companies must comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and register their Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) with the relevant government authority. UBO registers must be updated whenever ownership changes. Non-compliance carries significant penalties. UBO requirements guide →
Ongoing RequirementAll UAE trade licences must be renewed annually. Failure to renew on time results in fines, and operating on an expired licence is a compliance violation. We track renewal dates for all clients and initiate the process 60 days in advance to ensure zero interruption to operations.
Annual - all licencesThe UAE has active double taxation avoidance treaties with a large number of countries including the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Canada, Netherlands, Philippines, Malaysia, Cyprus, New Zealand, and more. These treaties allow profit repatriation from the UAE to your home country with reduced or zero withholding tax, depending on the treaty. We advise on treaty applicability as part of the setup process.
Tax benefits for internationalsWe Work With Founders From Around the World
Wherever you are based, we manage the full setup process on your behalf.
Residency Visas for International Business Owners
Setting up a UAE company entitles you, and your family, to live in the UAE. Here are the main residency visa options available to international founders and investors.
Available to all company owners after licence issuance. Allows you to live and work in the UAE. Renewable. Enables sponsoring employee visas. Processing takes 3-10 working days. Investor visa guide →
Long-term UAE residency for qualifying investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Self-sponsored, no company or employer required for renewal. Available to business owners meeting investment thresholds. Golden Visa guide →
Once you hold a UAE investor visa, you can sponsor residency visas for your spouse, children, and in some cases parents. Dependents can access UAE healthcare, education, and banking as residents. Family sponsorship guide →
Why International Founders Work With Us
Setting up a business in a foreign jurisdiction is complex. We handle every step of your company formation journey, so you can focus on running your business, not navigating paperwork.
Common Questions About International Business Setup in UAE
Can a foreigner set up a business in Dubai without a local sponsor?
Yes. Since the 2021 UAE Commercial Companies Law reform, foreign nationals of any nationality can own 100% of a Dubai Mainland company for most business activities, with no local sponsor or UAE national partner required. Free Zone companies have always permitted 100% foreign ownership. Full foreign ownership guide →
Can I set up a UAE company without visiting Dubai?
Yes, most UAE Free Zones (IFZA, SHAMS, Meydan, UAQ) allow complete remote setup including licence issuance and visa processing without an in-person visit. Mainland setup typically requires one visit for biometric registration and Emirates ID collection.
How long does international business setup in UAE take?
Free zone trade licence issuance: 1-5 working days. Mainland DET licensing: 2-7 working days. Investor visa: 3-10 days. Corporate bank account opening: 5-15 working days. A complete setup, licence, visa, and bank account, typically takes 2-4 weeks when handled by an experienced team.
What documents does a foreign shareholder need to set up in Dubai?
Core requirements: passport copies for all shareholders and directors, passport-size photographs, proof of address from your home country, and a business activity description. For mainland LLC structures, a Memorandum of Association and document attestation may be required depending on the shareholder's nationality. Free zone setups typically need only basic identification. Full documents checklist →
What is the best UAE Free Zone for an international business?
For most international entrepreneurs: IFZA (from AED 7,500), SHAMS (from AED 5,500), or Meydan (from AED 12,500) offer the best balance of cost, flexibility, and remote-setup capability. For trading and manufacturing, RAKEZ is excellent. For high-value international trade, DMCC is a leading international free zone. The best choice depends on your specific activity, visa needs, and budget. Free zone comparison guide →
How do I open a UAE corporate bank account as a foreign national?
You need your trade licence, Emirates ID (or visa-in-progress letter), a business plan, proof of address, and a source of funds declaration. For international founders, digital banks WIO and ZAND are the most accessible. Traditional banks have stricter compliance requirements. We prepare complete bank applications to minimise rejection risk. Account opening takes 5-15 working days. Corporate banking guide →
Does the UAE have a double taxation treaty with my country?
The UAE has active double taxation avoidance treaties with a large number of countries including the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Canada, Netherlands, Philippines, Malaysia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Tanzania, and many more. These treaties allow profit repatriation from the UAE with reduced or zero withholding tax, depending on the treaty on dividends and business income.
Can I get UAE residency when I set up a company?
Yes. Once your trade licence is issued, you can apply for a UAE investor visa, giving you legal residency and the right to sponsor employee visas and family members (spouse, children). Qualifying investors may also apply for the UAE Golden Visa (10-year renewable residency). The investor visa typically takes 3-10 working days to process. Investor visa guide →
Related guides
Start Your International Business Setup in UAE
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- ✓Ongoing compliance & PRO support
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