--- title: "UAE Company Formation | Free Zone, Mainland & Offshore | GTC" description: "Form a UAE company the right way. Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore. Attorney-led setup with trade licence, Emirates ID, visas, and bank-account support." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Global Trademark Company LLC", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com", "logo": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/gtc-logo.svg", "description": "Multi-practice IP and business legal firm. Trademarks in 100+ jurisdictions, patents in 10 + PCT, copyrights under Berne. Operating since 2016.", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/globaltrademarkcompany/", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co" ], "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+1-510-973-4964", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+44-7453-347853", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "GB", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "+91-6397-329955", "contactType": "customer service", "areaServed": "IN", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "Hindi" ] } ], "address": [ { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "712 H Street NE, Suite 2094", "addressLocality": "Washington", "addressRegion": "DC", "postalCode": "20002", "addressCountry": "US" }, { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "YSC Complex, 4th floor, A-400, 12 Ajit Singh House, Sri Aurobindo Marg", "addressLocality": "New Delhi", "addressRegion": "Delhi", "postalCode": "110016", "addressCountry": "IN" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "name": "UAE Company Formation", "serviceType": "UAE Company Formation", "description": "Form a UAE company the right way. Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore. Attorney-led setup with trade licence, Emirates ID, visas, and bank-account support.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Global Trademark Company", "url": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com" }, "offers": { "@type": "Offer", "description": "Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore, quoted to your structure" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Incorporation & Startups", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/incorporation" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "UAE Company Formation", "item": "https://globaltrademarkcompany.com/services/uae-company-formation" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Mainland vs. Free Zone, which is right for me?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Mainland LLCs now allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities, can trade across the UAE, and can sponsor unlimited visas. Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership, lower setup cost, and tax advantages, but restrict direct mainland trading, so you need a distributor or branch. For most service businesses, e-commerce, and holding structures, Free Zone is the right answer; for selling physical goods to UAE customers, Mainland is often better. We settle it on the structure call." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the UAE corporate-tax situation?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax in June 2023, applicable to profits over AED 375,000. Free Zone qualifying income retains 0% under the QFZP regime; non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. We model the corporate-tax position during the structure consultation and coordinate a tax adviser where the position is complex. This is not tax advice." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long does UAE company formation take?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Free Zone is roughly two to four weeks for the licence, plus two to four weeks for visas and the bank account. Mainland is three to six weeks for the licence. Offshore is one to two weeks, as no physical presence is required. Timelines depend on the authority and document readiness, so they are estimates, not guarantees." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a local Emirati partner?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No, not since the 2021 amendments to Federal Decree-Law No. 26. Mainland LLCs now allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities, though a short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati partnership. Free Zones have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. We confirm your activity's ownership rule at intake." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you guarantee the trade licence, visas, and bank account?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "We form the entity and prepare every filing, but the relevant free-zone or mainland authority grants the licence, the immigration authority issues the visas, and the bank decides on the account under its own onboarding checks. We sequence and support all three to give them the best chance; we can't guarantee a government or bank decision." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does the fee cover, and what is passed through?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Our attorney fee covers the structure consultation, the licence application and approvals, the MOA and shareholder resolutions, and visa and bank-account support. UAE government, registry, free-zone, and visa fees are passed through at cost. We don't mark them up. We quote the attorney fee in writing, scoped to your chosen structure, before any work begins." } } ], "dateModified": "2026-06-15" } ] --- [](/) - Trademarks - Patents - Copyrights - Data Privacy - Business Legal - [Pricing](/pricing) - Resources Sign inEN · USD Sign in 1. [Home](/) 2. [Incorporation & Startups](/services/incorporation) 3. UAE company UAE company · Mainland + Free Zone + Offshore # Set up in the UAE with the right structure, not the costly one. The wrong UAE structure costs you in fees, blocked banking, or visas you can't get. We pick the right one first. Mainland (LLC, Sole Establishment), Free Zone (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, Dubai Internet City), or Offshore (JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC), then run the trade licence, Emirates ID, residence visas, and bank-account opening to the finish. We form the entity and handle the filings; the relevant UAE authority grants the licence and visas. From $2,500 Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore, quoted to your structure [Book a UAE Setup Consultation](/forms/catalog/incorporation-startups/uae-company-formation/AE?ref=b2c) [Excellent Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) ![Founders reviewing a UAE company-formation plan in a bright Dubai office](/img/home/hero-library/hero-duo-meeting-480.jpg) Entity formed State-filed & compliant Papers in order Bylaws · EIN · agreements Stays compliant Annual filings tracked Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel 10,856+ clients 11 attorneys 5 offices 10,856+ clients 11 attorneys 5 offices 10+ years IIPLA Top IP Consultancy 2026 [Upwork · Top Rated Plus ](https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/zamanzaidi) Trusted by founders and brands worldwide ![Atlys](/assets/atlys-B5BookJo.webp "Atlys")![Perfora](/assets/perfora-D4_346Y2.webp "Perfora")![Soxco](/assets/soxco-D31kWMAz.webp "Soxco")![BossCare](data:image/webp;base64,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"BossCare")![Innovist](/assets/innovist-BgYdG_yd.webp "Innovist")![Bacardi](/assets/bacardi-JU27gvk6.webp "Bacardi")![Footcare Lab](/assets/footcarelab-BLfB0WJu.webp "Footcare Lab")![Bare Anatomy](/assets/bare-anatomy-CBhgu9Ro.webp "Bare Anatomy")![Freedom](/assets/freedom-confectionery-HioHiGYc.webp "Freedom") How it works ## Three steps from structure call to a licensed company. 1 ### Structure consultation Sixty to ninety minutes. We weigh Mainland against Free Zone against Offshore for your business activity, visa needs, ownership structure, and corporate-tax position. The structure decision drives everything that follows, so we settle it first. 2 ### Licence application and approvals We reserve the trade name, draft the Memorandum of Association and shareholder resolutions, and secure initial approval and the final trade licence. Free Zone typically runs two to three weeks; Mainland three to five weeks after DED approval and notarisation. 3 ### Visas and bank account Once the licence issues, we run Emirates ID and residence-visa applications for shareholders, then support corporate bank-account opening with banks such as Emirates NBD, ADCB, and HSBC, which usually takes four to eight weeks. What it costs ## Attorney fee quoted to your structure UAE Company Formation starts from $2,500. UAE setup cost depends on the structure. Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore, and the business activity and visa count. We scope it on the structure call and quote the attorney fee in writing before any work begins, so you approve the fee upfront. UAE government, free-zone, registry, and visa fees are passed through at cost. What's included - Structure recommendation: Mainland LLC vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore, based on activity and visa needs - Trade-name reservation with the relevant authority - Memorandum of Association and shareholder resolutions drafted - Initial approval and trade-licence issuance - Lease / Ejari (Mainland) or Free Zone office allocation - Emirates ID and residence-visa applications for shareholders - Corporate-tax registration (UAE CT, applicable since June 2023) - VAT registration where the turnover threshold applies - Corporate bank-account opening support - Annual compliance and renewal handover after formation Free Zone formation (attorney fee) Quoted by scope Mainland LLC formation (attorney fee) Quoted by scope Offshore formation (RAK ICC / JAFZA Offshore) Quoted by scope UAE government fees (trade licence + Emirates ID + visas) Passed through at cost; varies by zone and visa count Annual renewal (trade licence + visas + registrations) Quoted year on year Government / free-zone / registry / visa fees Passed through at cost GTC forms the entity and prepares the filings. The relevant free-zone or mainland authority grants the licence and the bank decides on the account; no licence, visa, or account outcome is guaranteed. We coordinate a tax adviser where needed. This is not tax or investment advice. Get started ### Start your UAE company Tell us about your business and a GTC attorney will recommend the right jurisdiction and email a flat-fee quote scoped to your structure. No payment required Reply within 1 business day A GTC attorney reviews it & sends a flat-fee quote. 1. 01 Brand details 2. 02 More details 3. 03 Your details Already know your activity and how many visas you need? Share it and we can recommend Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore faster. Brand details 1 What name would you like for the company?\* Your preferred trade name. We check availability with the relevant UAE authority. 2 Which setup are you considering?\* Mainland can trade across the UAE and sponsor unlimited visas; Free Zone gives 100% ownership and tax advantages but limited mainland trading; Offshore is a holding vehicle with no physical presence. 3 What will the company do?\* Your main business activity — this drives the license type and which free zone fits best. 4 How many residence visas do you need? Visa quota depends on the structure and office space. Free Zones bundle a set number; Mainland scales with office size. 5 Do you need help opening a corporate bank account? UAE bank-account opening is the trickiest step; we guide you through HSBC, Emirates NBD, ADCB, and others. BackNext Why GTC ## Why founders form in the UAE with GTC. Legal team GTC's formation team Business counsel Attorney-led ### The right structure, chosen first An attorney weighs Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore against your activity, visa needs, and corporate-tax position before any fee is paid. The wrong zone is what causes blocked banking and visas you can't get. ### Licence to bank account, run end to end Trade name, MOA, initial approval, trade licence, Emirates ID, residence visas, and bank-account support are sequenced as one engagement, so nothing stalls waiting on a missing approval. ### Corporate tax and VAT handled at setup We register the entity for UAE corporate tax and, where the turnover threshold applies, VAT, and we model the corporate-tax position on the structure call. We coordinate a tax adviser where the position is complex. We don't give tax advice. ### Annual compliance handover After formation we hand over a clear renewal calendar. Trade-licence renewal, visa renewals, and ongoing filings, so the company stays in good standing year on year. Renewal can stay an ongoing service if you want it carried. Your Customer Success Team ## A dedicated team that owns your matter from start to finish. Every GTC client gets a dedicated Account Manager and a Senior Account Manager who learn your business and stay with you from first email to final filing. They are named people who pick up the phone and already know your matter, so every step moves forward without delay. ### Your Account Manager Your day-to-day point of contact, who coordinates every matter, keeps things moving, and already knows your file. They have your full history, so you start every conversation where the last one left off. ### Your Senior Account Manager Senior oversight on strategy and escalations, stepping in as your needs grow, so every important detail stays on track. A named person, on email or a call, at every step. ![Your dedicated GTC Customer Success Team](/assets/m-onboarding-bright-welcome-C-heDolY.jpg) How we compare ## GTC vs. the alternatives What you get GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Attorney recommends the structure before you pay A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): no. You pick blind A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): no. You pick blind Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore all on the table DIY filing service: limited to its panel of zones DIY filing service: limited to its panel of zones Trade licence, Emirates ID, and visas run end to end Corporate bank-account opening support Flat-fee quote scoped to your structure upfront A big law firm: hourly, opaque, far higher rate A big law firm: hourly, opaque, far higher rate Annual compliance and renewal handover DIY filing service: renewal upsells, no calendar DIY filing service: renewal upsells, no calendar Attorney recommends the structure before you pay GTC Online filing services A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): no. You pick blind Doing it yourself A DIY filing service (LegalZoom-style): no. You pick blind Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore all on the table GTC Online filing services DIY filing service: limited to its panel of zones Doing it yourself DIY filing service: limited to its panel of zones Trade licence, Emirates ID, and visas run end to end GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Corporate bank-account opening support GTC Online filing services Doing it yourself Flat-fee quote scoped to your structure upfront GTC Online filing services A big law firm: hourly, opaque, far higher rate Doing it yourself A big law firm: hourly, opaque, far higher rate Annual compliance and renewal handover GTC Online filing services DIY filing service: renewal upsells, no calendar Doing it yourself DIY filing service: renewal upsells, no calendar The timeline ## From structure call to a licensed, banked company. Free Zone setups move fastest; Mainland and bank accounts take a little longer. We sequence the work so nothing waits on a missing approval. 1. Day 1 ### Structure consultation Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore decided against your activity, visa needs, ownership, and corporate-tax position. 2. Weeks 1-2 ### Trade name + initial approval Trade name reserved, MOA and shareholder resolutions drafted, and initial approval secured from the relevant authority. 3. Weeks 2-5 ### Trade licence issued Final licence issued. Free Zone in two to three weeks, Mainland in three to five weeks after DED approval and notarisation. 4. Weeks 4-12 ### Visas + corporate bank account Emirates ID and residence visas processed, then corporate bank-account opening with Emirates NBD, ADCB, or HSBC, typically four to eight weeks. In their words ## All your legal, in one place. One accountable team across every practice, operating since 2016. [Excellent Trustpilot ](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/globaltrademark.co) 10,856+ Clients served 11 In-house attorneys 5 Global offices 10+ Years since 2016 UAE Company Formation FAQ ## Frequently asked questions Mainland vs. Free Zone, which is right for me? Mainland LLCs now allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities, can trade across the UAE, and can sponsor unlimited visas. Free Zones offer 100% foreign ownership, lower setup cost, and tax advantages, but restrict direct mainland trading, so you need a distributor or branch. For most service businesses, e-commerce, and holding structures, Free Zone is the right answer; for selling physical goods to UAE customers, Mainland is often better. We settle it on the structure call. What is the UAE corporate-tax situation? How long does UAE company formation take? Do I need a local Emirati partner? Can you guarantee the trade licence, visas, and bank account? What does the fee cover, and what is passed through? [Book a UAE Setup Consultation](/forms/catalog/incorporation-startups/uae-company-formation/AE?ref=b2c) Around incorporation ## What founders set up next Once the company is licensed, these are the steps that protect and grow it. [ ### India company formation Expanding into India too? We incorporate a Pvt Ltd, LLP, or OPC end to end. Form in India ](/services/india-company-formation)[ ### Operating agreements Paper how the company is owned and run between founders before disputes arise. Draft an operating agreement ](/services/operating-agreements)[ ### Company incorporation Comparing where to incorporate? Start at the incorporation overview. Explore incorporation ](/services/incorporation) UAE company formation ## Ready when you are. Set up in the UAE with the right structure, not the costly one. Book a structure consultation and a GTC attorney will recommend Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore and send a flat-fee quote scoped to your setup. 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