AhmedWalid HalabiVSD Global
Aurion is one of the best consulting teams in the UAE for all activities of company formation and related matters. We trust them the most.
Business Setup
Set Up Your Company in the UAE
Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore — AURION helps you choose the right structure and handles licensing, visas, and banking from start to finish.
Trusted by 6,800+ companies from 80+ countries, and Registered Agent for 17 major UAE Freezones and Offshore jurisdictions.
5,000+Businesses Formed
Why the UAE
A Business Ecosystem Built for Global Ambition
Setting up a company in the UAE means tapping into one of the world's most business-friendly ecosystems — low taxation, exceptional government support, and an ease of doing business that few jurisdictions can match.
Investors gain a launchpad to a large addressable market, backed by extensive banking support, robust infrastructure, and logistics that connect the UAE to the rest of the world.
AURION's expert consultants guide you through a stress-free, low-cost setup process — so you can focus on growing your business, not navigating paperwork.
18+ Years in Operation6,800+ Companies IncorporatedRegistered Agent for 17 Freezones & Offshore Jurisdictions
Talk to a ConsultantThe Advantages
Why Investors Choose the UAE
Beyond the skyline, the UAE offers structural advantages that directly reduce the cost and friction of doing business.
Low Taxation
0% personal income tax and a competitive corporate tax regime keep more profit in your business.
Ease of Doing Business
Streamlined registration, transparent regulation, and digital-first government services shorten the path from idea to trading company.
Government Support
Well-governed jurisdictions and investor-friendly policy make the UAE one of the most supported places in the world to start a business.
Access to a Global Market
A strategic location between East and West gives your company a direct line to a large, addressable customer base.
Choose Your Structure
Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore — Which Fits You?
Every company setup in the UAE starts with this decision. Here's how the three paths compare.
Free Zone Company
A Free Zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership inside a dedicated economic zone, with full repatriation of profits and capital. It's the fastest, most cost-effective way to start trading internationally from the UAE.
Who it suits:
- E-commerce, trading, and consultancy businesses
- Founders who don't need a UAE mainland office
- Investors prioritizing speed and low setup cost
Packages start from AED 12,900 / USD 3,534
Free Zone companies generally cannot trade directly within the UAE mainland market without a distributor or additional license.
Explore Free Zone SetupInvestment Guide
What Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in the UAE?
Cost depends on the Emirate, license type, office type, and visa quota you need. These are starting figures — contact AURION for an exact quote based on your business activity.
Free Zonefrom AED 12,900
Offshorefrom AED 7,500
Mainlandfrom AED 25,000
Offshorefrom AED 7,500
Free Zonefrom AED 12,900
Mainlandfrom AED 25,000
The Process
How to Set Up a Company in the UAE
A clear, sequential path from choosing your activity to opening your corporate bank account.
Choose Your Business Activity
Define the exact activity your license will cover — this shapes every decision that follows.
Select Your Company Structure
Decide between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore based on where and how you plan to operate.
Reserve Your Trade Name
Submit your preferred company name for approval with the relevant authority.
Prepare & Submit Documentation
Compile shareholder documents and submit your application with the required fees.
Secure Your Office Space
Locate the right office or flexi-desk and finalize your tenancy contract.
Obtain Your Trade License
Receive your trade license, Memorandum of Association, and company documents.
Open Your Bank Account & Apply for Visas
Apply for UAE residence visas and open a corporate bank account to start operating.
What You'll Need
Documents Required to Set Up a Company in the UAE
Core requirements are the same across Free Zone, Mainland, and Offshore setups — AURION will flag anything extra your specific activity needs.
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- UAE residence visa copy (if already a resident)
- No Objection Certificate from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs of shareholders and directors
- Proposed company name options
- Business activity description
- Memorandum of Association / Shareholder Certificate
- Proof of registered office address or tenancy contract (Ejari)
Certain business activities require additional approvals from specific authorities — AURION will confirm exactly what applies to yours.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know,aboutsetting up in the UAE.
Still have questions about company formation in the UAE? Here are the ones we hear most.
What is the cost of setting up a company in the UAE?
Cost depends on the structure and Emirate. Free Zone setups start from AED 12,900, Offshore from AED 7,500, and Mainland from AED 25,000. Office space and visa quota add to the total — contact AURION for an exact quote.
Which is better — Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore company setup?
Free Zone suits international trading with 100% ownership and lower cost. Mainland suits businesses trading directly within the UAE or pursuing government contracts. Offshore suits holding structures and asset protection without a physical UAE presence. AURION can help you match your goals to the right structure.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the UAE?
Yes. All Free Zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership, and UAE Mainland reforms now permit full foreign ownership for most business activities, removing the traditional local sponsor requirement.
How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
Timelines vary by structure and activity, but many Free Zone and Offshore companies can be incorporated within a few working days once documentation is complete. Mainland licenses involving additional approvals may take slightly longer.
Do I need a local sponsor to start a business in the UAE?
Free Zone and Offshore companies never require a local sponsor. Following recent reforms, most Mainland activities no longer require one either — a small number of professional-license activities still need a UAE National Service Agent.
What visa options are available after setting up my company?
Free Zone and Mainland companies can sponsor investor, employee, and dependent family visas based on your office size and visa quota. Most Offshore structures are not eligible for UAE residence visas.
What Our Clients Say
Get Started
Ready to Set Up Your Company in the UAE?
Tell us your business activity and structure preference — we'll take it from there.
AURION handles licensing, documentation, visas, and banking so you can focus on running your business.