Navigate the complexities of UAE company formation with a trusted partner. We transform the intricate process of mainland and free zone setup into a clear, streamlined path to your success.
The UAE offers international entrepreneurs and investors access to a diversified economy, global transport links, Mainland and Free Zone company structures, and multiple routes for establishing or expanding a business.
Whether you want to invest in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or another UAE Emirate, Najoom Corporate Services can help you evaluate business setup options, company structures, licensing requirements, investor residency pathways and ongoing corporate support.
Foreign investors can own up to 100% of many UAE Mainland companies, although certain strategic activities remain subject to specific requirements.
Foreign ownership for many eligible business activities
0% up to AED 375,000 taxable income and 9% above for standard taxable persons
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the wider UAE market
Mainland, Free Zone and selected Offshore structures
Foreign investors can choose from several UAE market-entry structures depending on how and where they plan to operate.
A UAE Free Zone company can suit entrepreneurs, international service businesses, trading companies, e-commerce businesses and companies operating from specialized industry clusters.
A Mainland company can be suitable for investors who want to operate directly across the UAE market, establish physical premises or build locally focused commercial operations.
The UAE provides different residency pathways for eligible investors, entrepreneurs, property investors and other qualifying applicants.
Offshore structures can be considered for certain international holding, investment, asset ownership and corporate structuring purposes.
Different Emirates offer different business environments, industry clusters, infrastructure and company formation options. The best location depends on your business activity, customers, logistics requirements, budget and long-term investment objectives.
Dubai is one of the UAE's major international business and investment hubs, offering Mainland company formation and specialized Free Zones across sectors such as technology, financial services, trade, media, agriculture and other industries.
Abu Dhabi offers Mainland, Free Zone and investment structures across sectors including industry, technology, finance, healthcare, energy and professional services.
Sharjah can be attractive for businesses focused on manufacturing, logistics, tourism, healthcare, education, innovation and creative industries.
Ras Al Khaimah can be considered by investors seeking manufacturing, industrial, trading, tourism, logistics and business setup options outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Ajman can suit SMEs, trading companies, e-commerce businesses, service providers and industrial businesses seeking Mainland or Free Zone setup options in the northern Emirates.
Fujairah can be relevant to businesses connected with shipping, logistics, trade, tourism, maritime services and industries benefiting from access to the UAE's eastern coastline.
Umm Al Quwain offers business setup options for entrepreneurs and SMEs seeking alternative Free Zone and commercial structures within the UAE.
The UAE attracts investment across a wide range of industries. The most suitable sector depends on the investor's experience, capital, regulatory requirements and target customers.
Technology investors can explore opportunities across software, AI, fintech, digital services, cloud platforms, cybersecurity and related technology industries.
The UAE's geographic position, ports, airports and logistics networks make trading, import/export, warehousing and distribution important investment areas.
Investors can explore real estate-related businesses, hospitality, tourism services, property management and approved accommodation or leisure activities.
The UAE supports consultancy, accounting, HR, management, marketing, IT and other approved service activities. Regulated activities can require additional approvals.
Healthcare, education, training, medical technology and life sciences provide investment opportunities, although specific regulatory approvals are often required.
Investors can establish e-commerce, retail, marketplace, distribution and consumer businesses through suitable Mainland or Free Zone structures.
The UAE provides strong connectivity between the GCC, Asia, Africa and Europe through major air, sea and logistics networks.
Foreign investors can own up to 100% of many Mainland companies, while Free Zone structures commonly provide full foreign ownership, subject to applicable rules.
Eligible investors, entrepreneurs and other applicants can explore various UAE residency pathways according to the applicable immigration criteria.
Najoom can support investors with corporate banking introductions and preparation of common KYC and business documentation.
Najoom can assist with company formation, licensing, visa applications, PRO procedures, banking introductions and ongoing company support.
Najoom's team supports entrepreneurs and investors across UAE Mainland and Free Zone company formation routes.
Najoom can assist with applicable Corporate Tax registration, VAT support, PRO services, documentation and ongoing corporate requirements.
Decide whether you want to establish an operating company, enter a specific sector, create a regional office or explore another eligible investment structure.
Compare Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates according to industry, customers, infrastructure and costs.
Select the company formation route based on where and how the business intends to operate.
Confirm the appropriate licensed activities and whether external regulatory approvals are required.
Include business licensing, company registration, visas, office requirements and ongoing compliance costs.
Prepare documents, obtain applicable approvals and complete the registration and licensing process.
Where applicable, proceed with investor residency procedures and corporate banking preparation.
Investors should evaluate tax treatment according to the actual company structure, income and activities rather than assuming that UAE investment is universally tax-free.
| Tax area | Current treatment |
|---|---|
| Standard taxable persons | 0% on taxable income up to and including AED 375,000 |
| Standard taxable persons above threshold | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 |
| Qualifying Free Zone Persons | 0% on Qualifying Income and 9% on non-qualifying taxable income, subject to conditions |
Corporate Tax rules can change and depend on the company's facts, structure, income and activities.
Compare business setup options according to your investment objective.
Evaluate Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Emirates according to your industry and business model.
Get assistance with Mainland, Free Zone and eligible Offshore structures.
Receive support with applicable investor and residency pathways.
Get banking introductions and support preparing common application documentation.
Access applicable Corporate Tax, VAT, PRO, documentation and post-incorporation support.
The UAE provides access to regional and international markets, a wide range of business sectors, Mainland and Free Zone company formation options and up to 100% foreign ownership for many eligible activities.
There is no single minimum amount for every investor. The required budget depends on the Emirate, jurisdiction, license, business activity, visas, workspace and regulatory approvals.
The timeframe depends on the Emirate, business activity, company structure, documentation and whether regulatory approvals are required.
Corporate Tax depends on the company and its taxable income rather than the investor's nationality. Standard taxable persons are generally subject to 0% up to AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% above that threshold, while separate rules apply to Qualifying Free Zone Persons.
Najoom can assist with Emirate and jurisdiction selection, company formation, licensing, investor visa support, PRO procedures, Corporate Tax support and corporate banking introductions.
Dubai offers Mainland and specialized Free Zone setup options across numerous sectors including technology, trade, financial services, real estate, logistics, tourism and professional services.
Yes. Abu Dhabi provides business licensing and investment pathways for foreign investors, including structures that can support full foreign ownership for eligible activities.
Whether you plan to invest in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another UAE Emirate, Najoom Corporate Services can help you compare business structures, licensing routes, investment locations and residency options.