COMPANYREGISTRATION
Company registration in the UAE starts with one decision: where and what. The jurisdiction you choose — mainland or one of the free zones — and the activity on your licence shape everything that follows: where you can trade, which office you need, how many visas you can hold and how your company is taxed.
Draft text — under review by Milton Bridge
Milton Bridge helps founders, investors and existing companies choose the correct type of licence and guides them through the process of establishing the business. It's straightforward: you tell us what you do and where your clients are, we tell you the options, and then we do the paperwork.
Mainland or free zone: which one fits your business
A mainland company is licensed by the economic department of the emirate and can generally trade anywhere in the UAE, including directly with local customers and, depending on the activity, with government entities. A free zone company is licensed by the free zone authority and is typically built for international trade, services and holding activities, with its own rules on where and how it can trade inside the UAE.
Neither is better in general. The right choice depends on your activity, your customers, your office needs and the number of visas you plan to hold.
- Mainland: broad access to the local market; office requirements depend on the emirate and activity.
- Free zone: often simpler set-up for international business; trading rules inside the UAE vary by zone.
- Both: 100% foreign ownership is possible for most activities.
100% foreign ownership
Since the reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, most mainland activities can be owned 100% by foreign shareholders, and free zone companies have long allowed full foreign ownership. You do not need a local partner in most cases.
A small number of strategic activities, such as some in oil and gas, may still carry specific ownership or local-agent requirements. We check this for your activity before you commit.
Choosing the right licence and activity
Your licence lists the activities your company is allowed to carry out. Choosing them too narrowly can block future business; choosing the wrong category can add approvals you did not need. We match the activity list to what you actually do and plan to do.
- Commercial licence — trading goods.
- Professional licence — services and consultancy.
- Industrial licence — manufacturing and processing.
- Holding and investment structures — depending on jurisdiction.
Corporate tax and compliance after registration
The UAE introduced federal corporate tax in 2023. In general, the standard rate is 9% on taxable profit above a threshold, and qualifying income of a qualifying free zone person may be taxed at 0%. Whether that applies to you depends on your structure, activity and where your income comes from.
Registration is the start, not the end. Most companies need to register for corporate tax, keep proper accounts and renew their licence each year. We set this up with you from day one so nothing surprises you later.
How it works with Milton Bridge
- 1
Free consultation
You tell us about your business, your customers and your plans. We recommend a jurisdiction, licence type and activity list, and explain what it will involve.
- 2
Name and initial approval
We reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval with the relevant authority, preparing the documents on your behalf.
- 3
Documents and office
We prepare the company documents for signature and arrange the office solution your licence requires, from a flexi-desk to a full office, depending on the jurisdiction.
- 4
Licence issued
Once the authority approves, your trade licence is issued and your company exists. We then move straight on to visas and the bank account.
- 5
Visas, bank and ongoing support
We handle investor and employee visas, help you open a corporate bank account and set up accounting and tax registration so the company stays compliant.
Company Registration: frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases a foreign investor can own 100% of a company in Dubai, both on the mainland and in a free zone. This follows the reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law. A small number of strategic activities may still have specific ownership requirements, so we check your activity first.
What is the difference between a mainland and a free zone company?
A mainland company can generally trade anywhere in the UAE, while a free zone company is licensed by a free zone authority and has its own rules for trading inside the UAE. Free zones are often chosen for international trade and services; the mainland for businesses serving local customers. The right choice depends on your activity, customers and visa needs.
How long does it take to register a company in the UAE?
It depends on the jurisdiction, the activity and how quickly documents are ready. Simple free zone set-ups are typically faster than activities that need extra approvals. We give you a realistic timeline for your case at the free consultation.
How much does company registration in Dubai cost?
The cost depends on the jurisdiction, the licence activity, the office solution and the number of visas. There is no single price that fits every business. Use the cost calculator for an estimate or book a free expert consultation for an exact quote.
Do I need to be in the UAE to register a company?
In many cases a large part of the process can be done remotely. Some steps, such as visa medicals, biometrics for the Emirates ID and bank meetings, usually need you in the UAE. We plan the process so your time in the country is as short as possible.
Do I need a local agent or sponsor for my company?
In most cases, no. Local agents are required only in rare cases and certain industries, such as some oil and gas activities. We confirm the rules for your specific activity.
Will my company pay corporate tax?
It depends on your profit, structure and activity. The UAE introduced federal corporate tax in 2023, generally at 9% above a threshold, and qualifying free zone income may be taxed at 0%. We review your case and help you register and stay compliant.
Can I get a residence visa through my company?
Yes, a UAE company can typically sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their dependants. The number of visas depends on the licence and office solution. We handle the visa process after the licence is issued.
