UAE · Local team in Dubai
Expert guidance for establishing your presence in the UAE
- Local experts on the ground in Dubai, not a remote filing desk
- 100% foreign ownership on mainland for most activities since the 2021 reform
- Licenses, tax, and visas handled in one place
Talk to an expert
Your Dubai advisor · replies within one business day
Tell us your plans and we map the fastest compliant route, with no obligation.
Trusted by companies expanding into the UAE
The support
What our experts handle for you
One local team across every piece of entering the UAE, so you are not stitching together lawyers, accountants, and PROs.
A guided process
Upload and track your documents in the Emerhub App, while our experts prepare each submission accurately for the authorities.
Licenses and permits
We identify the right DED or Free Zone license and prepare any sector permits your specific activity requires.
Office address
Every company needs a local business address. We arrange a compliant physical office or a cost-effective virtual one.
Tax and accounting
We keep your corporate tax, VAT, and payroll accurate and compliant under UAE law from day one.
Corporate secretarial
Ongoing support for renewals, statutory filings, and the corporate governance UAE authorities expect.
Visas and Emirates ID
Investor and employee visas, Emirates ID, and dependant visas, handled end to end.
Requirements
What a company in the UAE needs
A general overview of what to prepare, whether you set up mainland or in a Free Zone. Our consultants confirm the specifics for your situation.
Mainland or Free Zone
Mainland (DED) lets you operate anywhere in the UAE and most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership. Free Zones suit in-zone or export activities and each has its own regulator and rules.
Shareholders and managers
At least one shareholder, individual or corporate, and at least one manager. Many activities allow 100% foreign ownership; a small list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation.
Business address
A physical office or a Free Zone flexi-desk address, matched to your activity and visa quota. We arrange a compliant address.
Capital
Most activities have no fixed minimum. Certain regulated activities and Free Zones set their own thresholds, which we confirm before anything is filed.
Corporate tax
A federal 9% corporate tax applies on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Free Zone companies that meet qualifying conditions can keep 0% on qualifying income; we check whether you qualify.
We map it to you
Your activity decides whether mainland or a Free Zone fits, the right license type, and any sector approvals. We confirm the route before anything is filed.
How it works
Our guided process
Emerhub manages the complexity on your behalf, through the official government channels, start to finish.
STEP 01
Define your strategy
Tell us your planned activities. We recommend mainland or the right Free Zone, plus the license type.
STEP 02
Prepare documents
We advise on the shareholder and manager documents needed and prepare them accurately for submission.
STEP 03
License and lease
We lodge your license application with DED or the chosen Free Zone and arrange your compliant business address.
STEP 04
Visas and Emirates ID
Once your license is issued, we handle investor and employee visas, Emirates ID, and any dependant visas you need.
Experts in your corner
Specialists in local incorporation and compliance, working with you directly from first filing to ongoing support.
Client results
Don't take our word for it
What founders and finance leads say after working with our Dubai team.
Common questions
Questions foreign founders ask
Straight answers on mainland vs Free Zone, cost, timing, and tax.
How much does it cost?
Fees depend on your activity, mainland vs Free Zone, and visa quota. After a free consultation we give you a fixed quote with no hidden costs, covering the entity, your first year of compliance, and any approvals your activity needs.
How long does it take?
Free Zone licenses are often issued within two to four weeks. Mainland licenses typically take four to six weeks depending on the activity. Bank onboarding is usually the main variable after that.
Mainland or Free Zone — what fits me?
Mainland lets you operate anywhere in the UAE and bid on UAE government work. Free Zones suit in-zone or export activities, often with faster setup and lower ongoing cost. We recommend the right route after we hear your plan.
Can a foreigner own 100%?
In most activities, yes. The 2021 reform opened most mainland activities to 100% foreign ownership; Free Zones have allowed it for decades. A small list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up?
Largely, no. Some signing and biometrics need to happen in person, and we time those efficiently. You will need to visit briefly for visa medicals and Emirates ID once your license is issued.
What about corporate tax?
A federal 9% corporate tax applies on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Free Zone companies meeting the qualifying conditions can keep 0% on qualifying income. We confirm the position for your activity.
Get started
Ready to expand into the UAE?
Talk to our Dubai team about your plans. The first consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Emailuae@emerhub.com
OfficeDubai, United Arab Emirates
Speak with our team
Send your details and we will be in touch within one business day.
Disclaimer
Emerhub is a corporate services consultancy assisting clients with company formation and corporate secretarial matters in emerging markets. We are an independent advisory firm and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any government agency. By using our services, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.