UAE is quickly becoming world's business launchpad
7
Emirates. One business ecosystem
250K+
New companies in 2025
0%
Duty on 90% of India-UAE trade
3
Global regions unlocked (GCC, Africa, Europe)
USD
Banking for cross-border business
63%
SME growth in last 5 years
Your roadmap to launching your UAE business
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We assess your business activity, ownership needs, budget and expansion plans to recommend the right emirate and structure
Choose your licence type, business activities and visa requirements, with a clear fixed-price quote covering the full setup.
Share your passport, photo and application details. We coordinate any apostille or attestation requirements for Indian founders.
Passport
Photo & application details
MEA apostille
*For Indian founders
We handle the application with the relevant UAE authority and get your company legally established, typically within 5 - 10 days.
We initiate your investor visa, medical fitness, biometrics and Emirates ID process once your business licence is issued.
Investor visa
Medical Fitness certificate
Emirates ID
We introduce you to suitable UAE banks and guide you through account opening, typically completed within 3-6 weeks.
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2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐
We had a trade name conflict with an existing DET business. myHQ suggested three alternatives the same day and we were approved within 48 hours. The process I thought would take weeks took 3 days.
PS
Priya Singh
Founder of Management Consulting Firm
Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?
2000+
Companies Registered
95%+
Approval Rate
0%
Service Fee
1 Hour
Response Time
India x UAE
Approval Support
Backed by ANAROCK - India’s Largest Real Estate Company
One UAE. Three ways to build
UAE Free Zone
Starts at AED 5,750
Build lean, operate globally
Learn more
UAE Mainland
Starts at AED 19,900
Build for the local UAE market
Learn more
UAE Offshore Company
Starts at AED 12,900
Hold assets beyond borders
Learn more
Starts at AED 5,750
Build lean, operate globally
Learn more
Starts at AED 19,900
Build for the local UAE market
Learn more
Starts at AED 12,900
Hold assets beyond borders
Learn more
Everything you need for UAE business setup, in one place
Top UAE Free Zones
Best forBusinesses that value global credibility and connectivityWhen to AvoidCost is your primary & only consideration
Best forBusinesses seeking institutional networks and long-term scaleWhen to AvoidYou want a lean & lightweight setup
Best forFounders looking for flexibility without Dubai-level costsWhen to AvoidDubai address itself is important to your brand
Best forBusinesses prioritising value, space and operational efficiencyWhen to AvoidYour business relies on Dubai's ecosystem
Make the right decision for your UAE setup
Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements
Types of services
How it helps?Live and work in the UAE, freely
How it helps?Receive, pay and manage finances globally
How it helps?Get documents accepted without the hassle
How it helps?Add activities, change structure or expand visas
How it helps?Company stays compliant & active without interruptions
How it helps?Have a UAE address without a physical office
Make the right decision for your Dubai setup
Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements
Only International invoicing, Operating remotely, Founders with UAE residency
Documents included:Licence onlyVisa:-Office:Flexi-deskBank account:Digital Bank Account Opening
Full-fledged setup, Residency Visa for Shareholder, Hiring Local Team
Business Setup in UAE – Complete Guide for Indian Founders
The UAE is now the top destination for Indian founders incorporating abroad. In 2023–24, India was the single largest source of new UAE company registrations – ahead of Pakistan, the UK, and the US. This guide covers UAE company registration, jurisdiction choice, tax structure, and remote setup for India-based founders.
What Is UAE Business Setup?
UAE business setup means legally registering a company in the UAE as a Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore entity. Each jurisdiction differs in legal framework, tax treatment, and market access. The UAE levies no personal income tax, a 9% corporate tax on qualifying income above AED 375,000 (with significant free zone exemptions), and allows 100% foreign ownership across most structures since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law amendment.
UAE company registration is governed by three separate systems:
Free Zone companies: governed by the relevant authority (IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, SHAMS, Meydan, DIFC, ADGM, and 40+ others)
Mainland companies: governed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate Dubai DED, ADGM for Abu Dhabi, etc.
Offshore companies: governed by RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) or Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)
Register Company in UAE – Step by Step
Registering a company in UAE involves the following steps regardless of jurisdiction:
Choose your jurisdiction : Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore. This determines your tax treatment, market access, and cost.
Choose your emirate : Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain. Free zones require choosing the authority; mainland requires choosing the emirate DED.
Choose your license type : Professional license (service businesses), Commercial license (trading businesses), Industrial license (manufacturing), E-commerce license (online trading).
Choose your business activities : the UAE has an approved activities list; each license can cover multiple activities.
Submit documents : passport copy, photo, application form. Indian founders may need apostilled documents for corporate structures.
Receive trade license : issued as a PDF for most free zones within 3–7 business days.
Apply for investor visa (if required) : entry permit, status change, medical fitness, biometrics, Emirates ID.
Open UAE bank account : Emirates NBD, Mashreq, Wio Bank, RAKBANK, FAB, and ADCB are most common for new incorporations.
UAE Free Zone Company Setup
UAE free zones are designated economic areas where foreign entrepreneurs can set up companies with 100% ownership, 0% tax on qualifying income, and no currency restrictions. There are 40+ free zones across the UAE’s seven emirates.
Most popular UAE free zones for Indian founders:
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority): Dubai, all activities, from AED 8,500/year, no paid-up capital requirement, remote setup. The most-searched free zone among Indian founders.
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): Sharjah, creative and professional services, from AED 5,750/year. One of the cheapest UAE free zones.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): Dubai, commodities and finance, from AED 15,000/year. Highest-prestige free zone; 23,000+ companies.
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone): RAK, diverse activities, from AED 8,000/year. Popular for manufacturing and trading.
Meydan Free Zone: Dubai, all activities, from AED 6,000/year. Popular for e-commerce and consulting.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): Dubai, financial services and professional services only. Common law jurisdiction. Premium pricing.
Free zone company setup timeline: 3–7 business days for most free zones. SHAMS: as fast as 1 working day. IFZA: 3–5 days. DMCC: 5–7 days.
Free zone visa eligibility: Most free zones allow 1–6 investor visas per license, depending on package (flexi-desk vs shared desk vs private office); employee visas scale with office space.
UAE Mainland Company Setup
UAE mainland company setup means registering with the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate. Mainland is the only structure with unrestricted access to the UAE domestic market.
Key facts about UAE mainland company setup:
100% foreign ownership is available in most activities since 2021 the historical 51% UAE-national sponsor requirement is abolished for most sectors
Restricted activities (oil & gas, certain professional services, government-sector work) still require UAE national involvement
Minimum share capital: none for most activities (exceptions: banking, insurance, some manufacturing)
Setup timeline: 7–15 business days depending on emirate and activity
Annual cost: AED 15,000–45,000 depending on emirate, activity, and office size
Dubai mainland vs other emirates:
Dubai DED is the most expensive and most prestigious. Abu Dhabi DED suits Abu Dhabi-focused operations. Sharjah, RAK, and Ajman DEDs offer significantly lower cost for activities that don’t need a Dubai address.
UAE Offshore Company Formation
UAE offshore company formation means incorporating a UAE company without the right to conduct business inside the UAE. The two primary offshore jurisdictions:
RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) — the most popular UAE offshore jurisdiction, recognised in 175+ countries. Annual cost: AED 8,000–12,000. Used for holding structures, IP holding, and international operations.
JAFZA Offshore (Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore) — the older offshore jurisdiction, located in Dubai. Higher cost but higher prestige for certain sectors.
Who uses UAE offshore companies:
Indian founders holding shares in Indian operating companies via a UAE holding entity
Founders protecting IP (trademarks, patents, software) outside India’s jurisdiction
E-commerce founders structuring international payment processing
Investment holding for GCC and African operations
UAE offshore vs free zone: An offshore company cannot operate in the UAE, sponsor visas, or easily open a UAE bank account. A free zone company can do all three — offshore is purely a holding vehicle.
UAE Company Formation Costs – What You’ll Actually Pay
UAE company formation costs vary significantly based on jurisdiction, free zone, activity type, and visa count. Below is a realistic cost breakdown.
Free Zone – Full Cost Breakdown
Cost Component
Amount
Government registration fee
AED 2,000–5,000 (free zone authority fee)
Trade license fee
AED 3,000–8,000/year
Flexi-desk / address fee
AED 1,500–5,000/year
myHQ professional service fee
AED 2,000–4,000 (one-time)
Investor visa (per visa)
AED 7,000–10,000 (entry permit + status change + medical + Emirates ID)
Total Year 1 (license + 1 visa)
AED 15,000–25,000, depending on free zone
Mainland – Full Cost Breakdown
Cost Component
Amount
DED trade license fee
AED 8,000–15,000/year (varies by emirate/activity)
Business centre / Ejari address
AED 5,000–10,000/year
MOA notarisation
AED 1,000–2,000 (one-time)
myHQ professional service fee
AED 3,000–5,000 (one-time)
Investor visa
Same as free zone
Total Year 1 (license + 1 visa)
AED 25,000–40,000
Additional Costs Indian Founders Should Budget For
Document apostille (for Indian-issued board resolutions, power of attorney): AED 1,500–3,000 per set
Medical fitness test (for investor visa): AED 300–500 per person
Emirates ID: AED 370 per visa holder
Corporate Tax registration (mandatory 2024+): No fee, but requires a registered UAE accountant for compliance
UAE Corporate Tax – What Indian Founders Need to Know
UAE corporate tax was introduced in June 2023. The key facts:
Tax rates:
0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 (Small Business Relief applies for revenue under AED 3M)
9% on taxable income above AED 375,000
Free zone exemption:
Free zone companies qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) pay 0% tax on qualifying income income from international clients, transactions with other free zone companies, and passive income (dividends, royalties, interest). Non-qualifying income (from UAE mainland transactions) attracts 9% CT.
Who must register for Corporate Tax:
All UAE entities, free zone, mainland, and offshore must register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) by the applicable deadline, regardless of income level.
Corporate Tax and Indian residents:
UAE CT and Indian income tax are separate a UAE entity’s tax position doesn’t automatically affect the founder’s Indian tax liability. The India–UAE DTAA (Double Tax Avoidance Agreement) governs how income is taxed in both jurisdictions; myHQ works with your CA on DTAA structuring.
UAE Business Setup for Indian Founders: FEMA and RBI
Indian residents who want to set up a UAE company must comply with India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Key points:
Overseas Direct Investment (ODI):
Indian residents can invest in foreign companies under the ODI route. The Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows up to USD 250,000 per financial year without prior RBI approval for most structures.
What requires RBI approval:
Manufacturing entities (ODI route with RBI approval required)
Structures involving more than USD 250,000 in a financial year
Certain financial services entities
What does NOT require RBI approval:
Most free zone service company setups under LRS limits
Offshore holding companies under LRS limits
FEMA compliance checklist for Indian founders:
File Form ODI-1 (or its updated equivalent) with the AD Bank within 30 days of investment
A trade license doesn’t guarantee a bank account. Banks run their own KYC, and Indian-passport holders face extra scrutiny at some banks, myHQ’s bank introduction letter addresses this.
3. Skipping the FEMA/ODI notification
Indian founders who invest without filing ODI notification with their AD Bank are in violation of FEMA. The filing is straightforward but must happen within 30 days of investment.
4. Assuming 0% tax applies to all free zone income
0% CT applies only to qualifying income. Income from UAE mainland customers may attract 9% CT get a QFZP status assessment before assuming otherwise.
5. Not getting a fixed-price quote
Several consultants charge separately for apostille, bank introduction, and renewal reminders ask for an itemised, all-in quote before signing.
UAE Business Consultant – What to Look For
A UAE business consultant handles company registration, government liaison, visa processing, and banking introduction. When choosing a business consultant in UAE, look for:
Track record: Number of companies set up (verified, not estimated)
Jurisdiction coverage: Do they handle all three jurisdictions (free zone, mainland, offshore) or just one?
India-specific capability: FEMA, apostille, RBI – most UAE-based consultants do not have India-side capability
Banking relationships: Which banks do they have introduction relationships with?
Post-setup support: Annual renewals, visa renewals, CT registration – or do they disappear after the license?
Pricing transparency: Fixed-price itemised quote or range-only?
myHQ is backed by ANAROCK Group and has set up 10,000+ companies. All three jurisdictions. India-side compliance included. 1-hour response SLA.
Business Formation UAE – Frequently Asked Questions (Extended)
Can I register a company in UAE as a tourist?
You can’t register a UAE mainland company on a tourist visa you need a residence visa or must apply as a new investor. Most free zone applications, however, are submitted remotely, with no need to be in the UAE for the license application itself. You’ll need to enter the UAE to collect your investor visa once issued (typically a 2–3 day trip).
What is the minimum capital requirement for UAE company registration?
For most free zones: zero there’s no mandatory minimum paid-up capital. For mainland LLCs: technically AED 300,000 minimum share capital under the Commercial Companies Law, but DED doesn’t require this to be deposited for most activities in practice. Banks and insurance companies face specific capital requirements.
Can a UAE company have multiple shareholders?
Yes. Free zone companies can have up to 50 shareholders (FZ-LLC structure); mainland LLCs can too. Offshore companies (RAK ICC) also allow up to 50 shareholders. Single-person free zone companies use the FZ-Establishment (FZE) structure instead.
Is a UAE company valid for Google AdSense, Stripe, PayPal, and other payment processors?
Yes. A UAE free zone company can register with Stripe, PayPal, Payoneer, and most international payment processors as a UAE entity a practical advantage, since Indian entities face significant friction with these processors.
Can I get a UAE Golden Visa through business setup?
Yes. A Golden Visa (10-year UAE residence) is available through investment in a UAE company valued at AED 2 million or more, or via the entrepreneurship pathway for founders with established UAE businesses. myHQ advises on eligibility as part of the standard consultation.
What is a UAE trade license?
A UAE trade license is the primary legal document authorising a company to conduct specific business activities. It’s issued by the relevant free zone authority or the DED for mainland companies, and is required for bank account opening, visa applications, and commercial contracts.
Can I set up a UAE company without a physical address?
Free zone companies get a flexi-desk address included in most packages a legitimate UAE business address for official correspondence, license registration, and bank account opening, though not a physical office lease. Most free zones let companies operate this way without a private office. Offshore companies use a registered agent address instead.
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