Set Up Your UAE Company — Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore
From license registration and ownership structuring to banking and visa processing — GCS delivers end-to-end company formation for entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign businesses entering the UAE market.
CHOOSE YOUR STRUCTURE
Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore: Which Is Right for Your Business?
Every business is different. We help you select the structure that matches your ownership goals, operational needs, and long-term growth plans.
UAE Mainland Company
Trade freely across all UAE emirates, bid for government contracts, and operate without restrictions.
Full UAE market access
Government contract eligibility
100% foreign ownership
No profit repatriation limits
Best for:
Businesses targeting the local United Arab Emirates market
UAE Free Zone Company
Over 45 free zones across the UAE offering 100% foreign ownership, zero import/export duties, and full profit repatriation.
100% foreign ownership
Zero import/export duties
Full profit repatriation
Fast setup — 3 to 5 days
Best for:
International traders, consultants, and remote-first businesses
UAE Offshore Company
A tax-efficient structure for holding assets, IP, and international investments without a physical UAE presence.
Zero corporate tax
Asset and IP holding
No physical office required
International banking access
Best for:
HNWIs, investors, and international holding structures
OUR SERVICES
Everything You Need is Handled by GCS
Our company formation packages are designed to get your business fully operational and not just licensed.
Trade License
(mainland DED or free zone)
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance
UAE Residence Visa (investor or employment)
PRO Services & Government Liaison
Registered Office Address
(flexi-desk or physical)
Compliance Documentation
Mainland vs Free Zone
Use this comparison to understand which structure best fits your business model.
| Feature | Mainland Company | Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% foreign ownership |
| Trading Area | Full UAE market access | Free zone + international markets |
| Government Contracts | ✓ Eligible | ✗ Not eligible |
| Physical Office | Generally required | Flexi-desk available |
| Import/Export Duties | Standard UAE rates | Zero duties |
| Setup Time | 5–7 business days | 3–5 business days |
| Visa Sponsorship | Based on office size/activity | Based on package and visa quota |
| Tax Position | Corporate tax rules apply | 0% on qualifying income |
| Best For | Local market operations | International trade & services |
UAE BUSINESS ADVANTAGES
Why the UAE Is the World’s Top Business Destination
The UAE offers a uniquely favourable environment for business — combining zero tax, world-class infrastructure, and access to global markets.
0% Corporate Tax
The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax only on profits above AED 375,000 — with a 0% rate for qualifying free zone entities and small businesses.
100% Foreign Ownership
Since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of a UAE mainland company across most business activities — no local sponsor required.
Strategic Location
Dubai and Abu Dhabi sit at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa — giving businesses access to over 2 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight.
World-Class Banking
The UAE has one of the most sophisticated banking ecosystems in the region with access to both local and international banks for corporate accounts.
COMPANY SETUP PACKAGES
Find the Right Setup for Your Business
Every business is different. Compare your options and choose the structure that fits your goals and market.
Free Zone
Starting from
- ✓ Free zone trade license
- ✓ 1 shareholder
- ✓ Flexi-desk address
- ✓ 1 investor visa eligibility
- ✓ Certificate of incorporation
- ✓ MOA drafting
Setup: 3–5 business days
Get StartedMainland
Starting from
- ✓ DED mainland trade license
- ✓ 100% foreign ownership
- ✓ 2 investor visa eligibility
- ✓ PRO services included
- ✓ Bank account assistance
- ✓ Physical office requirement
Setup: 5–7 business days
Get StartedOffshore
Starting from
- ✓ RAK ICC or JAFZA offshore
- ✓ Asset & IP holding structure
- ✓ No physical office required
- ✓ International banking access
- ✓ Full documentation package
- ✓ Certificate of incorporation
Setup: 2–3 business days
Get StartedProcess
From Consultation to Company — A Clear 5-Step Process
We manage every stage of your company formation so you can focus on your business.
01
Initial Consultation
We assess your business activity, ownership structure, and jurisdiction preferences to recommend the most suitable setup.
02
Structure & Strategy
Our advisors design your company structure — covering ownership, licensing, capital requirements, and visa eligibility.
03
Documentation
We prepare and verify all required documents — MOA, passport copies, business plan, and authority applications.
04
Incorporation & License
We submit your application directly to the relevant authority and manage all follow-ups until your license is issued.
05
Banking & Activation
We assist with corporate bank account opening, visa processing, and any additional operational setup required.
Why Choose GCS
Your Company Formation — Handled Right
GCS combines deep UAE regulatory knowledge with a structured, client-first approach to deliver faster, cleaner company formations.
We analyse your business model and recommend the optimal structure — mainland, free zone, or offshore — based on your specific goals.
Expert Jurisdiction Guidance
Our team works directly with DED, free zone authorities, and government departments, reducing processing time and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Direct Authority Relationships
Every application is prepared to the highest standard, minimising rejection risk and ensuring full compliance from day one.
Clean Documentation
Fixed timelines, clear costs, and a single point of contact throughout.
Full Transparency
From initial consultation to license issuance, banking, and visa processing — one team manages your entire setup journey.
End-to-End Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since the UAE's 2021 commercial law reforms, 100% foreign ownership is permitted for most mainland business activities — eliminating the need for a local Emirati sponsor. Free zone and offshore companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership.
Costs vary by free zone and business activity. RAK free zones are generally among the most cost-effective, with packages starting from AED 8,500–12,000. GCS will recommend the best value option based on your specific needs and business activity.
Not always. Free zone and offshore companies can operate with a flexi-desk or registered address. Mainland companies require a physical office address for DED licensing. GCS can assist with both flexi-desk and office solutions.
Free zone setups typically take 3–5 business days. Mainland formations take 5–7 business days. Offshore incorporations take 2–3 business days. These timelines assume all documents are in order.
Yes. GCS provides dedicated bank account opening assistance as part of our company formation packages. We work with multiple UAE banking partners to match your company profile with the most suitable institution.
For individual shareholders you will need a passport copy, proof of address, and a passport photograph. Corporate shareholders additionally require a Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, and Board Resolution. GCS manages the full documentation and attestation process on your behalf.
Partner with
Global Company Setup
Schedule a free consultation today and get a clear roadmap tailored to your business goals.