How to start a company in United Arab Emirates

Last checked: November 2026 · Currency: AED

In the UAE the first decision is free zone or mainland. A free zone company (licensed by a free zone authority such as DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, IFZA or RAKEZ) is 100% foreign-owned and quick to set up, but cannot sell directly to the UAE mainland market without a distributor, branch or permit; a mainland company (licensed by the emirate's economic department, e.g. Dubai DET or Abu Dhabi ADDED) can trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts. Every company must register for corporate tax, and budget and timelines are driven more by licence, office and visa costs than by registration itself.