Business Setup in UAE With Brightlink

Brightlink offers tailored business setup solutions across the UAE, supporting startups and established companies. Our experts ensure a smooth, compliant process from company formation to launch.

Set Up Your Company in Dubai, UAE

Dubai is one of the world’s most attractive business hubs, offering unmatched opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and global corporations. With its strategic location, investor-friendly policies, modern infrastructure, and simplified company formation process, setting up a business in Dubai is a smart move for anyone looking to grow in the Middle East and beyond.
Whether you’re planning to start a mainland, free zone, or offshore company, the UAE provides the legal flexibility and support you need to succeed. And with expert guidance from Brightlink, your journey from idea to launch is faster, easier, and fully compliant.

Launch your venture in Dubai—where global business meets limitless opportunity.

Business Setup in Dubai Benefits

  • 100% Foreign Ownership in many sectors (especially in free zones and mainland reforms)
  • Strategic Location between Europe, Asia, and Africa – perfect for global trade
  • Tax Advantages – 0% personal income tax and low corporate tax rates
  • World-Class Infrastructure – advanced logistics, transport, and digital systems
  • Easy Company Registration with streamlined government procedures
  • Access to Free Zones offering customs benefits, full repatriation of profits
  • Diverse Economy – thriving sectors include trade, tourism, real estate, and tech
  • Multinational Talent Pool – hire from a global workforce
  • Investor-Friendly Policies – strong legal protections and economic stability
  • Residency Visa Eligibility for investors, partners, and employees
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Advantages of a Business Setup in Dubai

1

Access to Capital

Dubai offers a vibrant financial sector with numerous banks, venture capital firms, and investors ready to support business ventures.

2

Tax Benefits

Enjoy tax advantages such as zero personal and corporate income taxes in many cases, and exemptions in free zones.

3

Free Zones

Over 30 free zones in Dubai provide benefits like 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits, and no import/export duties.

4

World-Class Infrastructure

Dubai boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern ports, airports, roads, and telecommunications, facilitating efficient business operations.

5

Friendly Environment

The government of Dubai supports businesses with streamlined processes, minimal bureaucracy, and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.

6

Diverse Economy

Dubai has a diversified economy with opportunities in various sectors such as tourism, real estate, finance, technology, and logistics.

7

Skilled Workforce

Access to a talented, multilingual, and highly skilled workforce from around the globe, supported by top-tier educational and training institutions.

8

Robust Legal Framework

A transparent and strong legal system that protects business interests and enforces contracts, providing a secure environment for business operations.

9

Strategic Location

Dubai’s prime location offers access to major global markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it a hub for international trade and commerce.

10

Networking Opportunities

Dubai hosts numerous international business events, trade shows, and conferences, providing ample opportunities for networking and forming strategic partnerships.

11

Innovation and Technology

The city is a leader in adopting new technologies and fostering innovation, making it an ideal place for tech startups and businesses focused on innovation.

12

Government Support

The government actively supports new business ventures through various incentives, grants, and initiatives aimed at promoting business growth and development.

13

High Quality of Life

Dubai offers an excellent quality of life with modern amenities, high safety standards, world-class healthcare, and education, making it attractive for business owners and their families.

Mainland

A Mainland company is registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and allows you to operate anywhere in the UAE and internationally. It’s ideal for businesses targeting the local UAE market and offers full flexibility, especially with recent reforms allowing 100% foreign ownership.

dubai freezone
Free Zone

A Free Zone company is set up within a designated economic zone, offering 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and streamlined setup. It’s perfect for international trade, services, and specialized industries. However, it cannot directly trade in the UAE mainland without a local distributor.

offshore company
Offshore

An Offshore company is used mainly for international business outside the UAE. It doesn’t require a physical office or staff in the UAE and is often chosen for holding assets, managing investments, or tax planning. Offshore companies are not allowed to conduct business within the UAE market.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most common form of business setup in the UAE mainland. It is suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial activities. LLCs can have between one and fifty shareholders, and recent regulations have allowed for up to 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. This structure provides limited liability protection to its shareholders, meaning their personal assets are generally protected from business liabilities.

Sole Establishment

A Sole Establishment is owned and operated by a single individual and is often preferred by professionals and small business owners. While UAE nationals and GCC citizens can establish commercial sole proprietorships, expatriates typically use this structure for professional services. In this setup, the owner is personally liable for all business obligations, making it important for individuals to consider their risk exposure.

Representative Office

A Representative Office allows a foreign company to promote and market its products or services in the UAE without engaging in direct commercial activities or generating revenue. This type of setup is ideal for companies looking to conduct market research, build brand awareness, or establish a liaison presence. Like branches, representative offices require a local service agent but have limited operational scope compared to other company types.

Branch of a Foreign Company

Foreign companies looking to operate directly in the UAE can establish a branch office on the mainland. This branch operates as an extension of the parent company and can engage in commercial activities permitted by the parent company’s business scope. Since the branch has no separate legal identity, the foreign parent company remains fully liable for its operations in the UAE. Establishing a branch requires appointing a local service agent, typically a UAE national or a locally registered company.

Public Joint Stock Company (PJSC)

Public Joint Stock Companies are designed for large enterprises and businesses planning to raise capital from the public. These companies require a minimum of five shareholders and a capital investment of at least AED 30 million. PJSCs can list their shares on the UAE stock exchanges, providing opportunities for broader investment and growth. They are regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority and follow strict compliance standards.

Private Joint Stock Company

Private Joint Stock Companies are suitable for large businesses that require a formal structure without public share offerings. This type of company must have at least three shareholders and a minimum capital of AED 5 million. Unlike public joint stock companies, private ones cannot sell shares publicly but offer a regulated governance framework, making them a preferred choice for family-owned or closely held businesses.

Civil Company

Civil Companies are designed primarily for professional service providers such as consultants, engineers, doctors, and lawyers. These entities allow 100% foreign ownership for certain nationalities and business activities. Unlike LLCs, partners in a civil company share unlimited liability for the company’s debts and obligations, reflecting the personal nature of the services offered.

Step By Step Process For UAE Mainland License


Business Activity Selection

āœ” Choose the type of business activity you want to undertake. Ensure it complies with UAE regulations.

Choose a Local Partner or Service Agent

āœ” In some cases, you may need a local partner or service agent, depending on the business activity. They act as a liaison with authorities and may hold a minority share in the company.

Select a Business Location

āœ” Decide on the location for your business. This could be in any of the UAE emirates where mainland licenses are issued.

Drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

āœ” Prepare the MOA, which outlines the company’s structure, business activities, and shareholder details.

Submit Application

āœ” Prepare and submit your application for the mainland license to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or relevant authority in the chosen emirate

Approvals and Documentation

āœ” Obtain necessary approvals from authorities such as DED, municipality, and other regulatory bodies. Prepare required documents including passport copies, visa copies, and NOC (No Objection Certificate) if applicable.

Payment of Fees

āœ” Pay the required fees for the license and registration.

Lease Agreement

āœ” Provide a lease agreement for your business premises in the UAE.

Final Inspections and Approvals

āœ” Authorities may conduct final inspections of your business premises to ensure compliance with regulations.

Receive License

āœ” Once all approvals are obtained and fees paid, you will receive your mainland license, allowing you to legally operate your business in the UAE.

Visa Process

āœ” Arrange for residency visas for yourself and your employees, if needed, through the UAE’s immigration authorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A mainland company is registered within any of the UAE emirates’ jurisdictions and is permitted to conduct business across the UAE and internationally without restrictions.

Recent changes in UAE law allow certain business activities to be 100% foreign-owned in the mainland, eliminating the need for a local sponsor or service agent in those sectors

Benefits include access to the entire UAE market, no currency restrictions, networking opportunities, modern infrastructure, and potential residency visas for investors.

Select a business activity that aligns with UAE regulations and market demands. It’s essential to research and understand the licensing requirements for your chosen activity.

Steps typically include selecting a business activity, choosing a business location, drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA), obtaining necessary approvals, paying fees, and securing a lease agreement.

Required documents usually include passport copies, visa copies, NOC (No Objection Certificate) if applicable, lease agreement, and MOA.

The timeframe can vary depending on the complexity of your business and the efficiency of processing by authorities. Generally, it can take several weeks to a few months.

Yes, UAE regulations govern business activities, ownership structures, and compliance requirements. It’s crucial to stay informed and consult with legal advisors if needed.

Yes, once your mainland license is issued, you can operate your business from any location within the UAE.

After obtaining your mainland license, you can apply for residency visas for yourself, employees, and family members through the UAE’s immigration authorities.

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