Business Setup

Your UAE Business, Launched Right. — Business Setup in UAE — Al Sawaf

From choosing the right jurisdiction to obtaining your trade licence and opening your bank account, Al Sawaf handles every step of your UAE business setup — so you can focus on building your business, not navigating bureaucracy.

Get Free Consultation +971 50 144 8910

Overview

What We Offer

The UAE offers three primary business formation options, each with distinct characteristics. Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and can operate freely across the UAE and internationally. Free zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership and are suited to specific activities within the free zone; they may have restrictions on trading directly within the UAE mainland. Offshore companies are used primarily for holding, asset protection, and international structures, and cannot conduct business within the UAE.

Al Sawaf's business setup specialists have guided hundreds of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational corporations through the UAE company formation process. We handle everything from initial consultation and jurisdiction selection to licence issuance, visa processing, and bank account opening.

Regarding corporate tax: eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on Qualifying Income, subject to applicable conditions under UAE Corporate Tax law. Other income may be taxable. For authoritative guidance, refer to the Federal Tax Authority: https://tax.gov.ae. Mainland and offshore entities are subject to the standard UAE corporate tax framework.

Mainland Company Formation

LLC and sole establishment formation with the Department of Economic Development (DED), including trade licence issuance and full government liaison.

Free Zone Setup

Company formation across all major UAE free zones — DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, RAKEZ, and more — with 100% foreign ownership. Free zone companies operate within the free zone framework; activities outside the free zone may require additional approvals.

Offshore Company Formation

RAK ICC and JAFZA offshore company registration for international holding, asset protection, and tax-efficient structures.

Trade Licence & Activity Approval

Identification of the correct business activity codes, licence category, and regulatory approvals from relevant UAE authorities.

Visa & Immigration Services

Investor visas, employment visas, and family visas processed alongside your company formation for a seamless setup experience.

Bank Account Opening

Documentation support and introductions for corporate bank account opening with UAE and international banks.

Ready to Get Started?

Our experts are ready to guide you through every step. Book a free consultation today.

Book Free Consultation +971 50 144 8910

Why Al Sawaf?

End-to-end setup — one point of contact
Relationships with all major UAE free zones
No hidden fees — transparent pricing always
Estimated 5–7 working days (subject to activity & approvals)
Post-setup compliance and renewal support
Arabic-speaking team for government liaison

Process

How It Works

Consultation & Planning

We assess your business activity, ownership structure, and budget to recommend the optimal jurisdiction and licence type.

Documentation

We prepare and attest all required documents — MOA, AOA, shareholder agreements, and government forms.

Licence Issuance

We submit applications, follow up with authorities, and obtain your trade licence and establishment card. Typical processing is estimated at 5–7 working days, subject to activity, jurisdiction, complete documentation, and authority approvals.