Launch your UAE company the right way with Essence Accounting — a trusted business setup consultant in Dubai since 2014. We provide end-to-end UAE company registration for mainland, free zone, and offshore structures — including trade licence, PRO services, visa processing, bank account opening, and FTA registration. 500+ companies formed across the UAE.
From AED 5,555 — All-Inclusive Packages
100% Free Consultation. No Obligation.
Business setup in UAE costs from AED 5,555 for a free zone licence and from AED 12,000 for a mainland company. Foreigners can own 100% of a UAE company in most activities since the 2021 commercial law reform. Free zone companies are ready in 3–7 business days; mainland setup takes 7–15 days. Essence Accounting is a leading business setup consultant in Dubai handling the complete UAE company registration process — trade licence, investor visa, bank account, VAT registration, and corporate tax registration — all under one roof.
Choosing the correct UAE company structure is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as an entrepreneur or investor. Each type has distinct advantages, restrictions, and cost profiles. The table below compares the three main structures across the criteria that matter most.
| Criteria | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | ✓ 100% (most activities) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Trade in UAE Mainland | ✓ Full access | ✕ Via local distributor | ✕ Not permitted |
| Corporate Tax | 9% above AED 375K | ✓ 0% qualifying income | ✓ Typically 0% |
| Starting Cost | AED 12,000+ | AED 5,555+ | AED 8,000+ |
| UAE Visa Eligibility | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✕ No (typically) |
| Setup Time | 7–15 business days | 3–7 business days | 5–10 business days |
Costs are indicative and exclude additional regulatory approvals, visa fees, and office rent. Contact Essence for a tailored, itemised quote.
Essence Accounting manages the entire business setup process from your initial consultation to trade licence issuance and beyond. Our dedicated PRO and compliance team has successfully formed 500+ UAE companies across all jurisdictions and business activities.
We assess your business activity, ownership requirements, target market, budget, and long-term growth plans to recommend the optimal company structure — mainland, free zone, or offshore. This consultation is completely free with no obligation to proceed.
We collect your passport copies and supporting documents, prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA), and reserve your preferred company name with the DED or relevant free zone authority. We advise on name requirements and restrictions upfront.
We submit your application to the relevant licensing authority, obtain initial approval, and secure any additional sector-specific approvals required (KHDA for education, DHA for healthcare, CBUAE for financial services). Our PRO team manages all government portal submissions.
We assist with securing your registered office address — physical office, flexi-desk, or virtual office depending on your licence type and activity. Tenancy contracts and Ejari registration for mainland companies are handled by our team.
Your trade licence is issued once all approvals and government fees are settled. We then process investor visa applications for shareholders and employee work visas as required, including medical tests, Emirates ID applications, and labour approvals.
We introduce you to our banking partners for a UAE corporate bank account and handle your VAT registration and corporate tax registration with the FTA as applicable. As an FTA-approved agency (TAN 30006266), your company is 100% compliant from the first day of trading.
Setting up a company in the UAE involves multiple government portals, Arabic documentation, regulatory approvals, and strict deadlines. Errors cause costly delays and rejections. Essence Accounting has been forming UAE companies since 2014 and delivers a seamless, transparent service every time.
Our business setup experts answer the questions we hear most often from entrepreneurs and investors planning to establish a company in the UAE.
Get a free, no-obligation business setup consultation from Dubai’s FTA-approved experts. We’ll recommend the right company structure for your activity, explain all UAE company registration costs clearly, and manage the entire process from trade licence to bank account opening.
Once your UAE company is formed, Essence Accounting provides all the ongoing compliance and financial services your business needs — VAT filing, corporate tax registration, accounting, and audit — to stay fully compliant and grow with confidence.
