Business Setup

Business Setup – Dubai Mainland, UAE Free Zones & Offshore

Setting up a business in the UAE can be simple when you have the right legal partner. At Almahy for Legal Services – Corporate, we help you establish your company in Dubai Mainland, Free Zones, or Offshore jurisdictions. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a growing business, our experts guide you through every step—from choosing the right license and legal structure to securing approvals from government departments.

We assist with:

  • Mainland company registration under DED
  • Free zone formation across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK, and more
  • Offshore company setup for international operations and asset protection

Our team ensures a fast, transparent, and fully compliant process so you can focus on growing your business.

Mainland Company Formation (Dubai & Other Emirates)

Operate Anywhere in the UAE

Setting up a Mainland company allows you to operate freely within the UAE market, do business directly with the public, and take on government contracts. Your business will be licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the respective emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah).

Our Mainland Business Setup Services:

  • Trade name reservation and initial approvals
  • DED license application and issuance
  • Local service agent (if required)
  • Office space and Ejari assistance
  • MOA drafting and notarization
  • Visa processing for investors and employees
  • Bank account opening assistance
  • License amendments and renewals

Mainland setups are ideal for companies in retail, restaurants, construction, consultancy, contracting, logistics, healthcare, and more.

Key Benefits:

  • 100% foreign ownership in most activities
  • No restrictions on local market operations
  • Ability to apply for unlimited visas (subject to office size)
  • Access to government tenders and large contracts

Free Zone Company Formation

100% Ownership with Flexible Operations

Free zones offer international entrepreneurs a highly efficient, low-cost way to operate in the UAE while enjoying full ownership and tax benefits. Each free zone is industry-specific and offers its own regulatory framework, making it essential to choose the right zone based on your business activity.

We work with all major Free Zones including:

  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
  • Meydan Free Zone
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
  • IFZA, SHAMS, RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone
  • Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
  • Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
    …and many more.

Our Free Zone Setup Services:

  • Consultation to select the ideal free zone
  • License and activity selection
  • Document preparation and submission
  • Company registration and incorporation
  • Office/flexi-desk arrangements
  • Visa processing for investors and staff
  • Ongoing compliance support

Key Benefits:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Corporate tax exemptions (subject to activity)
  • Customs privileges
  • Quick registration process
  • No requirement for a local sponsor
  • Wide variety of business activities and packages

Free zones are perfect for consultants, tech firms, import/export companies, digital businesses, media agencies, and professional services.

Offshore Company Formation

International Business and Asset Protection

An offshore company in the UAE allows investors to conduct business internationally while enjoying confidentiality, asset protection, and tax efficiency. These companies cannot conduct business within the UAE mainland but are ideal for holding companies, IP rights, trusts, inheritance planning, and international trading.

Offshore Jurisdictions We Cover:

  • RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore (JAFZA Offshore)

Our Offshore Business Setup Services:

  • Company name registration and approval
  • MOA drafting and corporate structuring
  • Appointment of directors/shareholders
  • Bank account introduction
  • Document attestation and notarization
  • Registered agent and address services

Key Benefits:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • No UAE corporate tax or VAT
  • No requirement for office space
  • Confidential and secure ownership structure
  • Ideal for holding assets, property ownership, and global business

Note: Offshore companies cannot lease office space or issue UAE residence visas.

Labor
Trademark Registration