Mainland Company
Operate anywhere in the UAE and do business throughout the country with ease. Full foreign ownership is now permitted in most sectors.
UAE Company Formation
Set Up Your 100% Foreign-Owned UAE Company Quickly and Compliantly
Thinking of Setting Up in the UAE? We’ll Handle Everything
Setting up a company in the United Arab Emirates can be quite the process. From choosing between free zone, mainland, or financial zone structures to navigating regulatory requirements across Emirates, the UAE offers a variety of options for business owners, investors and entrepreneurs.
Auxilium steps in to simplify the process so you can focus on growth.
A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing Your Company in UAE
Types of Company Structures to Choose From
Choosing the right legal structure is key to your success in the UAE. Here are the most common options:
Mainland Company
Free Zone Company
Ideal for trading, tech, and consulting businesses. Enjoy 100% ownership, low to no corporate tax, simplified reporting, and fast-track setup within designated free zones.
Branch of a Foreign Company
Expand your global presence in the UAE while maintaining full parent company ownership.
Why Choose Auxilium ?
Comprehensive Business Setup & Compliance Support
Company Formation & Licensing
We manage everything from DED and free zone licensing to corporate structuring and market entry strategy—ensuring your business gets off the ground quickly and compliantly.
Regulatory Compliance
Our team ensures post-setup obligations like VAT registration, UBO filings, ESR, and economic substance declarations are fully handled.
Residency & Workforce Solutions
From investor and employment visas to golden and freelance visas, we handle your team's full residency journey with efficiency and transparency.
Banking & Financial Services
We support corporate bank account setup and assistance with government portals like MOHRE, ICP, and the Ministry of Economy.
Why the UAE is a Global Business Hub
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#1
Global Rank in Ease of Getting Electricity, Paying Taxes
(World Bank Doing Business Index)
(World Bank Doing Business Index)
AED 1.86 tn
Nominal GDP (2023)
$45,000+
GDP per Capita
23%
YOY Growth in Foreign Investment (2023)
+600
Free Zone Clusters Across the UAE
AED 837 bn
Non-oil Foreign Trade (H1 2023)
Case Studies of Past Clients
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How Auxilium Helped a Leading PropTech Company Expand its UAE Team Compliantly with 6 New Hires
Discover how Auxilium helped a leading PropTech company expand its UAE team with six compliant hires while navigating local employment regulations.
6 new
UAE-based employees
Hiring & Onboarding 11 UAE Renewable Energy Hires in 30 Days (Without Entity Setup)
See how Auxilium enabled rapid hiring and compliant onboarding of a full UAE renewable energy project team without the need for entity setup.
11 hires
Deployed in 30 days
Enabling Rapid Expansion for a Global Retail Tech Platform in Saudi Arabia & UAE
Learn how Auxilium enabled a global retail tech platform to expand into the UAE and Saudi Arabia with fully compliant teams and no entity setup delays.
2 markets
UAE and Saudi Arabia live
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can I own 100% of my company in the UAE?
Yes. As of recent legal reforms, most mainland and all free zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership.
What’s the difference between mainland and free zone setups?
Mainland companies are licensed by an emirate’s economic department and can generally trade across the UAE and contract with government bodies. Free zone companies are licensed within a specific zone and often offer streamlined setup and 100% foreign ownership, but may need a licensed mainland distributor, branch or company to sell directly in the mainland. The right structure depends on the activity, customers, office needs and regulatory approvals.
Do I need a local sponsor for a UAE mainland company?
For most mainland commercial activities, no local sponsor is required and foreign investors may own 100% of the company. Certain strategic or regulated activities can still require additional approvals or ownership conditions.
Do I need to rent office space?
Yes, but this can range from a flexi-desk in a free zone to a full commercial lease in mainland.
How many visas can I get under my company?
The number of visas depends on your office size and license type. Free zones have visa quotas, while mainland companies are more flexible.
Can I open a bank account in the UAE as a foreigner?
Yes, though banks have strict KYC requirements. We assist with the documentation, application process, and bank introductions to ease the journey.
Do I need to be physically present for the setup?
Some free zone setups can be done remotely. However, for mainland companies and visa issuance, a UAE visit is typically required at some point
Is corporate tax applicable in the UAE?
Yes. Under the standard UAE corporate tax regime, taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%, and the portion above AED 375,000 is taxed at 9%. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may receive a 0% rate only on Qualifying Income; non-qualifying taxable income is generally subject to 9%. Eligibility and filing depend on the entity and its activities, so professional tax advice is recommended.
Contact us
Thinking of Expanding into the UAE?
With its investor-friendly climate, tax advantages, and strategic location, the UAE is a magnet for global businesses. Whether you’re testing the market or establishing a long-term presence, Auxilium offers hands-on support through every stage of your journey.
Speak to one of our experts today.
Let’s build your business in the UAE
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