MAINLAND BUSINESS SETUP IN UAE

Mainland businesses setup in UAE refers to registering and setting up a business through the DED or Department of Economic Development in any of the emirates in UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah).

UAE mainland businesses can operate and trade within UAE boundaries as well as the free zones, and also internationally. (Contrary to the free zones which can work within the free zones and outside UAE.) Mainland company formation in UAE has specific advantages over Free Zones depending on your client’s location and business activity.

 Limitless trade within UAE

 Global business opportunities

 No minimum capital required for company formation

 Tax exemption

 No annual audits

 100% ownership possibility (As of November 2020, based on UAE company law changes, the need for a local Emirati sponsor who would own 51% of a mainland business is removed for many activities.)

 Recent changes in UAE’s legal environment are towards more ease and facilitation, therefore, making it the first choice for foreign direct investment

FREEZONE BUSINESS SETUP IN UAE

Free zone company setup is ideally suited to those enterprises engaged in manufacturing/trading internationally, providing professional services, or engaged in e-Commerce.

With UAE free zone company formation, you get to enjoy lower levels of regulation than mainland licenses and gain advantages like:

UAE mainland businesses can operate and trade within UAE boundaries as well as the free zones, and also internationally. (Contrary to the free zones which can work within the free zones and outside UAE.)

Mainland company formation in UAE has specific advantages over Free Zones depending on your client’s location and business activity.

There are over 50 different free zones available across the UAE. Most free zones will award you the license you ask for, but getting the right one for your business setup is critical to your budget and overall business success. Certain free zones will require you to rent physical office space (this must be within the free zone itself), and others may require you to deposit a paid up share capital sum of 50,000 AED.

Beyond the cost of the license itself, the total cost of operating in different free zones are very different. Different free zones also have different reputations with UAE banks, and one must take this into account when selecting the right free zone for you.

The right solution for you will depend on a number of factors; which is why our starting point will always be a conversation with you to understand the specifics of your business plans and then assemble a solution that works for you now, and as your business grows.

Abu Dhabi Free Zones:

* ADGM – Abu Dhabi Global Market Free Zone

* KIZAD - Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi

* ADAFZ - Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone

 100% foreign ownership

 100% repatriation of capital & profits

 100% exemption from income & corporate taxes

 100% import & export tax exemption

Abu Dhabi is a great place to do business, invest, live and work. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and the largest emirate – by size and GDP contribution. For you, that means quick, convenient access to government services and leading corporations headquartered in Abu Dhabi.

- Abu Dhabi contributes 60% of the UAE's total economy

- Has an AAA credit rating

- It is the largest emirate by size

- 100% foreign ownership of companies

- 0% corporate tax rates and 0% personal income tax

We have a strong and stable economy that supports long-term, sustainable growth within the private sector.

AD is also proudly home to some of the world's greatest cultural sites and events including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit and many more.

Quality of life The wellbeing of residents and visitors is of the highest priority to the Abu Dhabi government.

Culturally, we have one of the world's most diverse populations, with 200+ different nationalities calling Abu Dhabi home. Our rich cultural calendar is reflective of this, with events ranging from sports to music and arts.

Abu Dhabi is home to top academic institutions and advanced healthcare facilities.

The recently launched Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO) serves as a dedicated resource to help the emirate's international community grow, develop and thrive.

Quality of life indicators:

Abu Dhabi is voted the safest city in the world for six consecutive years

Abu Dhabi is 2nd in the region for quality of living (City Ranking 2019)