Company Formation

Start Your UAE Company with theRight Structure

Mainland or free zone? Activity, licence, ownership and visa requirements can change what your business costs and what it can do. Credit Link helps you make the right decisions before you apply—then coordinates the formation process from documents to trade licence.

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Clear jurisdiction and licence guidance

One consultant throughout the process

Support for residents and overseas founders

Banking, tax and visa next steps coordinated

Build the Business You Actually Need

Setting up a company in the UAE is not just about finding the cheapest licence. Your business activity, target customers, number of shareholders, office needs, visa plans and banking requirements all affect the right structure.

Credit Link starts with the commercial reality of your business. We help you compare suitable mainland and free zone routes, understand the documents and likely costs, and avoid a structure that could restrict your operations later.

Whether you are launching a consultancy, trading company, professional service, technology business or a new UAE branch, you receive a practical plan and a clear point of contact from the first conversation.

Tell Us About Your Business

Consultant reviewing passports and documents for company formation in Dubai with a founder

Mainland or Free Zone Company?

Mainland company formation

A mainland company may suit businesses that want broad access to the UAE market, need a physical presence in a particular emirate, plan to work with certain government or private-sector clients, or require activities regulated by a local authority.

Free zone company formation

A free zone company may suit founders who want a sector-focused business environment, a flexible workspace package or a base for international and free zone operations. Each free zone has its own permitted activities, company types, facilities, fees and visa capacity.

Free zone companies can operate internationally and within their free zone, while access to mainland business may be subject to licensing and other regulatory requirements. We help you understand those practical limits before you choose.

There is no single “best” jurisdiction for every company. Credit Link considers your products or services, client locations, office needs, shareholder structure, visa plans, transaction volumes, Corporate Tax and VAT considerations, and expansion plans.

Compare Your Setup Options

Company Formation Services

Business activity and structure review

We translate your business model into the activities and legal structure that need to appear on your licence.

Jurisdiction and licence comparison

We shortlist appropriate mainland or free zone options based on your activity, location, visa needs and budget.

Trade name and initial approval support

We guide you through trade-name requirements, initial approvals and any additional permissions.

Incorporation document coordination

We help organise shareholder documents, application forms, constitutional documents and authority submissions.

Trade licence issuance

We track the application, respond to document requests and keep you updated until the licence is issued.

Post-incorporation support

Once formed, we can coordinate establishment files, visa support, business bank account assistance, Corporate Tax filing support and VAT services.

How It Works

Consultant explaining the UAE company formation process on a whiteboard

Step 1

Tell us how the business will operate

In a focused consultation, we cover your activity, customers, shareholders, location, visa needs, expected turnover and growth plans.

Client and consultant shaking hands over a UAE trade licence in Dubai

Step 2

Receive a setup recommendation

We present suitable options with the licence scope, key requirements, likely government fees and important limitations.

Consultant reviewing passports and formation documents before authority submission

Step 3

Prepare and submit the application

Your dedicated consultant provides a checklist, reviews the documents and coordinates submissions with the relevant authority.

Happy client holding a UAE trade licence after company formation with Credit Link

Step 4

Receive the licence and complete the next steps

After approval and fee payment, the trade licence is issued. We then help you plan banking, tax registration, visas and ongoing compliance.

Start Your UAE Company

Typical Documents

Passport copies for shareholders and managers
UAE visa and Emirates ID copies, if applicable
Passport-size photographs
Proposed company names and business activities
Proof of residential address
No-objection certificate, where required
Shareholding and manager details
Corporate shareholder documents, if a company will hold shares
Business plan or professional credentials for selected activities
Office or lease documents where applicable
Additional approvals for regulated activities

We confirm the current checklist before submission so you do not prepare unnecessary documents.

Why Choose Credit Link?

Advice built around the business

We begin with what you need to sell, where you need to operate and how you expect the company to grow.

One consultant, start to finish

You have one person who understands the full case, coordinates the moving parts and keeps you updated.

Connected financial support

Company formation does not end with the licence. Our wider experience in UAE banking and finance helps you prepare for what follows.

Clear scope and costs

You receive an itemised proposal based on your selected jurisdiction and requirements.

FAQ's

Answers to common questions

Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?

Full foreign ownership is available for many mainland and free zone activities, but the rules depend on the activity, legal form and licensing authority. We check the current requirements for your proposed business before recommending a structure.

What is the difference between a mainland and free zone company?

Mainland companies are licensed by the relevant emirate’s economic department, while free zone companies are licensed by a specific free zone authority. Their permitted activities, market access, office requirements, visa capacity and fees can differ.

Can I set up a UAE company if I live overseas?

Many formation steps can be completed remotely, depending on the jurisdiction, company type and required verification. Some cases may require an in-person visit for residence and Emirates ID services.

How long does company formation take in the UAE?

Timing varies by authority, activity, document readiness and external approvals. Straightforward applications can move quickly, while regulated activities or corporate-shareholder structures take longer.

How much does it cost to open a company in Dubai or the UAE?

The cost depends on the licence, jurisdiction, number of activities, company type, office or facility, visa allocation and required approvals. We provide an itemised quotation rather than a one-size-fits-all package.

Do I need a physical office?

Office requirements vary. Some structures allow a flexible desk or shared workspace, while other activities require a dedicated office, retail unit or warehouse.

Does a new company need to register for Corporate Tax and VAT?

Corporate Tax and VAT are separate regimes with different registration and filing rules. Our Corporate Tax and VAT teams can review the next steps.

Can Credit Link guarantee a business bank account?

No adviser can guarantee account approval. Each bank completes its own customer due diligence. Credit Link can help you select a suitable route and prepare a stronger application. Read more about our business banking support.

Related services

Business Banking Corporate Tax Filing VAT Return Filing Golden Visa