COMPANY FORMATION
Start Your Business in the UAE with Confidence
From choosing the right structure and jurisdiction to licensing, registration and bank account setup — ORIGIN guides you through every step of UAE company formation.
Why Set Up a Business in the UAE?
The UAE is a global business hub with 0% personal income tax, a strategic location between East and West, world-class infrastructure, and seamless access to international markets. With thriving free zones, a stable and business-friendly regulatory environment, and strong connectivity by air, sea and digital networks, it is one of the most attractive jurisdictions for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand or launch new ventures.
0% Personal Income Tax
Protect your personal income with favourable tax policies that support long-term wealth creation and business growth.
100+ Free Zones
Choose from specialised free zones tailored to trading, services, technology, media, logistics and more, each with attractive incentives.
Strategic Global Location
Base your operations at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa with unmatched connectivity to suppliers, partners and customers.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a mainland or free zone setup impacts how and where you can operate, your ownership structure, and the licences you require. ORIGIN helps you assess your goals and recommend the structure that maximises flexibility while staying fully compliant.
Mainland
• Can trade anywhere within the UAE, including directly with the local market.
• Eligible to work with government entities and large local corporations.
• No restrictions on office location within the emirate of registration.
• May require a local service agent for certain activities and structures.
• Regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant emirate authority.
Free Zone
• 100% foreign ownership with no local shareholder required in most free zones.
• Attractive tax exemptions and customs benefits.
• Simplified setup processes and streamlined administrative procedures.
• Ideal for import/export, international trading and service-based businesses.
• Generally restricted to operating within the free zone or internationally, with limitations on direct UAE mainland trading.
Choosing the Right Legal Structure
LLC (Limited Liability Company)
The most popular structure for mainland operations. Typically requires a minimum of two shareholders and offers limited liability protection. A local service agent may be required depending on the activity and emirate.
Sole Establishment
Designed for single owners such as consultants, freelancers or individual traders. Simple to set up but the owner assumes full personal liability for the business’s obligations.
Free Zone Company (FZC / FZCO)
Incorporated within a specific free zone and enjoying its dedicated regulations and incentives. Allows 100% foreign ownership and is ideal for holding companies and international or service-based businesses.
Branch Office
An extension of an existing foreign or regional company. It is not a separate legal entity and typically mirrors the parent’s activities. A local service agent is usually required for regulatory support.
Our Company Formation Process
01
Initial Consultation
We assess your business activity, preferred jurisdiction, ownership structure and budget to design the most suitable setup approach.
02
Business Activity & Name Approval
We help you select approved activities and secure your trade name with the relevant mainland or free zone authority.
03
Document Preparation
We compile and prepare all required documents, including Memorandum of Association (MOA), shareholder details and passport copies.
04
Trade Licence Application
We submit your licence application to the DED, free zone authority or relevant emirate body and follow up until approval.
05
Bank Account Setup
We guide you through opening a UAE corporate bank account, including document preparation, introductions and bank selection support.
06
Ongoing Compliance
We support you with licence renewals, VAT registration, corporate tax registration and bookkeeping so you remain compliant post-formation.
Documents You’ll Need
✓ Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
✓ UAE residence visa or entry stamp (if applicable)
✓ No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
✓ Business plan or description of activities
✓ Proposed company name (3 options recommended)
✓ Memorandum of Association (MOA) — prepared by ORIGIN
✓ Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
✓ Initial approval from relevant authority
Document requirements vary by jurisdiction and legal structure. ORIGIN will provide a tailored checklist after your initial consultation.
Opening Your UAE Corporate Bank Account
Setting up a UAE corporate bank account is a critical step in making your new company operational. Requirements vary by bank, business type and shareholder profile. ORIGIN assists with selecting the right banking partner, preparing your corporate documents, and navigating the KYC and compliance process so your account is opened and ready to use as quickly as possible.
Bank Selection Advice
We match your business profile with suitable local and international banks, considering your transaction needs, currencies and digital banking preferences.
Document Preparation
We compile and organise your corporate documents, licences and KYC information in line with your chosen bank’s requirements.
KYC & Compliance Support
We support you in responding to KYC questions, clarifying your business model and ensuring a smooth compliance review process.
Post-Formation Compliance
Launching your company is only the beginning. ORIGIN Accounting & Records Management LLC OPC provides ongoing compliance and advisory support so your UAE entity remains fully aligned with local regulations and reporting requirements.
Trade Licence Renewal
Timely monitoring and renewal of your trade licence, including coordination with authorities and preparation of required documents.
VAT Registration & Filing
Assessment of VAT applicability, registration where required, and ongoing preparation and submission of accurate VAT returns.
Corporate Tax Registration & Returns
Support with UAE corporate tax registration, impact analysis, and preparation of compliant and timely tax filings.
Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting
Accurate, timely bookkeeping and management reports that give you clarity over performance and support regulatory filings.
Ready to Start Your UAE Business?
Speak with ORIGIN’s formation specialists — no obligation, just expert guidance tailored to your business goals.
ORIGIN Accounting & Records Management 