Business Set Up for Companies in Dubai and the UAE Free Zones
Setting up a company in the UAE starts with a choice that is hard to undo: mainland, free zone or offshore. The structure and licence follow from that choice. Company formation is where the choice is made. It is also where errors show up later. They show up in banking, in how ownership is set up, and in what the licence in fact lets the business do.
Nour Attorneys advises on which entity to choose. We handle licensing, registration, documents and compliance (meeting the rules) for mainland, free zone and offshore setups. We also deal with foundations and trusts, and local sponsor and local service agent set-ups. And we handle opening company bank accounts, trademark registration and business closure.
OUR COMPANY FORMATION
- UAE Mainland Company FormationMainland company formation in Dubai covering business licensing, ownership options, company structure, activities, documentation and compliance requirements.
- UAE Freezone Company FormationFree zone company formation in Dubai with legal support for licensing, company structure, registration, documentation, compliance and business setup.
- UAE Offshore Company FormationOffshore company formation in UAE with legal support for off shore companies in UAE, covering registration, structure, compliance, documentation and banking.
- Foundation & Trust SetupFoundation and trust setup in Dubai for asset protection, succession planning, wealth structuring, governance, beneficiary arrangements and legal compliance.
- Local Sponsor ServicesLocal sponsor services in the UAE for business setup, licensing, local sponsorship arrangements, documentation and regulatory requirements.
- Local Service AgentLocal service agent support in the UAE for business setup, government procedures, licensing requirements, documentation and ongoing legal assistance.
- Bank Account OpeningBank account opening services in Dubai with legal support for corporate accounts, documentation, compliance requirements and banking applications.
- Trademark RegistrationTrademark registration in the UAE covering application filing, trademark searches, classification, documentation, objections and registration support.
- Business ClosureBusiness closure services in Dubai covering company liquidation, license cancellation, creditor settlement, employee obligations and final documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between mainland, free zone and offshore company formation in the UAE?
The main differences are where the company can trade, how it is owned and which authority licenses and regulates it. Mainland entities serve the home market. Free zone entities work within their zone's rules. Offshore companies are most often used for holding and structuring. We look at your activities and suggest the structure that fits.
- What documents are required to form a company in the UAE?
The documents you need depend on the licensing authority, the legal form and who the shareholders are. Shareholders who are people and shareholders that are companies need different papers. Some activities call for extra approvals. We prepare the application file and check every document before we file it. We fix gaps that would otherwise delay licensing or, later, opening a bank account.
- Can you help with opening a corporate bank account after company setup?
Yes. Opening a bank account is part of our formation work, not an afterthought. Banks look closely at the company's structure, activity and papers. Weak points in the setup often show up at this stage. We prepare the company file and support the compliance side of the application. We deal with the bank's questions as they come up.
- Do I need a local sponsor or local service agent to start a business in the UAE?
It depends on the legal form you choose and where the company is licensed. Many structures do not involve one at all. Where a local sponsor or local service agent is part of the setup, we draft and review the arrangement. That way your control, revenue and exit terms are protected in writing.
Reviewed by Mohamed Noureldin, Founder, Managing Partner & Senior Legal Consultant
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