in Dubai Company Formation Consulting
Free Zone or Mainland: ŞirketOn coordinates your Dubai company formation — from licence application to visa and banking — via our local partners.
The company formation process in Dubai
Two main structures in the UAE: Free Zone and Mainland. Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership and specialize by sector. Mainland gives access to the entire UAE market. ŞirketOn coordinates the process via our local partners.
Who can incorporate in Dubai?
No UAE citizenship required. Foreign individuals and entities can form Free Zone companies with 100% ownership. Mainland may require a local partner in certain sectors.
Advantages of incorporating in Dubai
Tax advantages, strategic location, and a global business environment — ideal for opening up to Gulf and Asian markets.
Tax Advantage
Federal corporate tax only 9%; below-threshold companies exempt at 0%.
Visa / Residency
Formation grants investor visa (3 yrs) and residency rights.
Strategic Location
8 hours by air from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Free Zone Flexibility
100% foreign ownership, no capital flow restrictions.
Prestige
A Dubai-based company commands trust with global partners.
What company types can you form in Dubai?
| Company Type | Min. Capital | Liability | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Zone LLC | Per Free Zone | Limited | International trade | 100% foreign ownership |
| Mainland LLC | None | Limited | UAE internal market | Operate across UAE |
| Offshore (IBC) | Low | Limited | Holding / asset management | No operations, ownership only |
| Branch Office | None | Parent’s | Existing company’s branch | Not a separate legal entity |
Documents required for formation
How the process works in Dubai
Choose Free Zone or Mainland. In a Free Zone, pick the right option (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, etc.) by sector.
Get the name approved, file the commercial licence via our local partner; draft articles of association; pay official fees.
Receive the licence; initiate the investor visa; open bank account; register for CT and VAT (if applicable).
Licence approval 5-10 business days, visa 15-21 days, bank account 7-30 days. Total: fully operational in 4-6 weeks.
Cost of forming a Dubai company
Cost varies by Free Zone, licence type (commercial/professional/holding), number of visas, and office requirements. DMCC, IFZA, and Meydan are most common. ŞirketOn package covers consulting + process coordination.
Begin your Dubai company formation with ŞirketOn
Free Zone selection, licence, visa, banking, and tax registrations — our Dubai consulting team and local partners handle it.
Get startedAbout forming a company in Dubai
Can Turkish nationals form a Dubai company?
Yes — no UAE citizenship required. Free Zone companies allow 100% foreign ownership.
Free Zone vs Mainland?
Free Zone operates in defined areas with 100% foreign ownership. Mainland sells across the entire UAE but may require a local partner in some sectors.
Does formation grant a visa?
Yes — investor/business partner visa available after formation, valid 2-3 years and renewable.
How long does account opening take?
Traditional banks 30-60 days; neobanks 7-15 days. Varies by bank, sector, and ownership.
Does ŞirketOn file the official applications?
No. Free Zone authority, licensing, and visa applications are filed by our partner local advisors on your behalf. ŞirketOn provides process coordination and consulting.
Do I need an office?
Free Zones generally offer flexi-desk, sufficient for formation. Mainland usually requires a physical office.