Corporate Services
Company Formation
Guidance and execution for setting up a Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore company in the UAE.
Company formation is the starting point for doing business in the UAE. ALZAD helps you evaluate business activity, ownership structure, and jurisdiction, then manages licensing and registration with the relevant authority.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and international businesses looking to establish a legal entity in the UAE.
Key company formation considerations
Factors that determine the most appropriate structure for your business
Intended trading activity and commercial scope within the UAE
Ownership structure, shareholding requirements and visa allocations
Jurisdiction selection aligned to sector and regulatory environment
Licensing authority requirements, approvals and ongoing compliance obligations
What’s Included
- • Business activity and structure consultation
- • Jurisdiction guidance (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore)
- • Trade name reservation and initial approval
- • License application and submission
- • Coordination with the relevant licensing authority
Key Benefits
- • A single point of contact through the formation process
- • Reduced back-and-forth with government authorities
- • Guidance tailored to your business activity
How the process works
Our structured approach from initial assessment to licence issuance
Initial Consultation
Discuss your business activity, ownership, and goals.
Jurisdiction & Structure
Decide between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore based on your needs.
Documentation
Prepare and submit the required documents to the licensing authority.
Approval & Licensing
Authority review, approval, and license issuance.
Post-Formation Support
Support with banking, visas, and ongoing compliance.
Requirements
- • Proposed business activity
- • Passport copies of shareholders
- • Proposed trade name options
Documents Typically Needed
- • Passport copies
- • Proof of address (if applicable)
- • Business plan (for certain activities)
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore?
The right structure depends on your business activity, target market, and ownership goals. Our team reviews your specific case before recommending a route — see our dedicated Company Formation section for a breakdown of each option.
Why use Al Zad
Our team has guided clients through mainland, free zone and offshore incorporations across the UAE. We ensure structure selection is aligned to your commercial objectives from the outset, reducing the risk of costly amendments or jurisdictional limitations later.
- Corporate, immigration, tax and government-services expertise across the UAE
- Activity classification and licensing authority requirements managed end-to-end
- Proactive updates throughout the approvals process
- Post-formation support and corporate administration available
Related Services
Governance & Compliance
Corporate structure, secretarial, governance, and compliance support for operating companies.
Learn moreFormation Structures
Three routes to UAE company formation
Each structure operates under a distinct regulatory framework, with its own licensing requirements and commercial parameters
Mainland Company Formation
A Mainland company is licensed by the relevant Emirate’s Department of Economic Development, allowing you to trade directly within the UAE local market and take on government contracts, subject to activity-specific rules.
Free Zone Company Formation
UAE free zones offer streamlined setup processes and are often chosen by international businesses, holding companies, and specific industry sectors. Each free zone has its own rules on activities, ownership, and office requirements.
UAE Offshore Structure
An offshore structure is generally used for holding assets or conducting business outside the UAE, rather than for local trading. It does not typically come with UAE residency visas or a physical office requirement.
Ready to get started with Company Formation?
Speak with our corporate advisory team about your next step.