Company Formation

Having a business setup in the UAE mainland allows a company to trade within the local market as well as conduct international business. Companies can trade both domestically and globally thanks to the business establishment in the UAE mainland. It is advisable to work with a business setup expert to complete your company formation process in order to save time and money. GAAP Associates offers comprehensive company formation services in the UAE mainland.

We have extensive expertise in setting up various sorts of companies on the UAE mainland. Our professional and specialised expertise in several facets of mainland company formation complements our broad experience. Our devoted group of lawyers, chartered accountants, consultants, and other professionals put in a lot of effort to make sure that each step along the path to success is flawless.

Mainland Companies in the UAE must abide by government rules and are subject to the legal structure established by the government. Establishing a mainland company in the UAE can be overwhelming, especially if you do not have the necessary alliances or partnerships in place to begin operations right away. At GAAP Associates, we provide comprehensive assistance with all aspects of company incorporation, followed by continuing professional support for clients who need it.

Steps to Incorporate a Mainland Company in the UAE

  1. Find a local sponsor 
  2. Draft the MOA & AOA
  3. Obtain Approval from DED
  4. Decide company 
  5. Get the company name registered 
  6. Figure out an office space 
  7. Apply for a trade license 
  8. Submit Documents 
  9. Pay License Fee 
  10. Obtain license & Start Business Operation 


GAAP Associates facilitates mainland company incorporation for small, medium, and large businesses. We take care of our client’s business needs from beginning to end while assisting them with setting up Mainland Companies in the UAE.

Documents required to establish a Mainland Company in the UAE

Individual Shareholder

  • Both individual shareholders and corporate shareholders require different documentation.

  • Passport copies of foreign shareholders, directors, and managers, as well as the Visa page and entry stamp, are required for individual shareholders (when shareholders enter UAE)

  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer is necessary if the shareholder or manager is on an employment visa for any company in the UAE.

  • National ID card copy of the UAE National Partner

Corporate Shareholder

  • Exact Copy of Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum ( legalized from the UAE Embassy).
  • An objection certificate from the Free Zone/ Offshore Authority if the company is a shareholder in the proposed LLC
  • Original Board Resolution for incorporating the business with a Power of Attorney that has been notarized and authorised by the UAE Embassy.

Mainland Company Set Up

The following guidelines should be taken into consideration before setting up a mainland company in the UAE.

  • You must acquire the following business licences: a business or professional licence

  • The Mainland Company may have a minimum of one director and a maximum number that will be decided by the owners.

  • It is forbidden to use phrases with a religious connotation or specific words like UAE or Dubai.

  • For company formation and the visa process, the shareholders’ physical presence is required (at least for one shareholder during the initial approval).

  • Value Added Taxis applied, and annual audits and bookkeeping are required.

  • Companies based in the Mainland will be subject to corporate taxbeginning in June 2023; the rate is anticipated to be 9%.

  • The business model could be either B2B or B2C.

Freezone Company Setup

Individuals and institutions considering setting up a brand new company in the UAE Free Zone are firmly swayed by one factor – free zones. Multiple factors can depend on your decision, including your company’s nature and style, the size, flexibility, and accessibility of your office space, as well as its location and cost. However, choosing to open a business in the UAE free zone should be a straightforward decision, which can be done with the help of Free Zone Company Formation Services in Abu Dhabi, UAE

The government of the UAE has established numerous free zones, each of which is intended for a certain kind of business activity. There are many benefits offered by UAE free trade zones for non-resident corporations, such as single-window administration, no bureaucratic red tape, and 100% ownership. There are roughly 44 free zones scattered over the UAE, and they have drawn 200,000 businesses from outside that are contributing to the GDP growth. The fundamental needs are the same, however, the free trade zones have different objectives, setup fees, and documentation requirements.

Are you planning to set up a Free Zone company in the UAE? From processing of Employee visas to Resident Visas, Investor Visas, Licence Renewal Procedures, NOCS Forms concerned authorities, Labour Cards, Immigration Cards, and Licence Documentation, GAAP Associates can help you. We, at GAAP Associates, work closely with Government Agencies and can help you set up the company in the Freezone

Freezone Company Setup

Benefits of Freezone company setup in UAE

The establishment of a free zone business in the UAE has many advantages. Check out the overall benefits of establishing a business in a free zone.

  •  Companies are exempt from paying corporate tax.

  •  We can quickly obtain investor visas as well as employment visas for your investors and relevant personnel.

  •  We are able to provide you with the greatest corporate legal structure that will enable you to own the entire business.

  •  Neither the business nor the employees will be required to pay income tax.

  • The goal of each free zone is to serve a specific industry. All necessary amenities can be found depending on the sector.

Types of Business Licenses

Commercial License:

Your ability to start the import, export, storage and distribution processes is made possible by a commercial license.

Industrial License:

Companies who want to import raw materials in their area must obtain an industrial license. Only those with an industrial license are permitted to manufacture and process a certain number of specific commodities.

Professional License:

Professional licensing concerns are anticipated for consulting firms and service providers. The DED grants licenses to professionals.

Commercial License:

Your ability to start the import, export, storage and distribution processes is made possible by a commercial license.

Consultancy License:

You need an IFZA consultation licence in order to offer professional expert consulting services.

Service License:

A service license issued under the company’s name allows those license holders to perform manufacturing, production, and transportation activities.

General Trading License:

If you own an IFZA general trading licence, you can access a wide range of services and trade opportunities. You can begin trading your goods and services in a B2B, B2C, and C2B business model with a general trade license.

Offshore Company Setup

Offshore companies are permitted to open bank accounts in the UAE, but they are not allowed to provide work visas or establish physical offices there. Offshore licenses are frequently used as holding corporations and are primarily formed for operations in foreign countries with financial, legal, and tax advantages. The UAE allows offshore companies operating in free zones like JAFZA and RAKICC to buy real estate. As a registered and reputable agent for Dubai offshore company formation, GAAP Associates offer top-notch Offshore Company Formation services to clients. We provide end-to-end services for setting up and managing offshore companies in the United Arab Emirates. A number of services are provided, such as corporate and business documentation, the opening of bank accounts, license application procedures, etc. Additionally, while setting up your company, we will communicate with all relevant authorities on your behalf.

Documents Needed for Offshore Company Formation

For Corporate Entity Shareholders

  • Incorporation Certificate Copy or Trade License
  • Notarized Original Board Resolution
  • Memorandum of Association
  • Passport Copy – Directors, Company Secretary, and Shareholders
  • Certificate of Good Standing of the Parent Company
  • Notarized and Attested Power of Attorney

Individual Shareholders

  • Passport Copy
  • Bank Reference Letter (Original)
  • Curriculum Vitae of shareholder
  • Proof of Residence
  • Ultimate Beneficiaries Details

Advantages

  • Low start-up expenses
  • Fast incorporation procedure
  • 100% tax-free, 100% permissible foreign ownership
  • No paid-up share capital and no need for an audit
  • Multiple bank accounts

Offshore Company Setup

List of Top Offshore Companies in UAE:

  • RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA)


Both allow 100 per cent foreign ownership and are tax-free jurisdictions with no personal or corporate income taxes. Over 110 countries have signed Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaty Agreements (DTTAs) with the UAE. There are also unique offerings in both jurisdictions: RAK ICC is known as the cheapest and fastest way to form an offshore company in the UAE, with incorporation typically taking just a few days.

The RAK offshore jurisdiction has an enviable roster of more than 14,000 companies in 50 sectors, making it one of the most established offshore jurisdictions in the Middle East. The only offshore entities authorised to own property in the emirate of Dubai are JAFZA & RAK ICC offshore firms. The UAE allows all offshore businesses to open multi-currency accounts and conduct international business.

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