Set up a company in the United Arab Emirates as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in the United Arab Emirates is the mainland LLC or free zone company. Foreign ownership: Up to 100% foreign ownership on the mainland for most activities, except listed strategic activities; free zones set their own company types. Minimum capital: None stated.
The mainland LLC or free zone company in the United Arab Emirates, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | Foreign investors' share is no longer limited to 49%; it can be up to 100%. | u.ae |
| Online registration | Investors can apply online to start a business on the mainland. | u.ae |
| Time | The federal Basher service lets investors establish a business in 15 minutes (government figure, conditions apply). | u.ae |
| Remote registration (Abu Dhabi) | In Abu Dhabi, registration can be completed without visiting the service centre. | u.ae |
| Local agent | The same u.ae steps page says businesses fully owned by non-GCC residents need a UAE local service agent, while another u.ae page allows 100% foreign ownership on the mainland. The two official pages disagree, so ask the licensing authority. | u.ae |
| Registered local address | All businesses in the UAE need a physical address. | u.ae |
| Residency approval | Foreign investors need approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners' Affairs before initial approval. | u.ae |
| Free zones | Free zone company types depend on each free zone authority. | u.ae |
| Corporate income tax | 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000. | u.ae |
| Corporate income tax (above threshold) | 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. | u.ae |
| Annual compliance | File a corporate tax return within 9 months of the end of each tax period. | mof.gov.ae |
Questions founders ask about the United Arab Emirates
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the United Arab Emirates?
- Up to 100% foreign ownership on the mainland for most activities, except listed strategic activities; free zones set their own company types.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in the United Arab Emirates?
- None stated.
- How long does it take to register a company in the United Arab Emirates?
- Basher (federal) states a business can be established in 15 minutes; emirate timings vary.
- Do I need a local director in the United Arab Emirates?
- Conflict: u.ae says businesses fully owned by non-GCC residents need a UAE local service agent, while also stating 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
- Can I register a company in the United Arab Emirates from abroad?
- Online application for the mainland is available; Abu Dhabi states no need to visit the service centre.
- What is the corporate tax rate in the United Arab Emirates?
- 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above; qualifying free zone persons may get 0% on qualifying income.
Other countries
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To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- Mainland limited liability company (licensed by the emirate's economic department) or a free zone company (registered with the individual free zone authority)
- Foreign ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership on the mainland for most activities, except listed strategic activities; free zones set their own company types
- Minimum capital
- None stated
- Time to register
- Basher (federal) states a business can be established in 15 minutes; emirate timings vary
- Local director
- Conflict: u.ae says businesses fully owned by non-GCC residents need a UAE local service agent, while also stating 100% foreign ownership is allowed
- Register from abroad
- Online application for the mainland is available; Abu Dhabi states no need to visit the service centre
- Corporate tax
- 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above; qualifying free zone persons may get 0% on qualifying income
- Official page
- u.ae
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check u.ae before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.