Company Formation in Dubai & UAE: Mainland, Free Zones, 0% Corporate Tax & Banking
The UAE has firmly established itself as the global capital for cross-border commerce, tech innovation, Web3, and international holding structures. Through Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, foreign investors are permitted 100% foreign ownership of Mainland LLCs, while 40+ specialized Free Zones provide customs-free operations, zero exchange restrictions, and fast-track digital bank account pre-approvals.
Step-by-Step Incorporation Process in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Statutory timeline and regulatory milestones required by government authorities.
Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval
Submit 3 name choices to the DET or selected Free Zone Authority for phonetic and trademark compliance.
Activity Selection & MOA Drafting
Select commercial activities from over 2,000 official codes and execute the digital Memorandum of Association.
Lease Agreement & License Issuance
Secure a registered flexi-desk or physical office lease (Ejari for Mainland) and receive the official license certificate.
Establishment Card & Investor Visa
Apply for immigration clearance, complete VIP medical fitness & biometric Emirates ID processing.
Corporate Bank Account Opening
Submit corporate trade license, Emirates ID, and source-of-wealth documentation to Wio Bank or Tier-1 UAE banks.
Popular Corporate Structures in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Choose the entity structure aligned with your commercial operations and taxation strategy.
Commercial Trade License
General Trading, Import/Export, Wholesale, Retail
- Import/export duty privileges
- Customs code issued automatically
- Local and international trade clearance
Professional Service License
Software development, IT, Marketing, Management Consulting
- 100% foreign ownership
- Low renewal costs
- Zero warehouse requirement
Industrial Manufacturing License
Factories, assembly lines, packaging, chemical production
- Industrial plot leasing
- Duty-free raw material import
- GCC customs exemptions
Freelance & Remote Work Permit
Solo creators, independent software engineers, consultants
- Includes 1 residence visa
- Zero office lease required
- Full digital banking access
Corporate & Personal Taxation in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Corporate Income Tax Framework
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 sets a statutory 9% rate. However, Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 grants Small Business Relief (0% Corporate Tax) to businesses with revenue under AED 3,000,000 until December 2026. Furthermore, Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) pay 0% on Qualifying Income under Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023.
Personal Income & Capital Gains Tax
There is zero personal income tax, zero tax on capital gains, zero dividend withholding tax, and zero inheritance tax in the UAE.
- UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Taxation of Corporations
- Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 (Small Business Relief)
- Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023 (Qualifying Free Zone Persons)
- Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020 (100% Foreign Ownership)
Corporate Banking & Payment Rails in United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
Recommended banking partners, minimum deposits, and compliance requirements.
| Financial Institution | Institution Type | Avg. Approval Time | Min. Deposit | Remote Opening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wio Bank | Digital / Fintech | 2 - 4 Days | AED 0 | ✅ 100% Remote |
| Emirates NBD | Tier-1 Traditional | 10 - 20 Days | AED 50,000 - 150,000 | ⚠️ In-Person Required |
| Mashreq NeoBiz | Digital / Fintech | 3 - 7 Days | AED 10,000 | ✅ 100% Remote |
| Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) | Tier-1 Traditional | 14 - 21 Days | AED 100,000 | ⚠️ In-Person Required |
10-Year UAE Golden Visa & 2-Year Investor Visa
Minimum Capital / Salary Threshold: AED 2,000,000 (Investments or Real Estate) or AED 500,000 for Startup Founders
Calculate Your United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Setup Budget
Interactive fee calculator based on current official statutory pricing.
Global Company Formation Cost Estimator
Calculate accurate government fees, resident visas, office permits, and banking setup.
Frequently Asked Questions about United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Formation
Can a foreign national own 100% of a company in Dubai Mainland?
Yes. Following UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020, 100% foreign ownership is allowed across commercial, professional, and industrial activities on the Mainland without an Emirati sponsor.
What is the minimum capital required for a Dubai company?
Most Dubai Free Zones (IFZA, Meydan) and Mainland DET licenses require zero paid-up capital deposited in a bank account during registration.
How long does company formation take in Dubai?
License issuance takes 24 to 72 hours. Processing the investor visa, medical fitness, and Emirates ID takes an additional 4 to 6 business days.