Navigate the UAE’s business environment with confidence.

Company Formation in UAE

IBARA CONSULTANCY - PARTNER OF CHOICE

Whether you're entering the UAE market or expanding across borders, we handle every step — from licensing and visas to banking, accounting and compliance — with precision, speed, and clarity.

Start Your UAE Business the Right Way

Setting up a company in Dubai can be incredibly rewarding—but only when done right.

At IBARA GROUP, we handle every step of the process with speed, clarity, and full legal compliance.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, SME, or international investor, we offer formation and post-setup services tailored to your structure, goals, and timeline.

Choose Your Setup Path

Three formation paths tailored to your goals and business mod

Set up your company with full legal compliance, maximum flexibility, and tailored licensing solutions — whether you’re going local or global.

What's Included In Every Plan?

1. Mainland Company Formation

Licensing via Dubai DED for businesses targeting the UAE mainland, including joint ventures — with 100% foreign ownership.

→ Ideal for companies requiring direct access to UAE-based clients.

2. Free Zone Setup

Enjoy 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and faster registration across UAE Free Zones.

→ Perfect for international businesses seeking simplicity and autonomy.

3. Offshore Company Formation

Confidential corporate structures with international banking and no office requirements.

→ Designed for holding companies, asset protection, and cross-border operations

Not Sure Where to Start?

Let our experts guide you through the right setup based on your goals, timeline, and budget.

→ Book a Free Consultation and get clarity in minutes.

Speak with a Specialist Today

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO LAUNCH — BUILT AROUND YOU

What You Might Need — We’ve Got It Covered

Starting your company with IBARA means more than just getting a license. You gain access to a full ecosystem of services—delivered as needed, based on your structure and goals. From banking and tax to visas and government liaison, we provide a seamless, legally sound launch. No guesswork, no patchwork. Just the right support, at the right time.

Visa
Processing

Investor, partner, and employment visas — from documents to Emirates ID.

Business Licensing &
Documentation

End-to-end handling of government approvals and legal paperwork.

Business Bank
Account Setup

Local and international bank guidance with KYC, compliance, and faster approval.

PRO Services &
Government Liaison

Dealings with ministries and government agencies, handled by professionals.

Document Clearance &
Legal Translation

Certified translation and clearance to ensure smooth documentation.

Accounting &
Tax Advisory

Corporate tax, VAT, and bookkeeping services built for compliance and clarity.

Company Renewal &
Compliance

Ongoing support to keep your license valid, updated, and fine-free.

Legal &
Corporate Structuring

Advice on holding companies, shareholder structures, and GCC compliance.

Mainland vs Free Zone: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right jurisdiction is one of the most important steps when setting up your business in the UAE. We break down the key differences between mainland and free zone structures — so you can make the right decision based on your goals, ownership needs, and future plans.

Mainland Company

PROS

100% foreign ownership
Greater office location flexibility across all Emirates
Eligible for government contracts and tenders

CONS

May require a local service agent
Slightly longer registration and approval timeline
Typically higher setup and operational costs

Free Zone Company

pros

100% foreign ownership with no local partner required
Faster, more streamlined setup process
Tax advantages and access to specialised industry hubs

cons

Cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland without a distributor or agent
Office space limited to designated free zone areas
Business scope may be restricted depending on the chosen free zone

Not sure which one fits your business model?

Book a Free Consultation

Explore UAE Free Zones

Not all free zones are the same — each offers different benefits.

Use the list below to explore key details for each UAE free zone, including licensing options, ownership rules, setup timelines, and key advantages.

Once you find the right fit, you can book a call with our team to move forward.
  • RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)

    What is it?
    RAKEZ is a leading free zone located in Ras Al Khaimah, offering flexible business setup solutions across more than 50 industries. Known for its cost-effective packages, it serves as one of the UAE’s most prominent economic hubs.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation
    ∙ Fast license issuance — as quick as 1–2 days
    ∙ Competitive pricing starting from AED 6,000
    ∙ Wide range of license types, including freelance permits
    ∙ Strategic location with easy access to the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe

    Setup time:
    1–5 working days depending on license type

    Best for:
    Startups, SMEs, freelancers, trading companies, and manufacturing businesses.

  • Meydan Free Zone

    What is it?
    Meydan Free Zone is an affordable business hub located in the heart of Dubai. It offers proximity to Downtown Dubai and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, and is known for combining cost-effective licensing with luxury surroundings like a 5-star hotel and golf course.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
    ∙ 0% corporate and personal income tax
    ∙ Among the lowest-cost setups in Dubai
    ∙ Operate on mainland with a free zone license
    ∙ Access to over 1,500 business activities
    ∙ Multi-activity licensing under a single permit

    Setup time:
    5–10 working days

    Best for:
    Entrepreneurs seeking a prestigious Dubai address, SMEs, consulting and commercial businesses, and companies needing mainland access.

  • IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)

    What is it?
    IFZA is a dynamic free zone based in Dubai, designed to simplify international business with a full suite of corporate solutions. It supports both physical and virtual office models, offering flexibility for startups, SMEs, and global firms alike.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor
    ∙ 0% corporate and personal income tax
    ∙ Full VAT exemption for qualifying businesses
    ∙ Option to register as a limited liability company (LLC)
    ∙ Remote company formation available
    ∙ Visa packages with up to 3-year validity

    Setup time:
    Approximately 1 week

    Best for:
    Consultancy firms, trading companies, tech businesses, and service providers.

  • SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) Free Zone

    What is it?
    SHAMS is a digitally-native free zone launched in 2017 to support the media sector and foster entrepreneurship. Spanning over 2 million m² in Al Messaned, Sharjah, it offers a modern, multi-use business environment.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ Cost-effective packages starting from AED 5,750
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with no currency restrictions
    ∙ One of the fastest business setups in the UAE
    ∙ Digital-first platform for streamlined registration
    ∙ Access to international standard infrastructure

    Setup time:
    2–5 working days

    Best for:
    Media companies, content creators, startups, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs.

  • SPC (Sharjah Publishing City) Free Zone

    What is it?
    SPC is a specialised free zone launched in 2017, dedicated to the publishing and media industry. Covering 19,000 square metres in Sharjah, it operates under the Sharjah Book Authority to promote the region’s cultural and publishing landscape.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation
    ∙ Tax-free environment with no corporate or personal income tax
    ∙ Instant license issuance within 24 hours
    ∙ On-site printing, binding, and distribution facilities
    ∙ Strategic location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates
    ∙ Competitive business setup packages starting from AED 6,885

    Setup time:
    24 hours for license, 7 working days for full setup

    Best for:
    Publishers, printing companies, media distributors, and educational content creators.

  • Ajman Free Zone

    What is it?
    Established in 1988, Ajman Free Zone is one of the UAE’s most experienced free zones, offering affordable, flexible office solutions and a quick licensing process. It caters to a broad range of industries including trading, professional services, industrial operations, and e-commerce.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% business ownership with full capital repatriation
    ∙ Low operating costs and competitive facility rates
    ∙ Fast setup with licenses issued in as little as 2 working days
    ∙ Strategic location near two international airports and four seaports
    ∙ One-stop-shop support for visa processing and administrative services

    Setup time:
    5–7 working days on average (2 days for license issuance)

    Best for:
    SMEs, trading companies, e-commerce ventures, and industrial businesses.

  • DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) Free Zone

    What is it?
    DMCC is a premier free zone established in 2002, located in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. It is designed specifically to support businesses in four core sectors: precious commodities, energy, metals, and agriculture. Recognised globally, DMCC has been named the world’s top free zone multiple times.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
    ∙ 0% corporate tax for qualifying entities
    ∙ World-class infrastructure in a prime Dubai location
    ∙ No currency restrictions or exchange controls
    ∙ Streamlined business registration through the DMCC digital portal

    Setup time:
    2–3 weeks for full company formation

    Best for:
    Commodities traders, precious metals dealers, energy companies, and large international enterprises.

  • DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority)

    What is it?
    DAFZA is a high-profile free zone established in 1996, strategically located next to Dubai International Airport. It serves as a major hub for global trade and investment, home to over 2,000 companies from more than 100 countries, and is especially strong in logistics and cross-border commerce.

    Why choose it?
    ∙ 100% foreign ownership with full profit repatriation
    ∙ 0% income tax and no withholding tax
    ∙ Strategic proximity to Dubai Airport for global logistics
    ∙ Multiple license options, including dual license with DED
    ∙ Efficient cross-border goods movement and customs support

    Setup time:
    5–10 working days

    Best for:
    Import/export businesses, logistics and freight companies, trading firms, and manufacturing operations.

  • Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

    What is DIFC?
    Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a leading global financial free zone located in central Dubai. Established in 2004, it spans 110 hectares and serves as a strategic hub for companies operating across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. DIFC operates under its own independent legal and regulatory framework, based on English common law, making it one of the most trusted and internationally recognised business environments in the region.

    Why choose DIFC?

    • 100% foreign ownership with no local partner required
    • 0% corporate and personal income tax for up to 50 years (subject to criteria)
    • Full repatriation of profits and capital
    • Independent legal system based on English common law
    • Prestigious Dubai address and world-class infrastructure
    • Streamlined and transparent licensing process
    • Access to skilled workforce and flexible labour laws
    • Strong IP and data protection laws
    • Global financial ecosystem and networking opportunities
    • Multiple legal structures (LLC, partnerships, branches, etc.)

    Setup Time
    1–4 weeks depending on business activity and approvals

    Best suited for:

    • Financial institutions and fintech companies
    • Wealth and asset management firms
    • Insurance and reinsurance providers
    • Legal, accounting, and consulting firms
    • Technology-driven businesses
    • Global companies seeking a premium Dubai presence
  • Why Choose IBARA GROUP

    When setting up or expanding in the UAE, trust and clarity matter. At IBARA GROUP, we combine legal compliance, speed, and deep local expertise to deliver a seamless experience — whether you’re launching a company, hiring a team, or securing your next property.

    Schedule a 15 Minute Call

    Government-compliant & fully licensed
    Transparent fees — no hidden costs
    Full-service, in-house support — no outsourcing
    Fast-track setup — timelines from 3 to 10 working days
    End-to-end support: from license to lease, banking, and HR

    Trusted by Entrepreneurs Worldwide

    “Setting up my business in the Meydan Free Zone was seamless thanks to their expert team. Highly recommended!”

    – Sarah J., Founder, TechNova Solutions

    “Professional, transparent, and efficient service. They took care of everything from licensing to VAT registration.”

    – Imran K., CEO, FinPro Consulting

    “Their support during the entire company formation process in RAKEZ was exceptional. I didn’t have to worry about a thing.”

    – Linda A., Owner, EcoGoods Trading

    “IBARA handled everything from our trade licence to our investor visa in less than two weeks. Their transparency and response time made us feel secure every step of the way.”

    — Penelope W., Founder, PR Consulting Firm

    LETTER FROM CEO
    “At IBARA, we don’t just help you set up a business — we become your long-term partner for growth, compliance, and success in the UAE.”

    Frequently asked questions

    1. How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?

    The process typically takes 3–10 business days, depending on the free zone and the type of business license.

    2. What documents are required for company formation?

    Basic documents include a passport copy, visa copy (if applicable), and a completed application form. Some zones may require additional documents.

    3. Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a company?

    Not always. Many free zones allow remote registration, though some processes like bank account opening may require your presence.

    4. What is the difference between a mainland and free zone company?

    Free zone companies are limited to operating within the free zone and internationally, while mainland companies can do business across the UAE without restrictions.

    5. Can I open a corporate bank account with a free zone company?

    Yes. We assist in opening corporate bank accounts with leading UAE banks after company incorporation.

    6. Do Free Zone companies need to register for VAT?

    VAT registration is required if your taxable supplies exceed the mandatory threshold (currently AED 375,000 annually).

    7. Is renewal required every year for Free Zone licenses?

    Yes. All free zone companies must renew their trade license annually to maintain legal status.

    Ready to Build in the UAE?
    Let’s turn your vision into action — from setup to scaling, we’ll handle every step.