UAE business setup and company formation guidance: mainland or free zone, trade licence, activities, investor visas, bank account preparation and corporate tax registration.
The UAE is one of the world's most popular places to start a company, with fast licensing, modern infrastructure and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Choosing the right jurisdiction, legal form and business activity at the start saves time and cost later.
ZANS Consultants helps entrepreneurs from Pakistan, the UK and elsewhere plan their UAE company, understand the licensing and visa steps, and prepare for banking and tax registration.
Mainland company: licensed by the emirate's economic department and able to trade directly across the UAE market.
Free zone company: licensed by a free zone authority, often with simpler set-up and packages that include visas, with some limits on trading directly in the mainland.
Offshore company: used for holding and asset structures, not for trading or residence visas.
Choose activities, jurisdiction and legal form
Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval
Sign the memorandum or lease agreements and obtain the trade licence
Obtain the establishment card and apply for investor and employee visas
Open a corporate bank account
Register for corporate tax and, where required, VAT
Jurisdiction, activity and cost comparison
Licensing and documentation guidance
Investor and partner visa guidance, including Golden Visa eligibility
Bank account preparation
Corporate tax and VAT registration awareness
Ongoing renewals and compliance guidance
The UAE introduced federal corporate tax for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, and companies must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Free zone companies may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income if they meet the conditions. We recommend reviewing your tax position with a qualified tax adviser.
Speak to ZANS Consultants in Karachi, Dubai or London, or by WhatsApp, phone or video call, for clear advice on UAE Business Setup & Company Formation.
Important: ZANS Consultants is a private consultancy and does not issue or guarantee visas, residence permits, citizenship or other official approvals. Eligibility, requirements, fees and processing times can change, and the relevant government or immigration authority makes the final decision.
Compare mainland and free zone options and plan your licence, visas and bank account.
Clear advice, careful document checks and honest guidance on what the UAE Business Setup route requires.
Choose between mainland and free zone based on your activities and customers.
Understand licence, visa and office costs before you commit.
Investor, partner and employee visa guidance, including Golden Visa eligibility.
Help preparing the documents banks ask for when opening a corporate account.
Meet our team in Dubai or speak by WhatsApp, phone or video call.
Renewals, corporate tax and VAT obligations explained clearly.
A clear, step-by-step process so you understand the UAE Business Setup route and your file is complete before it is submitted.
We discuss your circumstances and plans and explain how the UAE Business Setup route works.
We check your profile and documents against the current official requirements.
We explain the steps, who is responsible for each and the realistic timeline.
You receive a personalised checklist, and we review your evidence for gaps.
We review the completed application and forms before submission.
Guidance on biometrics, decision, travel and arrival formalities.
Clear answers to the questions clients usually ask before starting their immigration or business consultancy journey.
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