Our team advises on selecting appropriate business activities and corporate structures, registering names, preparing documents and leasing premises. We arrange licences, visas and bank accounts and draft shareholder agreements to define rights and responsibilities. We also advise on compliance with labour, tax and intellectual‑property laws.
We begin by explaining the differences between mainland, free zone and offshore company structures. Mainland companies allow trading across the UAE but may require a local partner in certain sectors, while free zones offer 100 percent foreign ownership and benefits such as zero tax and full repatriation of profits. We assess your proposed activities and recommend an appropriate free zone—such as DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA or Abu Dhabi Global Market—based on licensing requirements, office requirements and industry focus. Our lawyers prepare the memorandum of association, articles of association and board resolutions needed for incorporation. We secure initial approvals from relevant authorities, reserve the company name, and assist with selecting and leasing office or warehouse space within the chosen jurisdiction. We submit all incorporation documents and coordinate with regulators to obtain a trade licence. Once the company is established, we open corporate bank accounts and help obtain residence and employment visas for shareholders and employees. We draft and negotiate shareholder agreements to address voting rights, profit distribution, restrictions on transfer of shares and dispute‑resolution mechanisms. Our service extends to ongoing corporate maintenance, including renewing licences, filing annual returns, updating share registers, and ensuring compliance with Economic Substance Regulations and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) requirements.
With our support, clients avoid common pitfalls, meet regulatory requirements and launch operations quickly. Clear shareholder agreements and corporate governance frameworks protect stakeholders and enable future investment or exit opportunities.
Choosing the right jurisdiction and business structure has significant tax, immigration and operational implications. Our guidance helps you avoid costly mistakes and delays, such as choosing a licence category that doesn’t cover your planned activities or failing to meet office space requirements. We anticipate regulatory changes and ensure that your company remains compliant with economic‑substance rules, anti‑money‑laundering laws and local employment regulations. Our assistance with bank account opening reduces the risk of rejection due to incomplete documentation or KYC issues. Comprehensive shareholder agreements minimise disputes and give investors confidence that their rights are protected. Because we handle the administrative burden, you can focus on building your business and establishing market presence without being bogged down by paperwork. In the long term, a well‑structured company is easier to scale, attracts investment and can be sold or reorganised efficiently.
We have in‑depth knowledge of UAE mainland and Freezone regulations and maintain relationships with authorities. Our commercial insight helps clients choose the optimal structure for their goals.
Our lawyers have assisted start‑ups, SMEs and multinational corporations across sectors including technology, retail, logistics, energy and professional services. We have close working relationships with free zone authorities, the Department of Economic Development, banks and immigration offices, enabling us to resolve issues quickly. Our multilingual team understands cultural nuances and can communicate with local partners and government officials. We provide transparent timelines and cost estimates, allowing you to budget accurately. Because our service is end‑to‑end, we remain your trusted adviser beyond incorporation, assisting with day‑to‑day matters such as visa renewals, changes in shareholding and regulatory updates. Clients value our proactive approach, timely communication and commitment to building long‑term partnerships.