Start your UAE company from the UK with 100% ownership, 0% corporate tax, and complete setup support.
UK founders can register UAE companies remotely. Choose Mainland for local trade or Free Zone for tax benefits. Setup completes in 2–4 weeks.
Legend Consults is expanding its roots! We are proud to introduce our services for UK founders and businesses who wish to establish themselves in the UAE. With 13+ years of experience in UK business immigration, we have now partnered with trusted UAE networks and authorities to give you the same end-to-end company formation solutions.
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Setting up a company in Dubai starts with choosing your structure. Each option offers distinct advantages depending on your goals, market reach, and operational needs. All can now be set up remotely for UK residents.
| Structure | Key Features | Ideal For | Ownership | Market Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mainland Company |
Trade directly within the UAE and internationally. Eligible for government contracts. |
Businesses targeting UAE’s domestic market. |
Up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. |
Full UAE + global markets. |
Free Zone Company |
Enjoy 0% corporate tax (subject to conditions), customs benefits, and full repatriation of profits. |
Startups, consultancies, and global traders. |
100% foreign ownership. |
Within Free Zone & abroad. |
Offshore Company |
No office required; ideal for asset protection and holding companies. |
International operations or investment entities. |
100% foreign ownership. |
Outside UAE (no onshore trading). |
Branch / Representative Office |
Operates as an extension of a parent company. |
Existing foreign or regional firms expanding to UAE. |
Parent companies retain ownership. |
Same as parent company’s scope. |
Setting up a company in Dubai starts with choosing your structure.
| License Type | Purpose | Examples of Activities | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Commercial License |
Authorizes trading and general commerce, including import/export and retail. |
Importing electronics, running an online store, or trading construction materials. |
Entrepreneurs and companies dealing in goods or products. |
Professional License |
Required for service-oriented or skill-based businesses. |
If you’re offering consultancy from London to UAE clients, you’ll need a Professional License.
Also covers marketing agencies, IT services, and freelancers. |
Consultants, service providers, and independent professionals. |
Industrial License |
Permits manufacturing, production, or industrial processing. |
Food production, textiles, metal works, or packaging industries. |
Manufacturers or industrial operators establishing production units. |
Every UAE company requires a trade licence. The right license depends on your business activity and target market. There are three main types:
Other specialist licences, such as Tourism, Media, or Education apply to niche sectors and are issued by relevant UAE authorities.
for trading goods and services.
for consultancy and professional services.
for manufacturing and industrial activities.
Other specialist licences, such as tourism, may apply in certain sectors.
Renewals are annual, with late fees if not completed on time.
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Trade name reservation certificate
Memorandum of Association
Tenancy contract or Ejari for office space
Your business licence requires a registered office address. Options include:
Ejari (official tenancy registration) is mandatory for most mainland setups. Free zones provide flexi-desk packages with mail handling and meeting room access
Legend Consults manages your UAE visa process end-to-end.
Family sponsorship is available!
Investors and residents can sponsor spouses, children, and domestic staff.
Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE requires careful preparation. We guide you through:
Our PRO services cover document clearing, notarisation, attestation, and customs code registration for import/export businesses.
We specialise in helping UK founders and SMEs set up in Dubai. Key considerations for UK-to-UAE moves include:
We ensure your UK business translates smoothly into UAE compliance
Mainland offers access to the UAE market; free zones offer tax perks and full foreign ownership. Your choice depends on your business model.
Commercial, professional, and industrial are the core categories. Tourism and specialist licences apply to certain activities.
It’s a 10-year residence permit for investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals. It allows long-term residency without a sponsor.
Yes, your activity must match one of the UAE’s official lists. Certain regulated sectors require additional approvals.
Opening a bank account takes 2–4 weeks, depending on compliance and the chosen bank.
Yes, especially in free zones. Mainland setups usually need an Ejari-registered space.
Yes, investors and residents can sponsor spouses, children, and dependants, subject to minimum salary thresholds.
Yes, trade licences are renewed yearly, and visa validity is tied to the licence.
Step-by-Step Journey with Legend Consults
