Company Setup Advisory
Mainland or free zone isn't a branding decision — it determines your VAT treatment, your Corporate Tax exposure and who you're allowed to trade with.
Overview
We're often brought in after a company has already been incorporated the wrong way for its business model. Structuring the entity correctly from day one — jurisdiction, licence activity, shareholding and even the free zone chosen — saves a restructuring exercise (and its costs) two years later.
What's included
- Mainland vs. free zone structuring analysis against your actual trade flows
- Free zone selection based on activity, cost and Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions
- Licence activity selection and scope review
- Shareholding and holding structure design, including cross-border ownership
- Bank account opening support and compliance documentation
- Post-incorporation VAT and Corporate Tax registration
Who this is for
New entrants to the UAE market, existing businesses restructuring, and international founders evaluating a UAE holding or operating entity.
Frequently asked questions
Not once you factor in Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions, mainland market access and the cost of a local service agent for certain activities. We model the total cost of ownership, not just the setup fee.
Generally through a distributor or a mainland branch, depending on the free zone and activity. This is one of the most common structuring mistakes we're asked to fix after the fact.
Free zone incorporation can be a matter of days once documentation is ready; mainland incorporation timelines vary with activity and approvals required from other authorities.
Often paired with Company Setup Advisory.
Corporate Tax Consultancy
Registration, computation and planning under the UAE Corporate Tax Law.
View serviceVAT Consultancy
Registration, returns and health-checks that keep every filing Authority-clean.
View serviceAccounting Outsourcing
Day-to-day bookkeeping and reporting handled by a dedicated finance team.
View serviceReady to get your UAE tax house in order?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with a Dubai-based advisor. No obligation, straight answers.