Mainland is better if you want to trade within the UAE, work with government clients, or have more location flexibility.
A Mainland company setup allows you to operate anywhere within the UAE and take on government projects. It offers greater flexibility in terms of business activities and office location. However, depending on the type of business, you may need a local sponsor or service agent. On the other hand, a Freezone setup offers 100% foreign ownership, faster licensing processes, and cost-effective packages. However, Freezone companies are typically restricted to operating within their respective Freezone or internationally and cannot directly trade in the UAE mainland without appointing a local distributor or agent.
Whether or not you need a local sponsor depends on your business activity. Many professional and commercial activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, thanks to recent legal reforms. However, certain activities, especially those of strategic importance, may still require a local UAE national to act as a service agent or shareholder. We assess your specific case and guide you through the best ownership structure based on current laws and your goals.
To begin the business setup process, you will typically need to provide passport copies of all shareholders, visa or entry stamp pages, a utility bill as proof of address, and a few trade name options. Depending on the business activity and chosen jurisdiction, additional documentation such as a business plan or NOC from a current sponsor may be required.
Our FAQ is designed to help you understand these requirements clearly and ensure you’re fully prepared. Our team ensures you are informed of all necessary paperwork to avoid delays and make your setup experience smooth and stress-free.
Yes, we provide complete support with the process of opening a corporate bank account in the UAE. This includes helping you prepare the required documentation, identifying the right bank based on your business profile, and facilitating meetings with banking representatives. Since each bank has different criteria and procedures, our experience helps streamline the process for a faster and smoother setup.
Choosing the wrong company setup can lead to several challenges, including being restricted in where you can operate, incurring higher than expected costs, or facing difficulties in expanding your business. It could also result in legal or compliance issues if the structure does not align with your intended business activities. This is why we offer tailored consultations to ensure your setup aligns with your long-term plans, budget, and operational needs from the start.
Freezone is ideal if you want 100% ownership, lower costs, and plan to operate internationally or online.
As of June 1, 2023:
The old FDI Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 19 of 2018) has been changed, and the Positive List is no longer valid. The amended Commercial Companies Law (Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020) now sets the rules for foreign ownership. It lets local governments decide what the UAE needs to own in important areas.
Yes. Foreign investors with a licensed UAE entity (mainland or free zone) can sponsor visas for their staff. The company must hold a valid trade license, approved labour quota, and job roles matching its activities. Employers handle visa applications, entry permits, medical tests, and residence visa processing.
In some economic activities, full foreign ownership is allowed, but only with the approval of local authorities and the right sector classification.
It usually takes 5 to 10 working days to get a business license in the UAE mainland. The amount of time it takes depends on the emirate, the type of business, and how ready the documents are. If the activities are complicated and need special approvals, the process could take 15 to 25 working days.
Depending on the bank, the type of business, and how complete the documents are, it usually takes 4 to 5 weeks to open a business bank account in the UAE mainland. Companies based on the mainland usually process things faster than those based in offshore or free zones. Timelines may be as long as two months for complicated structures or high-risk sectors.
Once all the required documents are sent in and approved by the right authorities, it usually takes 5 to 10 business days to get an employment or investor visa in the UAE mainland (Post issuance of license and establishment card). Depending on the emirate and the type of visa, timelines may be pushed back by 2 to 3 weeks if more approvals or attestations are needed.
The government authority does not directly offer VIP services. However Corporate service providers like BYB can offer VIP business setup services that expedite the processing of licenses, visas, and bank account openings. These high-end services often include priority handling, personalized help, and extra services like document attestation, pick-up and drop-off, and concierge services.
An investor does not have to be in the UAE in person to set up a business there. If all the necessary paperwork is sent in and power of attorney is given if needed, a registered agent or service provider can finish the process from a distance. But depending on the emirate and the bank’s rules, you may need to be there in person to do some things, like sign certain papers or open a bank account.
It is usually not hard to open a corporate bank account in the UAE mainland, but it depends on the bank, the type of business, and availability of the documents. You need to send in company documents, shareholder information, and proof that your business is active. Banks requires authorized signatory to visit in person for KYC verification. It’s pretty easy with all the paperwork, but complicated business structures or high-risk sectors may have to go through more checks, which could slow things down.
Freezones offer full foreign ownership and are ideal for export-oriented businesses. Mainland allows trade within the UAE market. Offshore is best for holding companies and international business without local operations.
Yes, in most cases you can now own 100% of your company in the UAE, especially in Free Zones and for many Mainland business activities following recent reforms. However, some strategic sectors may still require a local partner or service agent depending on the activity.
To register a business in the UAE, you’ll typically need passport copies of shareholders, a visa or entry stamp, proof of address (like a utility bill), your desired trade name, and details about your business activity. Additional documents may be needed based on the business type and location.
Yes, BYB can fully assist you in opening a corporate bank account by preparing all required documents, guiding you through the bank’s compliance process, and coordinating appointments with reputable banking partners to ensure a smooth setup.
Absolutely. BYB manages the full visa process, including documentation, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and residency stamping, for both business owners and their employees—ensuring a hassle-free experience.
UAE free zones offer diverse business activities, including trading, import/export, consultancy, IT, manufacturing, media, education, e-commerce, and professional services. Each free zone provides its own approved activity list based on licence type—commercial, service, or industrial—allowing investors to select operations aligned with their business goals and regulatory requirements.
BYB stands out for its transparent pricing, personalized business advice, and end-to-end services under one roof. We focus on building long-term partnerships by offering tailored support, fast processing, and unmatched client satisfaction.
BYB (Build Your Business) is a specialized firm focused on building the foundation for businesses to operate globally. We provide clear guidance and practical support to individuals and companies on how to properly establish their business, follow all rules, and design its structure to begin work in different countries. Our deep knowledge includes how to stay compliant in various nations, selecting the best legal setup, and making smart choices about local business environments. We help get registrations, explain tax requirements, and put in place the basic systems for running an office. BYB is an essential partner for those starting international businesses, making sure they have a solid and rule-abiding base from the very beginning.
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