Corporate services in UAE
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The UAE is a strategic base for corporate expansion, with mainland, free zone, and offshore routes that enable 100% foreign ownership in many sectors and fast LLC setup in Dubai and across the Emirates. Expect clear choices: DED mainland for full market access and tenders; free zones such as DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, and JAFZA for streamlined licensing; and offshore options (RAK ICC, Ajman) for holding and asset protection. Our corporate services in the UAE cover banking and bank account opening, IFRS bookkeeping, VAT registration and return filing, corporate tax advisory, and ongoing compliance with secretarial and PRO support under UAE law. For regulated plays—fintech, payments, Web3, event management, and videography—we map licensing, build AML/KYC, and coordinate with regulators; for restructuring, redomiciliation, and liquidation, we manage governance and filings with clear checkpoints. Timelines range from days for standard commercial registration to months for payment licensing, so an early consultation helps align licensing, tax planning, and bank readiness with your expansion path in the UAE.
Corporate services in UAE: the playbook I use for clients who want speed, substance, and zero drama
The UAE is a rare mix of simplicity and ambition. You get a modern legal framework, investor-friendly taxation, and a government that actually wants your business to succeed. For corporate services in the UAE, that trifecta matters. It means clean registration, realistic banking, and predictable compliance instead of guesswork.
Dubai sits at the center of it all, but the benefits span all seven emirates. You can operate in a Mainland environment with full market access, leverage a Free Zone for sector-specific perks, or use Offshore structures for holding and asset protection. The new corporate tax regime is aligned with OECD standards, VAT is still a modest 5%, and regulators have built practical rails for digital assets, funds, SPVs, and family wealth vehicles. That’s the infrastructure serious operators need.
The anatomy of a clean company setup in Dubai and across the Emirates
Banking without the headaches
Let’s be real: bank account opening in the UAE is no longer a 24-hour handshake. It’s a process. The “best” outcome is not the fastest bank but the bank that actually fits your business profile—transaction volumes, counterparties, currencies, and sector risk. A complete UBO map, a minimal but credible business plan, proof of real activity, and clear source-of-funds evidence will do more than a dozen emails ever could.
If you want speed, pair a local bank account with an EMI (electronic money institution) account for early-stage payments. That buys you runway while the bank completes enhanced due diligence. For international structures, I often add a secondary account outside the UAE to diversify cross-border flows. Banking, in my playbook, is part compliance, part narrative: show the bank you are the kind of client they want, and the doors open.
Accounting, VAT and corporate tax: your compliance triathlon
Every sustainable UAE operation runs on three rails—bookkeeping under IFRS, VAT done right, and the new corporate tax handled with adult supervision. Do these consistently and you’ll glide through audits, renewals, and financing with less friction. They also make your board and investors a lot calmer.
I see many founders underestimate the power of timely, tidy reporting. Weekly reconciliations and monthly closes are not bureaucracy; they’re how you spot problems early. Add a bulletproof document trail and your life gets easier—especially when you’re scaling into other emirates or the KSA market.
Secretarial, PRO and immigration that glide
Secretarial services are the connective tissue: maintaining statutory registers, drafting resolutions, recording minutes, and handling filing deadlines. I like this work because it prevents a thousand tiny headaches later—especially during banking reviews, M&A, or an unexpected government query.
PRO services are your government-facing engine. That means visas, work permits, Emirates ID, renewals, attestation, and coordination with ICP and GDRFA. Golden Visas for investors and skilled professionals add long-term stability. Practical note: the UAE now recognizes apostilles under the Hague Convention; for many documents, that means no lengthy consular legalization. Small change, huge time saver.
Restructuring, redomiciliation and SPVs that scale with you
If your business outgrows a startup shell, don’t force it to fit. Restructuring—spin-offs, asset separations, or moving IP into an SPV—can de-risk growth and sharpen your tax and banking profile. I’ve helped clients shift from a single LLC to a multi-entity stack with holding, operating, and IP companies. It’s cleaner for investors and lenders, and it keeps regulators comfortable.
Redomiciliation into the UAE can be a masterstroke when you’re consolidating management and finance. Check outbound eligibility, align names, strike off in the original jurisdiction, and complete the inbound registration. ADGM and DIFC are strong homes for SPVs and funds; Dubai Mainland is often better for front-line commerce. Whether you’re MBG-sized or a tight senior team, the principle is the same: build a structure that matches your next chapter, not your last one. And choose a provider who can carry you from advisory to execution to filing, end to end.
Fees, timelines and what “good” looks like
Good corporate services make costs predictable. Expect license issuance in days to a couple of weeks, visas soon after, and bank accounts in a few weeks with a well-prepared file. VAT registration depends on activity and documentation readiness; corporate tax registration is straightforward once your legal and finance stack is in place.
“Good” also means no shortcuts: substance that makes sense, IFRS bookkeeping, timely VAT and corporate tax returns, clean payroll with WPS, and responsive PRO support. When you look back after 90 days and everything feels… boring—that’s the win. Boring is the best.
Quick FAQ for founders who hate reading footnotes
Still have a questions?
Are your services tailored to both small businesses and large corporations?
Yes. Startups need speed and clarity; SMEs want efficiency; multinationals care about risk, tax, and governance. We calibrate for each. Whether you’re closer to Exxon in scale or an emerging studio in Dubai, the playbook flexes to fit.
How do you handle payroll and HR in line with UAE law?
End-to-end. We set up contracts, enroll in WPS, manage monthly processing, and keep you current with UAE labor law. Compliance is baked in; accuracy is non-negotiable.
What VAT services do you cover in the UAE?
Registration, advisory on transactions, return filing, refund support, and audits. We design the process so VAT becomes routine. If you operate across emirates, we standardize your documentation to avoid penalties.
How do you approach tax management and corporate tax in the UAE?
Planning, registration, compliance, and documentation. We align with the corporate tax regime, manage returns, and prepare transfer pricing files where needed. The goal is simple: optimize within the law and stay review-ready.
Can you help with banking and bank account opening?
Yes. We build a credible bank narrative, assemble the full KYC and UBO pack, and coordinate meetings. If timing matters, we open an EMI account in parallel to keep operations flowing.
Do you provide ongoing secretarial and compliance support?
Absolutely. Think company secretarial, PRO, ESR and UBO filing, AML onboarding, periodic reporting, and board support. It’s the quiet foundation that keeps inspections, renewals, and audits uneventful.
Do you work with SPVs, funds, and foundations?
Every week. ADGM and DIFC are our go-tos for SPVs and funds; we also structure foundations for governance and succession. It’s structuring, administration, and compliance under one roof.
How do I get started?
Book a consultation. We’ll map your goals, choose the right jurisdiction, and plan the setup, tax, VAT, banking, and immigration steps. It’s corporate, tax, and secretarial services in one sequence—planning through filing—so you can focus on management and growth.
| Service area | What you get | Best for | Core steps | Timeline (business days) | Documents | Authority/jurisdiction | Tax and VAT notes | Compliance to watch | Practical tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland L.L.C. setup (DED) | End‑to‑end company registration, name reservation, MoA drafting, office/lease (Ejari), licence issuance, UBO filing | Trading, services, tech, and projects needing full UAE market access | Choose activity and emirate, reserve name, prepare MoA, lease address, submit KYC, pay fees, receive licence, open bank account, register for VAT/CT as needed | 5–15 | Passports, visas/EIDs, photos, NOC (if employed), lease, MoA/PoA, UBO forms | Department of Economy and Tourism (Dubai) or DED by emirate; UAE Companies Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 32 of 2021) | Corporate Tax (CT) 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000; VAT 5%; evaluate small business relief and free zone interaction if any | UBO register, licence renewals, annual accounts, audit if activity requires, ESR when relevant | Pick the exact activity code; it drives approvals and banking. Pre‑check bank KYC before finalising shareholders. Use a clean cap table to speed onboarding (internal tags: JK‑N/T/U). |
| Free zone company setup | 100% foreign ownership, simplified setup, flexi‑desk options, visas via zone, sector clusters (DMCC, IFZA, RAKEZ, JAFZA, ADGM, DIFC) | Exporters, e‑commerce, services, holding, fintech, media | Select zone and activity, office solution, submit KYC, licence issue, establishment card, visas, bank account | 3–10 | KYC pack, business plan, lease, board resolutions (if corporate shareholder) | Free zone authority rules; DIFC/ADGM use common‑law style frameworks | Free zones may access 0% CT on qualifying income if they meet “Qualifying Free Zone Person” conditions; non‑qualifying income at 9%; VAT 5% unless zero‑rated | Audited financials often required; economic substance if doing relevant activities; UBO | Compare zones by banking friendliness, audit rules, and real estate. DMCC is strong for trading; ADGM/DIFC for finance. |
| Offshore company (holding) | Asset holding, international trade structuring, no local operations, no visas | SPVs, IP holding, cross‑border shareholding | Appoint registered agent, prepare constitutional docs, KYC, incorporation, UBO filing | 3–7 | KYC, corporate docs of parent, PoA, structure chart | RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, Ajman Offshore | No UAE CT if no UAE permanent establishment; VAT not applicable without supplies in UAE; check home‑country CFC rules | Keep accounting records; UBO disclosure; sanctions screening | Good for banking diversification, but many banks prefer onshore presence. Consider pairing with ADGM/DIFC SPV when substance matters. |
| Foreign branch or rep office | Licence to operate as foreign entity; no separate share capital; rep office is non‑revenue | Multinationals testing market or delivering government/large contracts | Legalise parent docs, appoint service agent (where required), name reservation, office lease, licence issue, bank account | 15–30 | Legalised parent certs, board resolution, PoA, accounts, lease | MOE + DED by emirate; sector regulators as needed | CT on UAE‑sourced profits; VAT registration if taxable supplies; customs for imports | Annual audited accounts often required; UBO; ESR if performing relevant activity | Energy and infrastructure players (think Exxon‑scale operations) often need extra approvals; plan early with sector regulators. |
| ADGM/DIFC SPV | Light‑touch holding/financing vehicle with robust common‑law framework | PE/VC, family offices, treasury, securitisation | Engage licensed CSP, structure chart, constitutional docs, filings, bank account | 5–10 | KYC, board approvals, structure chart, source of funds | ADGM Registration Authority; DIFC ROC | Potential free zone CT benefits if conditions met; withholding nil domestically; VAT only if making taxable supplies | FATCA/CRS classification, UBO, ESR (holding entities typically lower bar but still file if relevant) | Use SPV for cap‑table clarity and investor rights. Banking improves with local director, lease, and invoices. |
| Foundation (ADGM/DIFC/RAK ICC) | Asset protection, succession, purpose or private benefits foundation with guardian/council | Founders, UHNW families, philanthropy | Draft charter/by‑laws, appoint council/guardian, register, bank account | 10–20 | Founder KYC, charter, by‑laws, letters of wishes | ADGM, DIFC, RAK ICC | Separate legal person; assess CT impact by activity; VAT usually not applicable unless supplying | Governance minutes, accounting records, UBO | Combine with SPVs for holdco‑foundation stacks to separate control and benefit. |
| Corporate governance and secretarial | Statutory registers, board support, resolutions, annual filings, meeting minutes | SMEs to MNCs wanting clean records | Entity health check, register build, calendar of filings, board packs, execution tracking | Ongoing | Corporate registers, cap table, mandates | All emirates and free zones | Accurate filings reduce CT/VAT and licensing risks | UBO updates, licence renewals, annual accounts, audit | Treat the company secretary as risk control. It pays off at banking and tax audits. |
| PRO, visas, immigration (incl. Golden Visa) | Visas for employees, dependents, investors; Emirates ID; renewals; Golden Visa advisory | Employers building teams; founders and investors | Quotas, entry permits, medicals, biometrics, stamping; Golden Visa eligibility, docs, filing | 5–20 per visa | Passports, photos, insurance, labour contracts, corporate file | MOHRE, ICP, GDRFA; free zone immigration units | No direct tax, but payroll links to WPS; visa costs not tax‑deductible in all cases—check policy | WPS payroll compliance; labour contracts; visa cancellations on exit | Align hiring plan with office size and activity. Keep a PRO log to avoid fines. |
| Accounting (IFRS) and audit readiness | Bookkeeping, management reports, IFRS statements, audit liaison, consolidation | Growing companies, groups, funded startups | Chart of accounts, policies, monthly close, VAT/CT mapping, audit pack | Monthly/quarterly | Bank statements, invoices, contracts, payroll, leases | IFRS; free zone audit rules; DED where applicable | Map revenue recognition to VAT/CT; track intercompany for TP | Timely VAT returns, CT computations, supporting schedules | Automate with cloud ledgers; lock monthly closes to keep filings clean. |
| Corporate tax advisory and filing | CT registration, computations, elections, disclosures, return filing, TP support | All UAE businesses from FY 2023/24 onward | Assess scope, register, compute, TP analysis, file return and payment | Return due within 9 months after period end | Ledgers, trial balance, related‑party list, intercompany agreements | FTA (Federal Tax Authority) | 9% headline rate; 0% up to AED 375,000; QFZP 0% on qualifying income; adjust for interest limitation, participation exemption | TP disclosure and documentation for related‑party dealings; keep contemporaneous files | Early mapping of “qualifying income” avoids surprises. Align legal and operating substance. |
| VAT registration and return filing | TRN registration, VAT returns, refunds, health checks, voluntary/mandatory pathways | Businesses over AED 375k taxable supplies or planning to reclaim input VAT | Threshold test, register, implement, file returns, manage payments/refunds | Registration 5–20; returns monthly/quarterly | Invoices, contracts, import/export docs, bank statements | FTA | Standard rate 5%; voluntary registration from AED 187,500; zero‑rating for exports subject to rules | Correct tax invoicing, reverse charge, import declarations, record retention | Reconcile VAT to revenue monthly. Avoid late return penalties with a filing calendar. |
| Payroll and HR (WPS) | Payroll processing, WPS files, contracts, gratuity, leave, onboarding/offboarding | Teams of any size seeking compliant payroll | Collect time/allowances, run payroll, generate WPS, pay, issue payslips, file updates | 3–5 per cycle | Employee data, contracts, attendance, allowances | MOHRE; pension (GPSSA) for nationals | Payroll itself not taxed; ensure VAT treatment of staff recharges is correct | WPS on time; end‑of‑service accruals; policy alignment with UAE Labour Law | Lock payroll cut‑offs. Document gratuity calculations clearly. |
| Banking, bank account & EMI alternatives | Bank account opening, relationship management, EMI setup, payments stack | New entities and high‑growth firms | Pre‑KYC, choose bank, submit pack, interviews, activate, add channels; parallel EMI | 10–30 | Licence, MoA, lease, UBO, invoices, website, business plan | UAE banks; EMIs with regional reach | No withholding on domestic payments; watch substance for cross‑border tax relief | Sanctions/AML, ongoing KYC refresh, proper invoicing and contracts | Show real operations: office, staff, website, supplier and client pipeline. Keeps accounts active. |
| Market entry and expansion advisory | Jurisdiction selection, feasibility, incentives, free zone vs mainland vs offshore comparison | Startups, SMEs, MNCs planning UAE/GCC roll‑out | Needs analysis, location short‑list, cost/tax model, immigration plan, banking plan | 5–10 for blueprint | Business plan, forecasts, headcount plan | All emirates; GCC context | Compare CT/VAT, customs, double tax treaties, free zone incentives | ESR exposure by activity; licensing constraints | Dubai often wins for speed; Abu Dhabi excels for finance (ADGM); RAK for cost; choose what fits your model. |
| Redomiciliation to the UAE | Continuation of foreign company into UAE without winding up abroad | Groups relocating holding or IP vehicles | Check home‑country allowability, government approvals, UAE continuation filing, strike‑off abroad | 20–45 | Legalised incumbents docs, board/minutes, solvency statements | RAK ICC, ADGM, DMCC (where permitted) | CT/VAT position resets by UAE presence; consider exit taxes at origin | Keep historical accounting; notify banks and counterparties | The UAE is not party to the Apostille Convention; plan consular legalisation time. |
| Trademark registration (UAE/GCC) | Search, filing, publication, opposition handling, certificate, renewals | Brands, media, tech, consumer goods | Clearance search, file, pay fees, publication, opposition window, certificate | 30–180 | Logo/specimens, PoA, applicant KYC | UAE Ministry of Economy (TM), GCC filings via national routes | Fees non‑deductible capitalised or expensed per policy; no VAT on certain government fees | Watch for transliteration conflicts; renew every 10 years | File early; protect English and Arabic marks. |
| Company liquidation and deregistration | Voluntary liquidation, liquidator appointment, audits, clearances, bank closure | Dormant or exiting entities | Board resolution, appoint liquidator, audit/liquidation report, newspaper notice, NOCs, final deregistration | 30–90 | Financials, tax clearance, bank letters, board docs | DED/free zone authority; FTA | Final VAT/CT returns and de‑registrations; settle penalties | Employee end‑of‑service, lease cancellation, customs | Keep a closure checklist. Missing NOCs delay deregistration and trigger fines. |
| Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and UBO | ESR scoping, notifications, reports, UBO register build | Groups with relevant activities (HQ, distribution & service centre, IP, holding, etc.) | Gap analysis, classify activities, file ESR notification, prepare report, UBO filings | ESR filings align with FY; UBO on registration/changes | Org chart, board minutes, staff/office evidence | MoE/NAFS portal; free zone portals | Penalties for late/incorrect ESR and UBO | Maintain real presence: people, premises, processes | Substance is a business plan, not a checklist. Align ops and contracts. |
| Digital assets and fintech licensing | Licensing for PSP, FX/remittance, wallet, crypto services; AML/KYC frameworks | Fintechs, Web3, exchanges | Choose regime, regulatory gap analysis, policies (AML/KYC, custody, tech risk), sandbox if applicable, application | 90–180+ | Policies, tech architecture, capital proof, fit‑and‑proper, KYC playbooks | DMCC Crypto Centre; DIFC Innovation Hub; ADGM RegLab/FSRA; CBUAE for MSBs | CT as per activity; VAT on services unless exempt; cross‑border supply rules | AML/CFT audits, transaction monitoring, travel rule | Success cases include PSP and FX licences. Expect iterative Q&A with regulators; plan runway and governance. |
| Media, event management, and videography licences | Approvals to organise events, produce content, and film | Agencies, production houses, event providers | Choose activity, media approval (as needed), event permits, insurance, VAT setup | 5–20 per permit | Activity list, risk plan, venue NOC, insurance | DED/free zone; NMC; Dubai Film & TV Commission (permits) | VAT 5% on services; input VAT often recoverable | Safety plans, content approvals, venue rules | Build a simple event management SOP. Keep gear lists and crew visas tidy for inspections. |
| Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) | Government certificate to claim treaty benefits | Individuals and entities using DTTs | Eligibility check, gather docs, apply on MoF portal, receive TRC | 10–20 | Lease, bank statements, stamped entry/exit, audited accounts (entity) | UAE Ministry of Finance | Supports treaty relief on withholding abroad; align with beneficial ownership rules | Maintain substance evidence for the period claimed | Apply early in Q4 to avoid year‑end rush. |
| Restructuring and MBG‑style advisory | Group reorgs, carve‑outs, mergers, capital changes, ESR/TP fit | Scale‑ups and groups optimising structure | Diagnose pain points, model options, board approvals, filings, banking updates | 10–60 | Org charts, valuations, shareholder approvals | Company registries across emirates; free zones | Map CT participation exemption, loss utilisation, VAT group | Update UBO, licences, contracts, and bank mandates | Keep lenders and banks in the loop to avoid account freezes. Independent “best interest” minutes help. |
| Ongoing compliance calendar and filing | One view of all renewals and returns (licence, visas, VAT, CT, ESR, audit) | Any business that wants zero missed deadlines | Build calendar, assign owners, file on time, track receipts | Ongoing | All prior filings and licences | All regulators noted above | Late filing penalties can be steep; align VAT/CT periods | Store evidence for 5–7 years; test backups | Treat compliance as a product. Short, visible sprints beat last‑minute scrambles. |
| Banking and finance advisory | Treasury setup, multi‑currency accounts, letters of credit (L/C), cash management | Traders, importers/exporters | Bank selection, facility negotiation, L/C issuance, policies | 10–45 | Financials, trade docs, collateral info | UAE banks and international branches | Interest deductibility under CT; withholding abroad per treaty | Board‑approved treasury policy; segregation of duties | Combine a main bank with a backup EMI to keep payments resilient. |
| Provider credentials and consultation | Licensed corporate service provider (CSP) capabilities, sector focus, first consultation | Founders comparing providers | Scope call, needs analysis, proposal, kickoff | 1–3 | Basic KYC and objectives | CSPs in ADGM/DIFC and across emirates | Fees are not taxes; check VAT on professional services | Engagement letters, data protection, AML | Ask for a short, free consultation to align scope. Clear SLAs make the relationship work. |
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