How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

It can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the licensing authority, the activity and the documents required. Delays are usually caused by missing or unattested documents.

Can I own 100% of a company in Dubai as a foreigner?

Yes. Foreign investors can generally establish and own 100% of companies in both Dubai mainland and free zones. However, certain strategic-impact or regulated activities may be subject to specific ownership restrictions, regulatory approvals and additional licensing requirements. The applicable conditions depend on the business activity and the relevant licensing authority.

Do I need a shareholders’ agreement?

The MOA is the official document, but a separate shareholders’ agreement can cover things the MOA does not, such as exit, deadlock and decision rights. If you have more than one owner, we recommend one.

Can a lawyer help if I have already set up my company?

Yes. We can review your MOA and ownership arrangements and recommend changes.

Do I need a physical office?

It depends on the type of company and the licensing authority. Mainland companies generally require approved physical business premises, while many free zones offer flexible options such as shared workspaces, flexi-desks or virtual office arrangements. The applicable requirements depend on your business activity, license type and the relevant authority.

Company Formation Lawyers in Dubai

Setting up a company in the UAE involves choices that are hard to reverse later: where to license, how to split ownership and what to put in your constitutional documents. We help founders and investors set up the right structure and have the paperwork prepared correctly from day one.

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Why legal advice matters when forming a company?

Many disputes between co-owners start with a company set up in a hurry. Vague profit-sharing, missing exit terms and the wrong licence type all become expensive once the business grows. A short legal review at the start costs far less than fixing the structure later.

What we help with:

Advising on mainland, free zone, DIFC,or offshore structures
Choosing the legal form (LLC, sole establishment, branch of a foreign company, etc.)
Drafting the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and shareholder arrangements
Preparing and reviewing formation documents and powers of attorney
Structuring ownership between local and foreign partners, including nominee and agency arrangements where lawful.
Coordinating notarisation and attestation of documents.

Mainland vs Freezone: A quick Comparison

Mainland

Freezone

Licensing authority

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

The free zone authority

Trading across the UAE market

Generally Direct

Often through a distributor or additional licence

Foreign ownership

Best for

Full ownership is now permitted for most activities

Typically full ownership

Businesses serving the local market

Businesses with specific sector or export needs

How we Work?

Understand your business. Activity, owners, customers, budget and plans.

Recommend a structure. We explain the options and trade-offs in plain language.

Prepare the documents. MOA, resolutions, powers of attorney and any shareholder agreement.

Support the process. We coordinate with the licensing authority and notary, and tell you what is needed from you.

Documents we usually ask for

Passport copies and Emirates ID (if applicable) for owners and managers

Proposed company names and business activities.

Details of ownership percentages and capital

For corporate shareholders: incorporation documents and board resolutions, usually attested.

Timeline and Cost

Timelines depend on the authority, the activity and how quickly documents are ready. Our fees depend on the structure and the documents required. Contact us for a quote.

UAE Legal Framework

Company formation in the UAE is primarily governed by Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2025. Businesses must also comply with the applicable regulations and licensing requirements of the relevant UAE licensing authority or free zone authority.

FAQs

Company Formation FAQs

Planning to set up in the UAE? Tell us about your business and we’ll recommend a structure.

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Get your powers of attorney, resolutions and company documents prepared, translated and notarised correctly.