Starting your company in the Emirates has never been easier

Amary is a UAE-based accounting and business setup firm that combines regulatory expertise, digital efficiency, and transparent pricing to help entrepreneurs launch and manage their companies with confidence. Unlike generic “company formation agents,” Amary provides a complete compliance-first service — from license registration to tax, accounting, and banking support — under one trusted partner.

Clients choose Amary because:

• End-to-end setup: We manage every step — licensing, visas, corporate tax, and bank account opening — without hidden fees.
• Licensed accountants and tax agents: Your company is built on solid financial and legal foundations.
• Tailored structures: We help you choose between Free Zone or Mainland based on your goals, not commissions.
• Digital process: Fully online onboarding with clear timelines and documentation.
• Ongoing compliance: Continuous accounting, VAT, and tax filing support after setup.
• Local expertise: We understand Free Zone rules, FTA requirements, and UAE banking practices better than template agencies.

Choosing Amary means building your company right from day one — compliant, efficient, and future-ready.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly destinations worldwide, combining low taxes, full ownership, and fast company formation. Entrepreneurs benefit from 0% personal income and capital gains tax, and a 9% corporate tax only above AED 375,000. Both Free Zone and Mainland structures allow 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and no currency restrictions.

The UAE’s strategic location connects Asia, Europe, and Africa, supported by world-class logistics, infrastructure, and digital networks. Businesses enjoy simple online registration, political stability, and a secure legal framework trusted by global investors. Combined with low import duties, competitive operating costs, and an exceptional lifestyle, the UAE offers one of the most attractive ecosystems for business growth and relocation.

The UAE offers two main options for business setup — Free Zone and Mainland — each with distinct advantages depending on your goals.

Free Zone Companies:

• Allow 100% foreign ownership.
• Offer tax exemptions and profit repatriation.
• Provide simplified setup with minimal paperwork.
• Operate mainly within the Free Zone or internationally (not directly in the UAE local market).
• Typically include flexi-desk or virtual office options.

Mainland Companies:

• Can trade directly within the UAE market and work with government entities.
• Also allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors since 2021.
• Require a registered physical office.
• Are regulated by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each Emirate.
• Ideal for businesses needing local contracts, retail presence, or expansion flexibility.

Amary helps you compare both structures — analyzing tax, ownership, and activity eligibility — and choose the most efficient setup for your business strategy.

Yes. Since 2021, the UAE allows 100% foreign ownership of most business activities in both Free Zones and the Mainland. This means entrepreneurs no longer need a local Emirati partner or sponsor to hold shares in their company.

In Free Zones, full foreign ownership has always been guaranteed, along with benefits such as tax exemptions, profit repatriation, and simplified setup procedures. In the Mainland, reforms now permit foreigners to own companies outright in most sectors, excluding a few strategic industries (such as defense, oil and gas, and utilities) that still require local participation.

This full-ownership policy makes the UAE one of the most open and flexible business environments in the world, allowing entrepreneurs to operate independently, retain full control of profits, and expand globally from a trusted jurisdiction.

Not always. In the UAE, the need for a physical office depends on your license type and jurisdiction. Most Free Zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options, allowing you to register your business legally without renting a dedicated office space. These options provide a registered business address, access to meeting rooms, and visa eligibility — ideal for startups and remote entrepreneurs.

For Mainland companies, having a registered physical office address is usually mandatory to obtain a trade license. However, the office size and type can be minimal depending on your activity and the Emirate’s regulations.

Amary helps you choose the most cost-effective setup — from flexi-desk packages to shared workspaces or dedicated offices — ensuring your business meets licensing and visa requirements while keeping overheads low.

Opening a corporate bank account in the UAE is a key step after your company is licensed. The process involves choosing the right bank, submitting compliance documents, and completing KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. UAE banks require verification of the shareholder, in-person or through the mobile app, and a valid residency visa.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid trade license and shareholder documents (passport, Emirates ID, visa).
• Business plan or activity description.
• Proof of address and source of funds.
• For Free Zone companies, a lease or flexi-desk agreement.

We help you prepare all documents, select the right bank based on your profile (local or international transfers, online banking needs) such as Wio, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADCB.

Opening time usually ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the bank and business activity.

The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax in June 2023 to enhance transparency and align with global standards. Businesses pay 0% tax on profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% on income above that threshold. Companies must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and file annual returns within nine months of their financial year-end. Despite this change, the UAE remains one of the most tax-efficient and business-friendly jurisdictions in the world.

Setting up a business in the UAE is fast and straightforward when you follow a clear process. Most companies can be established in a few days, especially in Free Zones.

Main steps to start your UAE company:

1. Choose your business activity and structure – Decide between a Free Zone or Mainland company based on your target market, activity type, and ownership needs.
2. Select a trade name – Your business name must comply with UAE naming rules (no offensive terms or references to religion or politics).
3. Apply for initial approval – The authority verifies your activity, shareholders, and documentation.
4. Submit incorporation documents – Include passport copies, shareholder agreements, and proof of address.
5. Lease or register an office – Choose a flexi-desk, shared space, or physical office depending on your license.
6. Obtain your trade license – Once approved, your company is legally registered and can operate.
7. Apply for visas and Emirates ID – For owners and employees.
8. Open a corporate bank account – To begin transactions and compliance reporting.

Amary handles every step — from licensing to banking — with transparent pricing, digital onboarding, and compliance built in from day one.

The cost of starting a company in the UAE depends on your chosen jurisdiction (Free Zone or Mainland), license type, and number of visas. On average, setup costs range between AED 6,000 and AED 25,000 for Free Zone companies, and AED 15,000 to AED 35,000 for Mainland structures.

Typical cost components include:

• Trade license fees (annual)
• Office or flexi-desk lease
• Establishment card and immigration registration
• Visa fees for owners and employees
• Bank account opening assistance
• Optional add-ons: accounting, VAT registration, corporate tax setup

Amary provides transparent, all-inclusive packages with no hidden costs. You’ll receive a detailed quote based on your activity, ownership type, and visa needs — ensuring compliance and full cost visibility from day one.

Company formation in the UAE is fast compared to most countries. The total time depends on the jurisdiction, license type, and activity approval.

• Free Zone setup: Typically 2 to 5 business days once all documents are ready.
• Mainland setup: Usually 1 to 3 weeks, as some activities may require external approvals or inspections.
• Visa and Emirates ID issuance: Add 5 to 10 days after company registration.

Amary accelerates the process by managing every step — from documentation to authority submissions — ensuring you get your trade license as quickly and compliantly as possible.

The UAE offers thousands of licensed business activities across all sectors — from consulting and e-commerce to manufacturing and logistics. Each company must select activities that match its operations, as defined by the Department of Economic Development (DED) for Mainland companies or the respective Free Zone authority.

The main categories include:

• Commercial activities: Trading, import/export, retail, e-commerce, general trading.
• Professional activities: Consulting, marketing, accounting, IT, design, and other service-based businesses.
• Industrial activities: Manufacturing, production, and assembly requiring warehouse or factory space.
• Tourism and media activities: Event management, travel agencies, production, and advertising.
• Holding and investment activities: For managing assets, shares, or intellectual property.

Amary helps you choose the right license type and activity codes, ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations and future scalability (e.g., adding activities later).

Visa processing times in the UAE depend on your company type, Free Zone, and the number of applicants. For most business owners and employees, the full visa process takes 5 to 10 working days once the company license is issued and all documents are submitted.

Standard timeline:

1. Entry permit issuance: 1–3 working days
2. Medical test and Emirates ID biometrics: 2–4 days
3. Visa stamping (residency): 2–3 days

Typical costs:

• Investor or partner visa: AED 3,000–6,000 (valid 2 years)
• Employee visa: AED 3,000–7,000 (valid 2 years)
• Family visa: AED 3,000–5,000 per dependent These costs vary by Free Zone, Emirates, and whether you opt for express processing or VIP medical services.

Amary handles all visa steps — from entry permit to Emirates ID — ensuring compliance with UAE immigration laws and faster approvals.

Obtaining a UAE residency visa is a straightforward process once your company is licensed. Business owners, employees, and family members can all apply for UAE residency, which allows legal stay, banking, and Emirates ID registration.

Main steps to get a UAE residency visa:

1. Company setup and trade license issuance – Required to sponsor your visa.
2. Entry permit application – Issued electronically within 1–3 working days.
3. Medical fitness test – Blood test and chest X-ray completed in an approved UAE medical center.
4. Emirates ID biometrics – Fingerprints and photo taken for the national identity card.
5. Visa stamping on passport – Residency visa is affixed digitally or physically, valid for 2 to 3 years.

After visa issuance, you can open a bank account, rent property, and sponsor your family.

Amary manages the full visa process for founders and employees — from company registration to Emirates ID — ensuring compliance with immigration and Free Zone regulations.

Yes, the UAE Golden Visa is available for investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and business owners who meet specific eligibility criteria. It grants long-term residency (5 or 10 years) without the need for a local sponsor, along with the ability to sponsor your family and domestic staff.

Main eligibility categories include:

• Investors and business owners: Owning a UAE company with a minimum capital of AED 500,000 or proven tax contributions.
• Entrepreneurs: Founders of successful startups or projects approved by an accredited UAE authority.
• Highly skilled professionals: Individuals earning AED 30,000+ per month in qualified sectors (science, tech, healthcare, etc.).
• Real estate investors: Property ownership worth at least AED 2 million.

The Golden Visa offers multiple advantages — long-term security, flexible travel, no local sponsor requirement, and continuous residency even if you leave the UAE for over six months.

Amary assists qualified clients by preparing the full application, gathering supporting documents, and coordinating with UAE authorities to ensure fast and compliant processing.

Yes. Once your UAE company is established and your residency visa is issued, you can sponsor your immediate family members — including your spouse, children, and parents — under your business visa. Family sponsorship is one of the main advantages of UAE residency, allowing entrepreneurs to live and work in the country with their families.

Basic requirements:

• You must hold a valid UAE residency visa and earn at least AED 4,000–10,000 per month, depending on the Emirate.
• Provide attested marriage and birth certificates (for spouse and children).
• Submit valid tenancy contract (Ejari) and utility bill as proof of residence.
• Complete medical tests and Emirates ID registration for dependents.

Processing time: 5–10 working days once documents are approved.

Amary assists clients throughout the sponsorship process — preparing documentation, managing attestations, and coordinating visa issuance — ensuring full compliance with UAE immigration laws.