Do business in the
UAE
Trusted by hundreds of cross-border businesses
Benefits
Why choose Commenda for your company expansion in the UAE
A one-stop shop for global companies setting up their UAE presence.
Register from anywhere in the world
Incorporate your business from anywhere in the world through our digital-first process.
Access local tax and legal expertise
We offer flexible and recurring options with best-in-class local accountants and experienced lawyers available on demand.
Stay compliant, automatically
We help automate filings and compliance tasks, keeping your business up to date with GST, corporate tax, and everything in between.
Entity Types
Choose the right business structure for your company
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most free zones
- Exemption from corporate taxes (subject to specific free zone regulations)
- No customs duties on goods imported into the free zone
- Simplified visa and immigration processes for investors and employees
- Often no physical office requirements (depends on free zone policies)
- Business activity may be limited to within the free zone or outside the UAE (subject to free zone regulations)
- Restrictions on trading directly with the local UAE market unless you partner with a local distributor
- Each free zone has its own rules and fees, so benefits vary
- Shares can only be publicly traded if the company completes an IPMust comply with free zone authority requirements, including license renewals
Mainland LLC (LLC)
- Ability to do business across the UAE without restrictions
- Greater flexibility for expanding into local markets and government contracts
- Competitive corporate tax environment (corporate tax may apply depending on the latest legislation)
- Simpler ongoing compliance requirements compared to corporations
- Suitable for small to midsize businesses looking for simplicity
- May require a local sponsor or service agent, depending on business activity and regulatory updates
- Must follow DED regulations, including license renewals and periodic compliance
- Certain categories (like professional services) allow 100% foreign ownership under specific conditions
- Possibly subject to local customs duties for importing goods
Got questions? Schedule a call with one of our experts
Choose a convenient time to chat with our incorporation experts and get the answers you need to take the next step.
Download your free Pre-Incorporation checklist
We’ve put together all of the documents and details you need to figure out before you open a company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in free zones; mainland businesses may require one.
Usually 5-10 business days.
Many free zones offer 0% corporate tax.
Some banks allow remote setup, but many require a visit.
Yes, most businesses require at least one residency visa.
