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Business owner receiving UAE trade license from Modest UAE consultant in Dubai
Company Formation UAE

Company Formation in UAE — Mainland, Free Zone & Offshore

Setting up a company in UAE is one of the best business decisions you can make. The UAE offers 0% personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership in most jurisdictions, a world-class infrastructure, and access to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

But the process — choosing the right jurisdiction, preparing the right documents, submitting to the right authority — can be confusing without the right guidance. Modest UAE removes all of that complexity. We handle your complete company registration from structure advisory to trade license delivery, so you can focus on your business from day one.

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0+ Companies Formed
0 Jurisdictions Covered
5–10 Day License Delivery
What you gain

What do you get when you form a company with Modest UAE?

When you choose Modest UAE for your company formation, you are not just getting a trade license. You are getting a complete, end-to-end service that takes you from zero to fully operational — with a dedicated consultant managing every step on your behalf.

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Your trade license delivered in 5–10 working days

We know exactly what each authority requires and we submit correctly the first time. No resubmissions, no delays. Free zone setups in IFZA, SHAMS, and Ajman can be completed in 2–5 working days.

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One fixed price — no surprises

Before any work begins, your consultant gives you a clear written quote covering all costs — government fees, authority charges, and our service fee. What we quote is what you pay.

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One dedicated consultant from start to finish

The same consultant who advises you on day one handles your entire file through to license delivery. You have direct WhatsApp access to them throughout the process.

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100% legal compliance guaranteed

Every document we prepare meets the exact standards of the relevant authority — DET for Dubai mainland, ADDED for Abu Dhabi, or the specific free zone authority for your chosen jurisdiction.

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Full post-setup support included

Most consultancies disappear after delivering your license. Modest UAE stays with you. We send renewal reminders and remain available for PRO, accounting, VAT, and payroll support.

Business owner receiving UAE trade license from Modest UAE consultant in Dubai
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500+Happy Clients

Business owner receiving UAE trade license from Modest UAE consultant in Dubai
🏆
500+Happy Clients
Trusted & Licensed

Why businesses across UAE trust Modest UAE for company formation

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DET Licensed Dept of Economy & Tourism Dubai
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4.9★ Google Rating 200+ verified reviews
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500+ Companies Formed Mainland and free zone
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11 Jurisdictions All major UAE free zones and mainland
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Fixed Pricing No hidden fees ever
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MOE Registered Ministry of Economy UAE
Your options

What type of company can you set up in UAE?

UAE offers three main types of company formation. Each has different rules on ownership, trading rights, visa eligibility, and costs. Choosing the wrong one can limit your business — choosing the right one sets you up for success.

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Most Popular

Mainland Company Formation

A mainland company is registered directly with the UAE government authority — DET in Dubai, ADDED in Abu Dhabi, or SEDD in Sharjah. Mainland companies can trade freely anywhere within UAE and internationally without any restrictions.

Since the 2021 law change, foreigners can own 100% of most mainland companies. Mainland is the right choice if you want to work directly with UAE government departments or trade freely across the UAE market.

Starting from AED 10,000
Dubai (DET)Abu Dhabi (ADDED)Sharjah (SEDD)
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Best Value

Free Zone Company Formation

Free zone companies are registered with a specific free zone authority. They offer 100% foreign ownership, fast registration, and often lower setup costs — making them popular for startups and international businesses.

If your customers are primarily outside UAE or in other free zones, a free zone entity is often the most cost-effective and fastest option.

Starting from AED 6,000
JAFZADMCCIFZASHAMSRAKEZ+more
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For Investors

Offshore Company Formation

Offshore companies in UAE are registered for holding, investment, and international trading purposes. They offer strong asset protection, confidentiality, and 0% tax on international income.

Popular with investors who want a UAE holding structure for international assets, real estate ownership, or inter-company transactions.

Starting from AED 8,000
JAFZA OffshoreRAKEZ Offshore
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Not sure which type suits you? Talk to us →
What is included

What does Modest UAE's company formation service include?

Our company formation service is a complete end-to-end package — not just a license application.

01

Business structure advisory

Your consultant reviews your business activity, target market, and budget — and recommends the exact company type, jurisdiction, and legal structure that suits your situation.

02

Trade name search and registration

We search the authority database for your proposed trade name, confirm availability, and register it. Provide 3 options in order of preference.

03

Trade license application and submission

We prepare your complete application package — all forms, supporting documents, and authority-specific requirements — and submit to the relevant authority on your behalf.

04

Ejari and office address arrangement

Mainland companies require an Ejari-registered address. We assist with sourcing the right arrangement for your jurisdiction — physical office, virtual office, or flexi-desk.

05

Visa and Emirates ID support

Investor visa applications, dependant visa processing, employee visa applications, medical fitness tests, biometrics appointments, and Emirates ID — all managed by our PRO team.

06

Bank account opening guidance

We guide you through the requirements of UAE banks, recommend the right bank for your business profile, and assist with the application package.

07

Post-setup support and renewal reminders

We send renewal reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before expiry. Available for amendments, additional activity additions, partner changes, and PRO support as your business grows.

Modest UAE company formation consultant reviewing documents in Dubai
100%Compliance Rate
Trade license delivery — Modest UAE company formation Dubai UAE
5–10Days to License
How it works

How do you set up a company in UAE with Modest UAE?

1

Contact us for a free consultation

Call, WhatsApp, or fill the contact form. Tell us your business activity and preferred emirate or free zone. Your consultant responds within 1 business hour.

⏱ Same day response
2

We advise and quote

Your dedicated consultant reviews your requirement and recommends the right jurisdiction and company structure. You receive a clear written quote — fixed price, no hidden charges.

⏱ Within 24 hours of first contact
3

Document collection and preparation

You provide your passport copy and any other required documents. We prepare all forms, draft the MoA, and compile the complete authority submission package.

⏱ 1–2 working days
4

Authority submission and tracking

We submit your application to DET, the free zone authority, or the offshore registry. We track progress, respond to any authority queries, and keep you updated throughout.

⏱ 3–7 working days
5

License delivered

Your trade license is issued and delivered to you. Your consultant walks you through next steps — visa, bank account, VAT registration, and any other requirements.

⏱ Day 5–10 total from submission
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Client reviews

What do clients say about company formation with Modest UAE?

★★★★★ 4.9

200+ Reviews  |  98% Recommend

Join Our Clients
★★★★★

"Got our mainland LLC done in 8 days. Consultant was available on WhatsApp throughout. Best business setup experience in Dubai."

— Ahmed Al Mansouri, Dubai Mainland LLC
★★★★★

"Very professional. DMCC free zone setup and bank account introduction — no hidden charges at all."

— Priya Nair, DMCC Free Zone
★★★★★

"Tried two other consultants before Modest UAE. These guys delivered on time and kept me updated at every step."

— Khalid Sultan, Sharjah Mainland LLC
★★★★★

"RAK offshore company sorted in under a week. They know every free zone authority inside out."

— Riya Lal, RAKEZ Offshore
Documents required

What documents do you need for company formation in UAE?

Standard documents for all company types:

  • Passport copy — all shareholders and managers, valid minimum 6 months
  • UAE visa copy or entry stamp — if currently in UAE
  • Emirates ID copy — for UAE residents only
  • NOC from current sponsor — if on UAE employment visa
  • Proposed trade name — 3 options in order of preference
  • Business activity description — what your company will do

Additional — mainland companies:

  • Professional qualification certificates — for professional license activities
  • Local sponsor details — required only for activities that still need a UAE national service agent
  • Office tenancy contract Ejari — for activities requiring a dedicated physical office

Additional — free zone companies:

  • Free zone application form — specific to each zone, we prepare this for you
  • Business plan — required by some free zones for certain activity categories

Additional — offshore companies:

  • Source of funds declaration — required by offshore registry
  • Bank reference letter — from your personal or business bank
  • Board resolution and POA — if corporate shareholders involved
Organised document folder with passport and trade license — Modest UAE
📁 Standard Documents
Documents required for company formation in UAE — Modest UAE checklist
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Not sure what you need? We'll tell you in a free 15-minute call.

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FAQ

Common questions about company formation in UAE

Can't find your answer? Talk to a consultant for free.

Ask a consultant

Mainland company setup in Dubai takes 5–10 working days from document submission. Free zone formation in IFZA, SHAMS, and Ajman Free Zone can be completed in 2–5 working days. DMCC and JAFZA typically take 5–7 working days due to their specific approval process.

Mainland trade license starts from AED 10,000–15,000 depending on the business activity and structure. Free zone packages start from AED 6,000–8,000. Offshore company setup typically starts from AED 8,000–12,000. Contact Modest UAE for a fixed quote specific to your business.

Yes. Since the 2021 amendment to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, foreigners can own 100% of most mainland companies. All free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. A small number of restricted activities still require a UAE national partner — your consultant will advise if your activity falls into this category.

Mainland companies can trade freely anywhere within UAE and internationally. Free zone companies can trade internationally and within their zone but need a mainland distributor to sell directly to UAE mainland customers. Mainland is better for companies serving UAE-based customers. Free zone is better for companies primarily serving international markets or other free zones.

Not always. Most free zones accept a virtual office or flexi-desk arrangement. Mainland companies require an Ejari-registered address, but this can be a shared workspace or flexi-desk — a full physical office is not always required.

It depends on your activity, budget, visa requirements, and target market. IFZA and SHAMS are cost-effective options for trading and media companies. DMCC is preferred for commodities and gold trading. JAFZA suits logistics and import-export businesses. Modest UAE will compare options and recommend the right zone for you.

Yes. Most UAE jurisdictions allow multiple related activities under one trade license. Some activities require separate licenses. Your consultant will advise on what is possible and what is most cost-effective for your business plan.

You may also need

Services that work alongside company formation

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PRO Services

Once your company is formed, we handle all visa processing, Emirates ID, and government document clearing through our certified PRO team.

Explore service →
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VAT Consulting

If your business turnover will exceed AED 375,000, VAT registration is mandatory. We handle FTA registration and quarterly filing.

Explore service →
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Bookkeeping & Accounting

Start your business with clean books from day one. Monthly bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and financial statements handled by our accounting team.

Explore service →
Get started today

Ready to set up your company in UAE? Talk to Modest UAE today.

Free consultation. Fixed pricing. Dedicated consultant. Trade license in 5–10 days.

Book Free Consultation 📞 +971 564045802