Business setup, United Arab Emirates
Business setup in the UAE, on the mainland or in a free zone
Company formation in every emirate, on the mainland or in a free zone. ECPA handles the activity, legal form, trade name, approvals, and licence, through to a company that is ready to trade.
- Mainland and free zone
- Every emirate
- 11 years in the UAE
- 148 UAE clients
Tell us what you need
5 taps, about 30 secondsAnswer 5 quick questions. The setup team reviews your answers and calls you to understand your business before quoting.
Trusted by 148 companies in the UAE, and 1,270+ across the region
What you get
What ECPA sets up for you
One team from the first choice of activity to a company that is ready to trade.
- Mainland companiesLimited liability companies, branches, and sole establishments licensed by the emirate's economic department. Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership.
- Free zone companiesFree zone companies and branches, with guidance on which free zone fits your activity, visas, and clients.
- Trade name and initial approvalChoice of activity and legal form, trade name reservation, and the initial approval.
- Memorandum of associationDrafting of the memorandum of association and, where required, the local service agent agreement.
- Ultimate beneficial owner registerPreparation of the UBO register and filing required under Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 2023.
- Office location and approvalsChoice of business address and any additional government approvals your activity needs.
Activity and legal form
The activity is defined and the legal form chosen: mainland or free zone, LLC, branch, or establishment.
Trade name and initial approval
The trade name is reserved and the initial approval obtained.
Memorandum and agreements
The memorandum of association and any local service agent agreement are prepared.
Location and approvals
The office address is set and any additional government approvals are obtained.
Licence
Documents and fees are submitted and the licence is issued.
Why ECPA
Why set up your UAE company with ECPA
- 11Years in the UAEMore than eleven years setting up and running companies across the UAE.
- One team, every stepOne team handles every step in order, from the choice of activity to the licence.
- Mainland or free zoneAdvice on which route fits your activity and clients before you commit to one.
- One firm after setupBookkeeping, audit, and ERP systems from the same firm once the company is trading.
Mainland or free zone: which should I choose?
It depends on where your clients are and what you sell. A mainland licence lets you trade across the UAE market. A free zone company can suit international trade and services, with rules that differ from one free zone to another. The team walks you through both before you decide.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a mainland company?
For most commercial and industrial activities, yes, since the 2021 changes to the Commercial Companies Law. Some activities still have ownership conditions, which the team checks for your activity.
What documents are needed?
Typically passport copies of the owners and managers, the chosen trade names, and a description of the activity. Corporate shareholders need their own constitutional documents. The exact list depends on the emirate and free zone.
How long does a setup take?
It depends on the emirate, the free zone, and the approvals your activity needs. The team gives you a timeline with the quote.
How is business setup priced?
Each setup is quoted on request in AED. Government and free zone fees are stated separately from ECPA's fee.
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Planning a company in the UAE?
Answer five quick questions. The setup team calls you to go through your options, then sends a proposal.