From licence to residency, we handle every step so you launch with confidence.

Starting a business in the UAE should be exciting, not exhausting. At Clear Partners, we simplify every part of your setup journey, from choosing the right structure to obtaining licences, visas, and bank accounts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, SME, or global company expanding into the GCC, we make sure your launch is seamless, compliant, and built on a solid foundation.

Why Clear Partners?

Joined up thinking

We look at the full picture:

Structure, tax, banking, compliance and long term growth, not just your trade licence.

Local insight with international standards

On the ground UAE knowledge with professional service and communication you would expect from a top international firm.

Clear, upfront pricing

We offer transparent proposals with no hidden extras.

This means that you know exactly what you are paying for at each stage.

Compliance first

We build your structure with Economic Substance, AML, and tax rules in mind from day one, so you stay compliant, avoid surprises later, and keep regulators satisfied as you grow.

One point of contact

A dedicated relationship manager who coordinates everything for you. Rather than passing you between multiple departments, increasing efficiency.

Built for growth

.
Clear Partners structures your setup to support future expansion, new shareholders, new markets
and potential investment or exit.

Why choose the UAE for Company Formation?

  • Strategic location: The UAE sits between Europe, Asia and Africa, giving you direct access to major global markets and trade routes.

  • Global business centre: Recognised worldwide as a safe, established place to do business, with access to international banks, investors and partners.

  • Attractive tax environment: No personal income tax, no capital gains tax and 0 percent corporate tax in many Free Zones subject to conditions. Mainland companies benefit from a competitive 9 percent corporate tax rate.

  • Full ownership options: 100 percent foreign ownership is available in Free Zones and in many Mainland activities, so you stay in control of your business.

  • Simple, business friendly setup: Clear rules, modern systems and fast approvals make it easier and quicker to start and operate your company.

  • Strong base for holding and investment: The UAE is a popular choice for holding and investment structures, helping businesses manage assets, protect wealth and plan for long term growth.

6. Industries We Support

Our business setup solutions are built for ambition — designed to support:

  • Entrepreneurs launching their first UAE business
  • SMEs expanding operations or relocating to the region
  • Family offices seeking secure and compliant structuring
  • International subsidiaries entering the GCC market
  • High-growth teams scaling rapidly and seeking stability

From your first trade licence to your first team visa, Clear Partners provides clarity, precision, and full-cycle support every step of the way.

Mainland, Free zone & Offshore companies: what’s the difference?

Criteria Mainland Free Zone Offshore
Ownership 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors (some activities may require a UAE national as a local partner holding 51.0% ownership) 100% foreign ownership allowed 100% foreign ownership allowed
License Issuance Issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate Issued by the Free Zone Authority of the chosen Free Zone Issued by Offshore Authorities (JAFZA, RAK ICC, Ajman Offshore, etc.)
Application Process Shareholder presence required for signing the Memorandum of Association (MOA). Possible to appoint a Power of Attorney (POA) holder, but the POA must be notarized and legalized Shareholder presence often not required. Most free zones allow for remote incorporation Shareholder presence often not required and can be incorporated remotely through registered agents
Business Scope Can conduct business within the UAE, Free Zones, and internationally Can do business within the Free Zone and internationally; Mainland trade requires a distributor or a permit Restricted to international trade and holding activities; cannot operate within the UAE
Business Activities Suitable for retail, trading, services, industrial, professional, and consulting businesses Ideal for e-commerce, technology, media, logistics, consultancy, and trading with international clients Primarily used for holding companies, asset protection, investment structuring, and international business
Business Suitability Best for companies that need full access to the UAE market and deal with government or large corporations Ideal for start-ups, international trading, tech firms, and service-based businesses that don’t need Mainland access Best for asset protection, wealth management, and international trade
Cost Considerations Higher setup and operational costs. Also, obtaining the initial approvals and permits can be a strenuous process Moderate costs, depending on Free Zone; varies by activity and visa needs Lowest cost option, with minimal operational expenses
Taxation 9% corporate tax (if annual net profit exceeds AED 375,000) 0% corporate tax (subject to meeting Free Zone qualifying conditions), VAT applies if registered 0% corporate tax, but Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) may apply
VAT Registration Mandatory if revenue exceeds AED 375,000 per year Mandatory if revenue exceeds AED 375,000 per year Not required, as offshore companies cannot conduct business in the UAE
Office Requirement Mandatory physical office (size depends on business activity and visa requirements) Office space required within the Free Zone (can range from flexi-desk to full office) No physical office required
Visa Eligibility Eligible for UAE residency visas; number of visas depends on office space Eligible for UAE residency visas; number of visas depends on Free Zone policy Not eligible for UAE residency visas
Bank Account Opening Easier to open corporate and personal UAE bank accounts Bank account opening depends on Free Zone policies and compliance requirements Bank account opening is more challenging and subject to compliance checks
Regulatory Compliance Must comply with the regulations established by multiple authorities, including DED and the Ministry of Labour Follows Free Zone Authority regulations, fewer restrictions than Mainland Minimal compliance requirements, but must meet UAE’s ESR, AML, and UBO regulations

One System. One Strategy. One Outcome: Growth.

You get one integrated solution, marketing that drives inbound revenue and financial operations that protect it. No fragmented teams. No blind spending. Just growth with structure and control.

Years of experience

17+

Experts

250+

Powered by the Clear Group

Get a personal consultation.

Office

Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Contact

info@clearpartners.ae
+44 161 524 8884

Open Hours

Monday – Friday: 8am — 6pm