Setting up in the UAE means choosing between mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions, each with different licensing, ownership and compliance rules. BDO UAE provides end-to-end support, from initial planning through incorporation, licensing and stakeholder coordination, so your entity is set up correctly the first time.
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions in the UAE differ in permitted activities, ownership rules, visa entitlements and tax treatment. Getting this wrong at the outset can mean costly restructuring later. We guide you through jurisdiction selection and incorporation, then support restructuring and group reorganisation as your business evolves, helping you move from legacy arrangements to more efficient structures with minimal disruption to operations.
A dedicated client partner manages the process end to end, coordinating incorporation, licensing and stakeholder communication so nothing falls between teams.
Mainland companies can trade directly across the UAE market, free zone companies operate within a designated zone with sector-specific benefits, and offshore companies are typically used for holding and international structuring rather than local trading.
Timelines vary by jurisdiction, entity type and the complexity of the existing structure.
Yes, BDO UAE supports restructuring and group reorganisation, including migration from legacy arrangements to more efficient structures with minimal operational disruption.
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