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.
What entity setup and restructuring covers
- Jurisdiction selection across UAE mainland, free zone and offshore
- Incorporation and licensing coordination from planning through completion
- Stakeholder and regulator liaison throughout the setup process
- Restructuring and group reorganisation of existing entities
- Migration from legacy structures to more efficient arrangements
Why entity choice matters
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.
Who this service is for
- Founders and investors setting up a new entity in the UAE
- Family businesses restructuring or reorganising an existing group
- Companies migrating from one UAE jurisdiction to another
- Groups consolidating multiple legacy entities into a simplified structure
Our approach
A dedicated client partner manages the process end to end, coordinating incorporation, licensing and stakeholder communication so nothing falls between teams.
.jpg)
