Business Formation services in UAE
Welcome to Charteredo, your trusted partner for Business Formation and Setup Services in the UAE. Since our inception, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs and companies establish their businesses smoothly across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding into the UAE market, our experts ensure a seamless setup process with the right structure, compliance, and documentation.
For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us at +971 50 297 4262
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Business Formation services
Private Limited Company
We assist businesses across UAE countries worldwide in setting up their operations. Start your Private Limited Company in Dubai, one of the Middle East’s most prosperous and cosmopolitan cities.
Professional Firms
We assist business owners in setting up their professional firms in the UAE with complete ease. Connect with our business consultants — we simplify the entire business setup process and ensure a smooth start for your operations
Sole Proprietorship
A sole proprietorship in Dubai offers excellent opportunities for personal business growth, giving individuals the freedom to operate, expand, and build their brand with full ownership and control.
Partnership Company
A partnership company allows two or more individuals to jointly establish and operate a business, sharing responsibilities, profits, and management.
Society
At Charteredo, we understand the laws and regulations governing society and association setups in the UAE. Business formation requirements vary by region and jurisdiction, and our team ensures full compliance and smooth processing tailored to the specific rules of each area.
Public Shareholding Company
A Public Shareholding Company in Dubai requires a minimum capital of AED 10 million. Its capital is divided into equal-value shares, which can be offered to the public — making it an ideal structure for larger businesses seeking investment and expansion.
Open Branch Offices
A Branch Office acts as an extension of a foreign parent company operating outside the UAE. It is not a separate legal entity but functions as a direct representation of the parent company within the UAE, carrying out its business activities and services.
Representative Offices
Set up a representative office for your foreign company in Dubai with ease. If you’re planning to establish a branch or representative office in the UAE, get in touch with us — we’ll guide you through the entire setup process smoothly.
What Are the Stages of Company Formation?
The steps involved in forming a company depend on where you choose to incorporate, as each jurisdiction has its own requirements, procedures, and timelines. However, the general stages of company formation typically include:
- Choosing the Jurisdiction & Business Structure
Decide whether you want to set up in the Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore, and select the legal structure that best fits your business. - Selecting a Trade Name
Choose and reserve a unique business name that meets the guidelines of the licensing authority. - Applying for Initial Approval
Obtain approval from the relevant authority to proceed with the business setup. - Preparing Legal Documents
Submit required documents such as passport copies, MoA/LLC Agreement, and any special approvals depending on your business activity. - Securing Office Space or Flexi-Desk
Provide a tenancy contract or office lease (depending on the jurisdiction). - License Issuance
Once all documents are verified, the business license is issued, officially establishing your company. - Opening a Corporate Bank Account
After receiving your license, you can set up a business bank account in the UAE. - Post-Formation Procedures
This may include VAT registration, employee visas, regulatory compliance, and ongoing accounting requirements.
Each jurisdiction—Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore—may add or adjust steps, but these are the core stages of forming a company in the UAE.
What Is a Good Business to Start in Dubai?
Dubai is one of the most attractive places in the world to start a business — offering access to over one billion consumers across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. With 0% personal and corporate tax, a business-friendly environment, and a lower cost of living compared to many developed cities, it’s an ideal destination for entrepreneurs.
Here are some promising business opportunities in Dubai:
- Advertising & Marketing
- Information Technology Services
- Apparel & Fashion
- Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
- eCommerce Businesses
- Food Trading & Distribution
- Recruitment & Staffing Agencies
- Logistics & Supply Chain Services
These sectors continue to grow rapidly and offer excellent potential for new investors looking to build a profitable and sustainable business in Dubai.
How Can I Start a Trading Business in the UAE?
The UAE has long been a global trading hub, making it a highly attractive and relatively safe place for foreign investors to start a trading business. Sectors like medical supplies, food products, electronics, construction materials, and oil & gas trading are among the most popular.
To start a trading business in the UAE, here’s what you need to do:
1. Choose Your Jurisdiction
Decide whether you want to set up in:
- Mainland – trade freely across the UAE
- Free Zone – 100% ownership and easy setup
- Offshore – ideal for international trading
2. Select Your Trade Activity
Pick the type of trading license you need — for example:
- General trading
- Food trading
- Medical trading
- Petroleum or industrial materials trading
3. Reserve Your Trade Name
Choose a unique business name that meets UAE naming guidelines.
4. Apply for Initial Approval
Submit basic documents (passport copy, business plan, etc.) to get approval from the licensing authority.
5. Secure an Office or Warehouse
Get a tenancy contract (Ejari) if setting up on the mainland or select a flexi-desk in a free zone.
6. Obtain Your Trading License
Once all requirements are completed, the Department of Economic Development (DED) or Free Zone Authority issues your trade license.
7. Open a Corporate Bank Account
You’ll need your license and company documents to open a bank account in the UAE.
8. Start Trading Legally
You’re now ready to import, export, and distribute goods within the UAE or internationally.
What documents are required for company formation in the UAE?
Generally, you will need:
Passport copies of shareholders
Visa and Emirates ID (if applicable)
Proposed trade name
Business activity details
Proof of address
Some activities may need additional approvals. Charteredo ensures all documentation is prepared correctly to avoid delays.
What is the difference between Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore companies?
Mainland: Full access to UAE markets, more business flexibility, and eligibility for government contracts.
Free Zone: 100% ownership, tax benefits, and cost-effective setup, but restricted to operating within the free zone or internationally.
Offshore: Ideal for holding companies, asset protection, and international operations; no local UAE business permitted.
Charteredo helps you choose the best structure for your goals.
How much does business setup cost in the UAE?
Costs depend on the jurisdiction, activity, number of visa allocations, and office requirements. Charteredo provides transparent, customized quotations without hidden fees.