UAE Company Formation | Dubai Company Formation

UAE Company Formation & Corporate Services

Establish and structure your business in the United Arab Emirates with experienced corporate services support.

Explore UAE Company Formation

Dubai Company Formation | UAE Company Formation Services

Mainland, Free Zone & RAK ICC Solutions

Compare UAE company structures based on your business activities, ownership requirements, residency needs and long-term objectives.

Compare Company Types

Ajman UAE Company Formation

International Structuring. UAE Expertise.

From company formation and residency to corporate administration and international structuring, GWS supports entrepreneurs, investors and private clients throughout the UAE.

RAK ICC & International Companies

GWS assists international entrepreneurs, investors and private clients with the establishment and administration of UAE international corporate structures, including RAK ICC companies.

These structures may be considered for international business, holding, investment, asset ownership and succession-planning purposes, depending on the client’s objectives and applicable regulatory and tax requirements.

UAE Free Zone Company

The UAE offers a wide range of Free Zones serving different industries and business activities.

GWS helps clients compare suitable Free Zones based on business activity, ownership, location, office and visa requirements, Corporate Tax considerations and long-term operating plans.

UAE Residency & Relocation

The UAE offers a range of residence options for eligible entrepreneurs, investors, business owners, employees and family members.GWS assists clients with the practical requirements of UAE residency and relocation, including company-related residence applications where applicable.The UAE currently does not impose a general federal personal income tax on individuals. However, obtaining a UAE residence visa does not by itself determine an individual’s international tax residence.

Dubai & UAE Company Formation

The United Arab Emirates provides international entrepreneurs and investors with a broad choice of company structures for conducting business locally and internationally.

Depending on your activities and objectives, available options may include UAE Mainland companies, Free Zone companies and international corporate structures such as RAK ICC companies.

GWS helps clients evaluate the available options according to:

Business activity
Target markets
Ownership requirements
UAE residency requirements
Office and operational needs
Banking requirements
Corporate Tax considerations
International structuring objectives

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Our support can extend from initial structure selection and incorporation to residency procedures, banking assistance and ongoing corporate administration.

Up to 100 %

Foreign Ownership*

100 %

Standard UAE Corporate Tax Rate Above the Applicable Threshold*

Standard VAT Rate*

100 %

100 %

Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons*

Dubai Offshore and Freezone Company Formation

GWS Middle East FZE

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GWS is the leading business consultant and service provider for company formations in Dubai and other Emirates, and fully licensed and regulated by the relevant authorities. With more than 15 years’ experience in the formation of companies in Dubai, we have incorporated over 1000 companies for our clients.

Our services include company formation in the United Arab Emirates and other international jurisdictions, residency permits, citizenship programs, bank accounts, as well as comprehensive advice on all legally relevant steps and requirements which must be met to ensure a successful start in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates offer the most attractive framework conditions to advance your business.

GWS offers all-round service, preparing you as best as possible for your start in the United Arab Emirates, in order for you to fully focus on your business success.

Ras Al Khaimah Company Formation

Ras Al Khaimah is an established UAE jurisdiction offering solutions for both operating businesses and international corporate structures.
Depending on the intended activity, clients may consider structures available through RAKEZ or international corporate solutions through RAK ICC.
GWS assists clients in assessing the appropriate structure based on their business model, ownership, residency, banking and international requirements.
As a RAK ICC Registered Agent, GWS Middle East FZE can also assist with eligible RAK ICC corporate structures and their ongoing administration.
Explore Ras Al Khaimah Solutions

RAKEZ or RAK ICC: Which Structure Fits Your Business?

Ras Al Khaimah provides different corporate solutions for different purposes.

A RAKEZ company can be appropriate for entrepreneurs requiring an operating Free Zone business, eligible residence visas, facilities and licensed commercial activities.

A RAK ICC company is generally used for international corporate purposes such as holding, investment, asset ownership and international structuring.

The correct choice depends on what the company will actually do.
Compare RAKEZ and RAK ICC

Why Establish a Company in the UAE?

The UAE has developed into an important international centre for entrepreneurship, investment and cross-border business. Depending on the selected structure and business activity, potential advantages can include:

Up to 100% foreign ownership
Strategic access to Europe, Asia and Africa
Competitive Corporate Tax framework
No general federal personal income tax on individuals
Extensive Free Zone ecosystem
Modern transport and digital infrastructure
Access to regional and international markets
Residence options for qualifying entrepreneurs and investors
Established banking and financial-services sector
Internationally connected business environment

The appropriate benefits depend on the selected company structure and individual circumstances.

Recognition & Industry Experience

Potential Uses of an International Corporate Structure

International Holding
Hold qualifying shares or investments through an appropriate corporate structure.

Asset Ownership
Use corporate structures for eligible asset ownership subject to applicable regulations.
International Structuring
Organise international business interests through a professionally administered corporate framework.
Succession Planning
Integrate appropriate companies and foundation structures into broader succession planning.
Corporate Governance
Establish documented ownership, management and governance arrangements.
International Banking
Apply for appropriate banking relationships subject to each financial institution’s independent onboarding and compliance requirements.

The UAE as an International Business Hub

The United Arab Emirates has developed into a major international centre for business, investment, finance, logistics and entrepreneurship. Its strategic location connects markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, while Dubai provides international transport links, modern infrastructure and access to a diverse business community. The UAE also provides a competitive tax environment. Businesses within the scope of UAE Corporate Tax must comply with the applicable rules, while eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income subject to statutory conditions. For international entrepreneurs, the UAE’s attraction therefore extends beyond taxation to infrastructure, connectivity, regulatory development, quality of life and access to global markets.

Mainland vs Free Zone vs RAK ICC

Which UAE Company Is Right for You?

Consideration	Mainland	Free Zone	RAK ICC
UAE operating business	Often suitable	Depends on activity and structure	Generally not designed as a conventional UAE operating company
Foreign ownership	Up to 100% for many activities	Generally 100%	Generally 100%
UAE residence visa	Usually available subject to requirements	Usually available depending on package and facilities	Generally not through the RAK ICC entity itself
Physical office	Depends on licence and activity	Depends on Free Zone/package	Typically different from operating-company requirements
UAE market access	Broad, subject to licence	Depends on activity and applicable rules	Limited compared with operating companies
Corporate Tax	UAE Corporate Tax rules apply	Free Zone Corporate Tax rules apply	Depends on entity facts and applicable tax rules
Typical use	UAE operating business	UAE/international operations	Holding and international structuring

Important: This comparison is general only. Regulatory, tax, banking and immigration requirements depend on the individual company and activity.

Request a Company Structure Assessment

Understanding UAE Corporate Tax

United Arab Emirates

The UAE operates a federal Corporate Tax regime applicable to businesses and legal entities within its scope. For ordinary taxable businesses, Corporate Tax generally applies at 0% on taxable income up to the applicable threshold and 9% on taxable income exceeding that threshold.

Different rules can apply to Free Zone entities. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income when the applicable requirements are satisfied.
A Free Zone licence alone does not guarantee a 0% Corporate Tax rate.

Our UAE Freezone Partners

GWS Middle East FZE is a licenced agent of the Government of Ras al Khaimah.

How UAE Company Formation Works

Which UAE Company Is Right for You?

1. Consultation
Tell us about your business activity, shareholders, target markets and UAE requirements.
2. Structure Assessment
We compare suitable Mainland, Free Zone or international corporate options.
3. Documentation
GWS coordinates the incorporation and compliance documents required for your chosen structure.
4. Company Registration
The application is submitted to the appropriate authority.
5. Residency & Immigration
Where applicable, we assist with eligible residence procedures.
6. Banking Assistance
We support the preparation and coordination of appropriate banking applications.
7. Compliance & Administration
GWS can continue supporting the company with renewals, administration and related corporate requirements.

Start Your UAE Company Formation

Why Choose GWS?

Establishing a UAE company involves important decisions regarding jurisdiction, licensing, ownership, residency, banking, taxation and ongoing compliance. GWS provides coordinated support throughout the entire process, beginning with an assessment of your business activities, shareholders, target markets and long-term objectives.

We then help you compare suitable Mainland, Free Zone and international corporate structures, coordinate the incorporation process and required documentation, and support the next steps where applicable, including residency procedures, banking applications and ongoing corporate administration.

Our approach goes beyond company formation itself, with the aim of helping you establish a structure that remains appropriate as your business and personal circumstances evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?

Yes. Foreign investors can own up to 100% of many UAE Mainland and Free Zone companies. Certain regulated or strategically important activities may have additional requirements.

Mainland or Free Zone—which should I choose?

The appropriate structure depends on your activity, target customers, office and visa requirements, banking needs, tax position and expansion plans.

Is Dubai tax-free for companies?

It is no longer accurate to describe Dubai companies generally as tax-free. The UAE operates a federal Corporate Tax regime, and the applicable treatment depends on the company’s activities, income and structure.

Can GWS help me open a UAE bank account?

GWS can assist with banking introductions and preparation of an application. Final approval remains subject to the financial institution’s independent compliance procedures.

Are UAE Free Zone companies subject to Corporate Tax?

Yes. Free Zone Persons fall within the UAE Corporate Tax framework. Eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons may benefit from a 0% rate on Qualifying Income when the relevant conditions are met.

How much does UAE company formation cost?

Costs depend on the jurisdiction, licence, business activity, facilities, visa requirements and additional services. GWS can provide a tailored quotation after assessing the proposed structure.