Company formation in UAE Blog
Company formation in UAE Blog
Complete guide to company formation in UAE 2025. Learn about LLC, FZE, FZC, Branch Office, and Offshore company structures. Detailed costs, requirements, procedures, and expert tips from Najoom Corporate Services.
Company Formation in UAE: Complete 2025 Guide
Understanding company formation structures in the UAE is essential for making the right business decision. This comprehensive guide covers LLC, FZE, FZC, Branch Office, and Offshore company formation with detailed insights, costs, and procedures.
Company formation in the UAE offers multiple legal structures, each designed for specific business needs and objectives. Whether you're forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Mainland, a Freezone Establishment (FZE) or Freezone Company (FZC), establishing a Branch Office, or setting up an Offshore company, understanding the differences is crucial for success.
Najoom Corporate Services has facilitated thousands of successful company formations across all UAE jurisdictions since 2015. This guide draws from our extensive experience to help you choose the right structure and navigate the formation process smoothly.
Types of Company Formation in UAE
🏢 LLC (Limited Liability Company)
Jurisdiction: Mainland (DED)
- 2-50 shareholders allowed
- Most common Mainland structure
- Requires Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Physical office mandatory
- Full UAE market access
- 💰 Setup: AED 15,000 - 30,000+
- ⏱️ Timeline: 10-20 business days
🏭 FZE (Freezone Establishment)
Jurisdiction: Freezone
- Single shareholder only
- 100% foreign ownership
- Ideal for solo entrepreneurs
- Flexible office solutions
- Tax benefits available
- 💰 Setup: AED 5,000 - 15,000
- ⏱️ Timeline: 5-15 business days
🏢 FZC (Freezone Company)
Jurisdiction: Freezone
- 2-5 shareholders allowed
- 100% foreign ownership
- Perfect for partnerships
- Flexible office solutions
- Tax benefits available
- 💰 Setup: AED 6,000 - 18,000
- ⏱️ Timeline: 5-15 business days
🌿 Branch Office
Jurisdiction: Mainland/Freezone
- Extension of existing company
- No separate legal entity
- Mirrors parent company activities
- Simpler setup process
- No share capital required
- 💰 Setup: AED 10,000 - 25,000
- ⏱️ Timeline: 7-15 business days
🌐 Offshore Company
Jurisdiction: Offshore (RAK ICC)
- International operations only
- Asset protection
- Tax neutrality
- Privacy and confidentiality
- No office required
- 💰 Setup: AED 8,000 - 15,000
- ⏱️ Timeline: 3-7 business days
Detailed Company Structure Comparison
LLC (Limited Liability Company) - Mainland
The LLC is the most popular Mainland company structure in the UAE, ideal for businesses requiring full market access. It's a separate legal entity that protects shareholders' personal assets from business liabilities.
Key Features:
- 2-50 shareholders
- Minimum capital: Usually none
- MOA required
- Local partner (if required)
- Physical office mandatory
Best For:
- Retail businesses
- Restaurants & F&B
- Construction
- Healthcare services
- Government contractors
FZE (Freezone Establishment) - Freezone
FZE is perfect for solo entrepreneurs seeking 100% ownership in a Freezone. It's a single-shareholder structure offering complete control, tax benefits, and flexible office solutions.
Key Features:
- Single shareholder only
- 100% foreign ownership
- No minimum capital
- Flexible office options
- Tax exemptions
Best For:
- Solo entrepreneurs
- E-commerce businesses
- Consultancy services
- International trading
- Digital services
FZC (Freezone Company) - Freezone
FZC allows 2-5 shareholders to form a Freezone company, ideal for partnerships and joint ventures. It offers the same benefits as FZE but with shared ownership structure.
Key Features:
- 2-5 shareholders
- 100% foreign ownership
- Shared decision-making
- Flexible office options
- Tax exemptions
Best For:
- Partnerships
- Joint ventures
- Family businesses
- Multi-owner startups
- Investment groups
Branch Office - Mainland/Freezone
A Branch Office is an extension of an existing company (UAE or international), allowing businesses to expand operations without creating a separate legal entity. It mirrors the parent company's activities.
Key Features:
- No separate legal entity
- Parent company liability
- Same activities as parent
- Simpler setup
- No share capital
Best For:
- International expansion
- UAE company branches
- Project-based operations
- Service delivery
- Market testing
Offshore Company - RAK ICC
Offshore companies are designed for international operations, asset protection, and tax planning. They cannot operate in the UAE market but offer privacy, confidentiality, and tax neutrality for global business activities.
Key Features:
- International operations
- Asset protection
- Tax neutrality
- Privacy & confidentiality
- No office required
Best For:
- International trading
- Asset holding
- Wealth management
- IP holding
- Investment vehicles
Company Formation Process: Step-by-Step
Choose Company Structure & Jurisdiction
Based on your business goals, target market, and budget, select the appropriate structure (LLC, FZE, FZC, Branch, or Offshore) and jurisdiction (Mainland, Freezone, or Offshore).
Reserve Trade Name
Submit 2-3 preferred company names following UAE naming guidelines. Names must be unique, compliant, and reflect your business activity. Approval typically takes 1-2 days.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents: passport copies, visa copies, proof of address, educational certificates (if required), business plan (for some activities), and NOC (if applicable).
Secure Office Space (If Required)
Mainland LLCs require physical office space. Freezones offer virtual, flexi-desk, or physical options. Offshore companies don't require office space. We help you find the right solution.
Obtain Initial Approvals
Some activities require approvals from specific departments (healthcare, education, F&B, etc.). We coordinate with all relevant authorities to secure necessary approvals.
Draft Legal Documents
For LLCs, draft Memorandum of Association (MOA). For other structures, prepare incorporation documents, shareholder agreements, and any required legal documentation.
Submit Application & Pay Fees
Submit complete application package with all documents and pay required fees (license, registration, office, etc.). We handle submission and payment processing.
Receive Company Documents
Once approved, receive your trade license, establishment card (Freezones), MOA (LLCs), share certificates, and all incorporation documents. Your company is now legally formed!
Required Documents for Company Formation
📄 Essential Documents
- Passport copies (all shareholders)
- Visa copies or entry stamps
- Proof of address
- Passport-sized photos
- NOC from employer (if applicable)
📋 Activity-Specific
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Business plan
- Bank reference letter
- Previous license (if renewing)
- Power of Attorney
🏢 For LLC (Mainland)
- Memorandum of Association
- Local partner documents (if required)
- Office lease agreement
- Ejari certificate
- Shareholder agreement
💡 Document Preparation Service: Najoom Corporate Services provides complete document preparation, attestation, translation, and submission services. We ensure all documents meet UAE requirements for fast approval.
Company Formation Costs: Complete Breakdown
LLC (Mainland) - Typical Costs
FZE/FZC (Freezone) - Typical Costs
Offshore Company - Typical Costs
Why Choose Najoom Corporate Services for Company Formation?
✅ 10+ Years Experience
Since 2015, we've successfully formed thousands of companies across all UAE jurisdictions, building unmatched expertise and authority relationships.
🎯 Expert Structure Selection
We analyze your business goals to recommend the perfect structure - LLC, FZE, FZC, Branch, or Offshore - ensuring optimal setup for your needs.
💰 Transparent Pricing
Fixed, upfront pricing with detailed cost breakdowns. No hidden fees, no surprises. Complete transparency in all our services.
⚡ Fast Processing
Efficient processes and strong relationships enable us to complete company formations faster than industry averages.
📄 Complete Documentation
We handle all document preparation, attestation, MOA drafting, and submission, ensuring 100% compliance with UAE regulations.
🌐 End-to-End Support
From structure selection to license issuance, bank account opening, visa processing, and ongoing compliance - we're your complete company formation partner.
Frequently Asked Questions: Company Formation in UAE
Ready to Form Your Company in UAE?
Whether you're forming an LLC, FZE, FZC, Branch Office, or Offshore company, Najoom Corporate Services makes your UAE company formation simple, fast, and compliant. Get expert guidance, transparent pricing, and end-to-end support from Dubai's trusted company formation partner.
📍 Office Address: Al Moosa Tower 2, Diamond Sky Business Centre, Floor 30, Office No. 17, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
📞 Phone: +971 52 946 6862 | 📧 Email: info@najoomcorp.com