Just Announced UAE extends Small Business Relief to 31 December 2029. Ministerial Decision No. 131 of 2026 — AED 3m threshold unchanged. Read the update →
Home Tax & VAT Audit Business Setup Trust & Structuring AI Automation Wills & Legal E-Invoicing Golden Visa Insights Book Free Consultation
UAE Business Setup — Structured for Tax

Set Up Your UAE Company.
Structured for Tax.
Built to Last.

Licence, residence visa and corporate bank account — structured right for Corporate Tax & VAT from day one, then kept compliant for years. Not a licence you’ll pay to fix later.

Prefer a plan by email? Get one in 24 hours.

FTA Registered Tax Agent MoE Authorized Auditor 200+ UAE businesses set up Fixed transparent pricing
What You Get
Structured for TaxCorporate Tax & VAT assessment built in from day one
Ongoing ComplianceBookkeeping, tax filing & a senior accountant for the long term
Trade LicenseMainland or free zone, any activity
Residency VisaInvestor visa + Emirates ID
Corporate Bank AccountUAE bank introduction & support
Trusted by the brands you know
Dun & Bradstreet Americana Fujitsu Dunkin' Kitopi Van Oord Daiso Al Ain Farms Pure Gold Kaya
Why founders choose PRF

The rigour of the Big Four. The attention of a boutique.
Big4-experienced advisors structure your company right — not a licence factory, not a junior.

Make Your Decision

Is PRF Right for Your UAE Setup?

Answer these three questions. If any apply to you, we should talk.

Moving to the UAE?

Whether you’re relocating from Europe, Asia or anywhere else, PRF handles your business setup, residence visa and post-arrival compliance as one seamless package.

  • No UAE presence required to start
  • Remote document process available
  • Spouse & family visa support

Starting a UAE Business?

First-time founders and experienced entrepreneurs both benefit from PRF’s advisory approach. We help you choose the right structure — not just the cheapest license.

  • Free zone vs mainland analysis
  • Tax implications explained upfront
  • Bank account strategy included

Existing UAE Company?

Need to restructure, add activities, renew licenses, or open a new visa? PRF manages ongoing corporate maintenance so nothing lapses and no fines occur.

  • License renewals & amendments
  • Additional visa applications
  • Activity expansion support
Structure Decision

Mainland vs Free Zone.
We Help You Choose Right.

The wrong structure costs you in tax, banking access, and operational flexibility. PRF advises on the right choice for your specific business model before you spend a dirham.

⚠️ PRF Advisory Note

Many businesses set up in free zones and later discover they cannot trade directly in the UAE mainland, or that their bank account options are restricted. A 30-minute call with PRF before you decide can save significant time and cost.

FeatureMainlandFree Zone
Trade anywhere in UAE✓ Yes✗ Limited
100% foreign ownership✓ Yes✓ Yes
Government contracts✓ Eligible✗ Restricted
Bank account ease✓ EasierVaries
Setup costHigherLower
VAT registrationRequired if >AED 375KMay differ
Visa quota flexibilityMore flexibleZone-specific
PRF advises based on your activity, not commission
UAE Free Zones

Popular Free Zones We Work With

PRF has experience across all major UAE free zones. We’ll recommend the right one based on your business activity, visa needs and budget.

DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre IFZA — International Free Zone Authority Dubai Silicon Oasis Dubai Internet City RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah AFZA — Ajman Free Zone SHAMS — Sharjah Media City Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Dubai Mainland (DED) Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADCD) Sharjah Mainland
How It Works

Your UAE Company in 5 Steps

From first call to licensed company with bank account — PRF guides every step. Most setups complete in 2–4 weeks.

1

Free Consultation

We understand your business, goals and personal situation. You get a clear recommendation — mainland or free zone, which activity, which jurisdiction.

30 minutes, no obligation
2

Documentation & Application

PRF prepares all paperwork, MOA, application forms and submits to the relevant authority. You sign — we handle the rest.

⏳ 3–5 business days
3

License Issued

Your trade license is issued. PRF reviews it for accuracy and ensures all activities are correctly listed before you sign off.

Company is officially registered
4

Visa & Emirates ID

Investor visa application, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID — all coordinated by PRF. Family visas can follow once your visa is stamped.

⏳ 7–14 business days
5

Bank Account & Compliance Setup

PRF introduces you to the right UAE bank and supports your account opening. We also set up your accounting and tax structure so you’re compliant from day one.

You’re fully operational
Why PRF is Different

Big4 Advisory

We advise on structure, not just licenses. Tax implications included.

Full Documentation

We handle all government paperwork from start to finish.

Bank Introduction

PRF's relationships with UAE banks accelerate account opening.

Post-Setup Support

Accounting, VAT, corporate tax — seamless handover after setup.

Ready to Start?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll confirm the right structure, give you a fixed quote, and start immediately upon approval.

Book Free Consultation

No obligation. Fixed pricing. Big4 expertise.

Who We Help

Built for Founders, Investors & Families

Startup Founders

Launch your UAE company right — the right structure, the right activity, the right zone for your growth trajectory.

Foreign Investors

Entering the UAE market from overseas? PRF handles the full setup remotely and ensures your structure is tax-efficient from day one.

Relocating Families

Business setup plus family visas, school enrollment support and all the admin that comes with a UAE relocation — coordinated as one service.

Established Groups

Expanding an existing group into the UAE? PRF structures your UAE holding company to integrate cleanly with your international operations.

Free checklist

UAE Business Setup Cost & Timeline Checklist

Every step, document, cost driver and realistic timeline for setting up in the UAE — free zone or mainland. Get the PDF in your inbox.

FAQ

Common Questions

The most common questions we get before a setup consultation. If you don’t see yours, book a call.

Ask Us Anything →

Most free zone setups take 5–10 business days for the license. Mainland setups vary by activity but typically complete in 1–3 weeks. Residence visa and Emirates ID takes a further 7–14 business days. PRF will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific setup during the consultation.

For many free zone setups, the process can be started and largely completed remotely. You will typically need to visit Dubai for biometrics and bank account opening. PRF will advise on the exact requirements for your chosen structure and coordinate your visit to minimise time on the ground.

Mainland companies (licensed by DED or emirate-level authorities) can trade freely within the UAE. Free zone companies operate within a designated zone and face restrictions on direct UAE mainland trading. Both offer 100% foreign ownership. The right choice depends on your business activity, clients and banking needs.

Yes. All UAE companies must register for corporate tax (introduced in June 2023 at 9% for profits above AED 375,000). Free zone qualifying income may benefit from 0% tax under the QFZP regime. PRF assesses your eligibility as part of the setup process — this is something many setup-only firms overlook.

Cost varies significantly by zone, activity and visa requirements. Free zone licenses start from around AED 12,000–20,000 per year. Mainland licenses vary by activity. PRF provides a fixed all-in quote covering license, visa and our professional fees. No surprises. Book a call for a personalised quote.

Your UAE Company Starts Here

License. Visa. Bank Account.
Done Right, From Day One.

30 minutes with a PRF advisor is all it takes to get a clear picture of your best UAE structure, a fixed cost, and a start date.

No obligation Fixed transparent pricing Big4 advisory included Tax structure from day one

Not sure where to start? Speak to PRF.

Send us one message about your business. We'll tell you the right structure, the real cost, and the tax implications most agents miss — before you commit to anything.

Speak to PRF on WhatsApp
Trusted by Dun & Bradstreet, Americana, Fujitsu & Kitopi · FTA-approved since 2011
★★★★★

Worked with PRF? Tell us how we did.

Your feedback goes straight to the partners and shapes how we run every engagement. It takes under a minute.

Leave a Review
Google Reviews
See all reviews on Google
Reviews provided by Google
Google Reviews
Speak to PRF