TYPES OF COMPANIES

To start your own business in the United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates

Offshore, Free Zone or Mainland?

To start your own business in the United Arab Emirates, first of all you need to know the difference between the types of companies on offer: “Offshore”, “Free Zone” and “Mainland”.

Each type of company offers pros and cons, as well as different opportunities.

Western Mideast FZCO will offer you its full and comprehensive knowledge of each type of company to help you make the decisions best suited to your needs.

Our consultants, thanks to their local experience, are able to provide you with the assistance you need for every aspect of company formation in the United Arab Emirates.

Here are some of the main differences:

RESIDENCE VISA
LICENSE
SHAREHOLDING
ALLOWED ACTIVITY
REGISTERED OFFICE

OFFSHORE
NO
NO
100% foreign shareholder allowed
Annually renewable offshore company that cannot operate in the UAE
Agent’s Registered Office

FREE ZONE
YES
YES
100% foreign shareholder allowed
Onshore company with license issued by the Free Zone Authority. Restrictions in the area where you can carry out your activity
Flexi Desk is allowed (with exceptions) or can rent a physical space

MAINLAND
YES
YES (DED)
The presence of a UAE citizen is mandatory as a local partner or service agent
Onshore company with license issued by the Department for Economic Development (DED). Activity permitted in the local market and outside the UAE without any restrictions
Flexi Desk is not allowed, mandatory to rent a physical space

TYPES OF COMPANIES

Offshore, Free Zone or Mainland?

Here are some of the main differences:

Looking for Company FormationBank Account openingUAE Residence VisaAccounting, Audit and VATBusiness Consultancy ?

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