Mainland company formation
UAE market access
For businesses that need local UAE trading, government contract eligibility, or broader operating permissions.
- Activity review
- License route
- Office requirements
Dubai and UAE setup
Company formation coordinated for founders who need the UAE done properly.
SM Concierge helps private clients and founders route UAE setup requests through the right free zone, mainland, visa, banking preparation, and adviser pathway.
What we handle
A clear path through Dubai setup decisions.
- Mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation coordination.
- Trade license, initial approval, establishment card, Emirates ID, and visa pathway support.
- DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, JAFZA, and other jurisdiction routing based on business activity.
- Premium office, virtual office, PRO, and renewal support introductions.
- Bank account preparation and document sequencing before introductions.
Founder control
The best jurisdiction is the one that matches the actual business model.
Dubai setup can look simple until licensing, banking, visas, office requirements, and ownership structure collide. Our team starts by reducing those decisions to a clear route.
Free zone routing
Mainland activity checks
Visa planning
Banking preparation
Routes
Setup routes clients usually need.
Free zone company setup
DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, JAFZA
For international founders seeking 100% ownership, defined activity categories, and a more contained setup pathway.
- Zone comparison
- Visa allocation
- Document sequencing
Visa and PRO support
Investor, family, Golden Visa
For principals and families who need residency, Emirates ID, renewals, attestations, and government processing kept organized.
- Eligibility review
- Submission tracking
- Renewal support
Process
How the setup moves.
- 01
Activity and owner brief
Capture business activity, shareholder structure, visa needs, banking expectations, and timing.
- 02
Jurisdiction route
Shortlist the practical mainland, free zone, or offshore options and explain tradeoffs plainly.
- 03
Document pack
Prepare the document sequence for license, visa, office, PRO, and banking introduction stages.
- 04
Partner execution
Route regulated advice and submissions through qualified local specialists, with our team coordinating updates.
Private enquiry
Send the activity, owner structure, visa needs, and preferred timing.
Our team will route the request to the right UAE setup pathway and qualified partners where regulated advice is required.
FAQ
Clear answers before you make a request.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?
Free-zone formation is typically 1–2 weeks and mainland 2–3 weeks once documents are complete, depending on the zone, activity and government processing. SM Concierge sequences the paperwork and coordinates qualified local partners; timelines are not guaranteed.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone companies in UAE?
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE and may be eligible for government contracts; some activities still need a local partner. Free-zone companies typically allow 100% foreign ownership and are limited to their zone or international trade. UAE corporate tax now applies above a federal threshold; qualifying free-zone treatment depends on activity and current rules. SM Concierge is not a tax adviser.
Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
Foreigners can own 100% of companies in UAE free zones and, since 2021 reforms, in most mainland activities. The right structure still depends on the licence activity. SM Concierge coordinates the route and introduces qualified advisers where regulated advice is required.
What documents are needed for UAE company formation?
Typical packs include passport copies, proof of address, a bank reference, a business plan, and a no-objection letter where a current sponsor is involved. Requirements vary by zone and activity. SM Concierge prepares the sequence and tracks attestation and submission with local partners.
How do I get a UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is available to investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talent and certain students, subject to current eligibility rules. SM Concierge reviews the request, prepares the application pack, and introduces qualified immigration specialists. Approval is not guaranteed.
Your private team
UAE setup review
Route your formation to the right jurisdiction and qualified partners.
Mainland, free zone, and offshore routing coordinated with qualified local partners.
Prefer to speak directly
+44 788 6077 751
VIP@smconcierge.com