People often wonder which setup fits their business model best. Each option has its own benefits:

- Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, ideal for international trade or service businesses.

- Mainland: Allows trading across the UAE and doing business with the government, but requires a local service agent (for certain activities).

- Offshore: Best for international holdings and asset protection; not permitted to trade within the UAE.

Minimum capital requirements vary depending on the business type and jurisdiction. Many Free Zones now don’t require paid-up capital, or have symbolic requirements (e.g., AED 1,000). However, for Mainland setups, you might need to declare a higher capital (e.g., AED 300,000) without needing to deposit it unless specified by your activity.

Yes, but the requirement depends on the license type and authority:

- Free Zones often offer “flexi-desk” or virtual office options.

- Mainland businesses usually need a physical office address with a tenancy contract (Ejari).

It's important to confirm with the specific licensing authority.

Yes. Once your company is set up and you have a valid trade license and establishment card, you can apply for employee visas. The number of visas allowed depends on the business activity and the size of your office space.

In most cases, company formation takes 5–10 working days, but this can vary:

- Free Zone setups are generally faster and more streamlined.

- Mainland companies may take longer due to external approvals (e.g., for certain regulated activities).