How long does it take to set up a company in the UAE?
A UAE free zone company can be incorporated within 5 to 10 working days. A mainland company takes 2 to 4 weeks. An offshore company takes 5 to 7 working days.
James Thornton
Do you still need a local sponsor in the UAE?
No. Since the 2021 reform, most UAE mainland businesses no longer require a local sponsor or a 51% UAE national partner. The Local Service Agent requirement has also been removed in most activities.
100 % foreign ownership in the UAE: how the 2021 reform changed everything
The UAE’s Commercial Companies Law reform of 2021, extended by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025, allows foreign founders to hold 100% of most mainland businesses without a local sponsor.
UAE trade license types explained: commercial, professional, industrial, tourism
The UAE issues four core mainland trade licence categories — commercial, professional, industrial, and tourism — plus parallel free zone tracks for e-commerce, freelance, and holding. The right type depends on what your business actually does.
UAE business license costs: full breakdown by activity and jurisdiction
UAE business licence costs in 2026 range from AED 4,888 for the cheapest free zone to AED 900,000+ for a regulated DIFC financial firm. Most foreign founders spend AED 18,500 to AED 50,000 in year one.
Gaming-as-a-Service: Mietmodelle befeuern Gulf-Esport
Hardware-Mietmodelle verändern die Gaming-Industrie in den VAE und Saudi-Arabien grundlegend. Wie Unternehmen und Privatpersonen davon profitieren – und warum 2026 ein Schlüsseljahr wird.
Kfz Gutachter Köln: Expert Car Assessors Guide
Need a certified vehicle assessor in Cologne? This guide explains when you need a Kfz Gutachter in Köln, what the process costs, and how to find a qualified engineering office fast.