M&A, corporate strategy and major deals in the region
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.
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 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.
UAE mainland licences let you trade directly with UAE customers at 9% corporate tax. UAE free zones offer 0% on qualifying income plus 100% foreign ownership, conditional on meeting strict 2026 QFZP rules.
Setting up a business in the UAE means choosing one of three jurisdictions — mainland, free zone, or offshore — securing a trade licence, and registering for corporate tax. Most foreign founders complete the process within two to four weeks.
