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Mainland
For businesses that need broad activity choices, direct local market access and a physical UAE setup.
- Broad activity (100% foreign ownership)
- Local and international trade
- Flexible visa options
UAE business setup · since 2004
A single expert team for company formation, visas, banking and ongoing compliance — tailored around your plan.
One expert team. Every step covered.
Established in Dubai in 2004
Flyingcolour® offers everything you need for a successful business setup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, along with accounting, VAT and advisory services, Real Estate Brokerage and Succession Planning.
We support companies across Mainland, Free Zones and Offshore jurisdictions, then stay alongside them with PRO services, banking assistance, accounting, tax, audit, real estate, citizenship planning and business continuity solutions.
Explore our complete service ecosystem ↗Choose your setup route
Start with how you plan to register your company in the UAE. Our consultants will advise on the structure, activity, visa and ongoing requirements.
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For businesses that need broad activity choices, direct local market access and a physical UAE setup.
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For founders who need full ownership, flexible licensing and a cost-efficient start.
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For international trading, asset holding and efficient cross-border corporate structures.
Not sure which route fits? Tell us what you want to build →
From business setup in the UAE to residency visas and bank account opening, ongoing compliance, and long-term succession and business planning, specialists across our team work together for you.
Activity selection, jurisdiction advice, licensing and complete incorporation support.
Company formation ↗ 02UAE residency, Emirates ID, licence renewals, amendments and government liaison.
PRO services ↗ 03UAE and global bank account opening, preferred currencies, banking and documentation guidance.
Banking support ↗ 04Accounting, local taxation (VAT and Corporate Tax), MIS reporting from qualified FTA Tax Agents and accounting specialists.
Tax services ↗ ✓05Ministry of Economy-approved audit support and practical ongoing compliance, including AML, data protection, FATCA and CRS.
Compliance support ↗ ∞06Plan business continuity and personal succession with wills, foundations, trusts and relevant structures.
Plan your succession ↗ 07Eligibility guidance and end-to-end support for investors, entrepreneurs, professionals and exceptional talent.
Explore Golden Visa ↗Tell us what you want to achieve and our specialists will guide your next step.
Start free consultation ↗A clear way forward
Our consultant will advise you on the steps and guide you towards a smooth ongoing operation.
Plan my business setup ↗Define the activity, shareholders, visas, timeline and budget.
Compare Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore against your goals.
Prepare documents, reserve the name and secure approvals.
Coordinate immigration, medical and identity processes.
Open operational pathways and stay compliant after launch.
Decision support
A basic comparison. Your business setup activity, shareholding structure and external approvals can change which structure is right for you.
| Consideration | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Local UAE physical setup | Easy starting and virtual setup | International trade and asset holding |
| Foreign ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% allowed | 100% allowed |
| Office requirement | Physical premises generally required | Virtual and physical options allowed | Address of registered agent |
| Residence visas | Available and scalable | Available and scalable | Not available |
Your next direction, made clearer
Fill in your details. We will open a structured enquiry so you can continue directly with our consultant.
Company formation in Dubai, UAE
Licence type follows the business activity and jurisdiction. Flyingcolour® confirms the correct activity before application.
For trading, contracting and other commercial activities across approved markets.
For manufacturing, assembly, production and transforming raw materials into finished goods.
For service providers, professionals, artists, craftspeople and specialist consultancies.
Why Flyingcolour®?
Our business setup consultants in Dubai have helped incorporate businesses across Dubai and the wider UAE. We help you select the right structure, organise the requirements and move from planning to launch through one clear process.
Start your business setup ↗Trusted in the moments that matter
“They made the entire process of obtaining a freelance visa and setting up a company seamless and stress-free.”
“Professional, responsive and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommend them for audit and accounting services.”
“Their expertise in UAE regulations and prompt communication made all the difference.”
“Their professionalism, market expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction are truly impressive.”
“Most importantly they helped me without any hesitation.”
Review 1 of 5
Awards & certificates
Our recognitions, certificates and partner awards reflect the trust built across the UAE business setup ecosystem—authorities, clients and communities.

Connected across the UAE
We do not own these logos or trademarks. Flyingcolour® assists clients with documentation and processing involving these organisations.
Dubai Economy
Identity & Citizenship
RTA
SHAMS
DMCC
Dubai Courts
SAIF Zone
Dubai Airport Freezone
Emirates NBD
Mashreq
Dubai Islamic BankFlyingcolour® Group
An integrated ecosystem spanning tax, audit, compliance, corporate structuring, global mobility and real estate across the UAE and Singapore.
Expert tax consulting, VAT planning, Excise Tax compliance, bookkeeping, and accounting.
Providing Ministry of Economy-approved audit services, including internal audit, external audit, forensic audit, and related audit compliance support.
Premium boutique real estate consultancy offering high-end sales, leasing, and off-plan assets.
Providing end-to-end succession planning, asset protection, corporate structuring, and setup advisory within a global financial free zone.
Providing end-to-end business setup services in Singapore, along with required compliance support, including nominee director and registered office address services.
Providing compliance support within the UAE, along with ongoing assistance for required regulatory and corporate compliance requirements.
Elite residency-by-investment, second citizenship, passports, and global mobility solutions.
Latest insights
Clear starting answers. Your consultant will confirm what applies to your activity and structure.
The cost depends on the business activity, jurisdiction, number of visas, office requirements, and any additional approvals required. Flyingcolour® provides a tailored estimate after a short consultation.
The timeline for company formation depends on the business activities, jurisdiction selected, shareholding structure, and whether any external regulatory approvals are required. A typical company setup can take four working days or more, depending on the specific requirements.
Typical starting documents include passport copies, residence or visit visas where applicable, proposed company names, shareholding details, and a description of the intended business activity.
Yes. Most business setups in the UAE can be initiated even if you live outside the UAE. However, certain processes, such as immigration, visa applications, or bank onboarding, may require physical presence in the UAE on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Compatible business activities can often be grouped under a single licence, subject to the requirements of the relevant licensing authority. Our experts can guide you on the activities that can be combined under one licence.
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is available for most mainland business activities. Certain regulated or strategic activities may have additional conditions or ownership requirements.
Yes. Mainland companies generally require physical premises and a registered tenancy contract as part of the company setup process.
Yes. A mainland licence generally allows a company to trade or provide services directly across the UAE, subject to obtaining any external regulatory approvals required for the specific business activity.
Mainland companies are licensed by the relevant Emirate's economic authority and are generally permitted to conduct business directly in the local UAE market. Free zone companies operate under the jurisdiction and regulations of the specific free zone in which they are established.
Yes. Mainland companies are eligible to apply for residence visas for their shareholders, employees, and other eligible individuals. The number of visas allocated generally depends on factors such as the size of the office or physical premises and is subject to approval by the relevant immigration and labour authorities.
Free Zones commonly offer 100% ownership, packaged licensing, flexible workspace options and processes tailored to particular industries.
It can trade through approved routes such as a distributor, branch or relevant Mainland permit. The correct route depends on the activity and Free Zone.
Many packages include visa eligibility, but the allocation depends on the licence, facility and selected Free Zone.
Compare permitted activities, location, facilities, visa allocation, setup and renewal costs, banking profile and any requirements for Mainland trade.
Many Free Zones allow compatible activities on one licence. The exact combinations and fees are set by the individual Free Zone authority.
Offshore structures are commonly used for international trading, holding assets and shares, and cross-border corporate structuring rather than UAE operations.
No. A UAE Offshore company does not normally provide residence visa eligibility or permit direct operational activity in the UAE.
Banking may be possible subject to the bank's compliance review, business profile, ownership, source of funds and supporting documents.
No. An Offshore company is generally a non-operational corporate structure, while a Free Zone company holds a licence to conduct approved business activities.
Yes. Renewals, registered-agent records, beneficial-ownership information and accounting or tax obligations may apply depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
There are several eligibility routes for a UAE Golden Visa, including but not limited to:
Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the category and are subject to approval by the relevant UAE authorities.
UAE Golden Visas are long-term, renewable residency permits and are generally issued for 10 years, subject to meeting the applicable eligibility and renewal requirements.
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor qualifying family members, usually including their spouse, children, and parents, subject to the applicable requirements and approval from the relevant immigration authority.
Family members sponsored under a Golden Visa can generally receive residency for the same duration, subject to immigration approval.
Golden Visa holders may also be eligible to sponsor domestic workers, such as drivers and household staff, subject to the applicable rules and requirements.
No. A qualifying Golden Visa is issued without the requirement for a local sponsor. The Golden Visa holder effectively sponsors their own UAE residency.
Yes, subject to the bank's onboarding and compliance review. Approval depends on the company structure, activity, owners, expected transactions and supporting evidence.
Banks commonly request incorporation and licence documents, shareholder and authorised-signatory identification, proof of address, ownership details, a business plan and evidence of source of funds.
There is no fixed timeline. It varies by bank, business profile, document completeness and whether the bank needs additional compliance information.
Some banks consider companies with non-resident shareholders, but may request stronger evidence of UAE business activity, commercial substance and the source and purpose of funds.
Ready when you are