Correct Activity Codes
Licences issued for the wrong activity cause invoicing, banking and renewal problems that are painful to unwind later.
The structure you choose at incorporation decides your market access, your tax position, your visa quota and how easily you can bring in a partner or sell later. Changing it afterwards costs far more than getting it right the first time.
Dubai Legal Expert handles business setup in the UAE as a legal exercise rather than a paperwork service, so the licence, the constitutional documents and the ownership arrangements all support the plan you actually have.
Mainland companies trade directly across the UAE market and can contract with government entities. Free zone companies suit international trade, services and holding structures, with their own licensing and visa systems. Offshore vehicles are used for holding assets rather than trading locally.
We compare the options against your actual activity, customer base and expansion plan, then handle the full incorporation including name reservation, initial approvals, constitutional documents, licensing, establishment card and visa quota.
Contact UsA written comparison of mainland, free zone and offshore options measured against your activities and growth plan.
Choosing the correct activity codes so your licence actually covers what you invoice for.
Constitutional documents drafted properly rather than copied from a standard template.
Name reservation, initial approvals, notarisation, licence issue and establishment card handled end to end.
Corporate bank account introductions, visa quota, Emirates ID processing and the first year compliance calendar.
Licences issued for the wrong activity cause invoicing, banking and renewal problems that are painful to unwind later.
Ownership and holding arrangements designed for the partner, investor or exit you expect in three years.
A memorandum drafted for your business, with real terms on control, transfers and deadlock.
Documents and ownership records prepared in the form UAE banks require, which prevents rejected applications.
Establishment card, quota and residence visa process managed alongside the licence.
UBO records, corporate tax registration and renewal deadlines set up from day one.
Most of the corporate problems we are asked to fix started at incorporation. A licence that does not cover the real activity. A memorandum with no transfer restrictions. Two founders with equal shares and no deadlock mechanism. A free zone entity that cannot legally serve the mainland clients it depends on.
Each of these is inexpensive to prevent and expensive to correct, because correction usually requires the agreement of someone who now has a reason to refuse. Setting up through a law firm means the structure is stress tested before it is registered.
From structure advice to a licensed, banked and visa ready company.
We establish your activities, target customers, ownership, visa needs and expansion plans.
A written recommendation on jurisdiction, legal form, licence type and ownership split with the cost breakdown.
Trade name reservation and initial approval from the relevant authority.
Memorandum, articles, shareholder arrangements and any resolutions are drafted and notarised.
Licence issued, establishment card obtained and visa quota confirmed.
Bank account support, UBO registration, tax registration and the first year compliance calendar.
They talked us out of the free zone we had already chosen because it would not have covered our mainland clients. That conversation saved us a restructure.
The memorandum was drafted properly with transfer restrictions and exit terms. Our investor closed without a single amendment.
Free zone incorporation is often complete within one to two weeks. Mainland timelines depend on the activity, approvals required and premises arrangements.
Yes. Full foreign ownership is available for most mainland activities following amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, with some strategic activities still restricted.
Mainland companies can trade directly across the UAE market. Free zone companies operate within their zone and internationally, and usually need a distributor or branch for onshore trade.
Requirements vary. Many free zones allow flexi desk arrangements, while mainland licences generally require a tenancy registered with the authority.
Visa quota depends on licence type, activity and the size of the registered premises. We confirm the quota before you commit to a structure.
Yes. We prepare the ownership and compliance documentation banks require and support the application, although the bank makes the final decision.
Tell us what your business will do and who it will sell to, and we will recommend the right structure. The first consultation is free.
Office No. 9C, 9th Floor, Dubai Creek Tower, Next to Land Department, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Dubai Legal Experts provides trusted legal advocacy across the UAE with experienced lawyers and clear legal guidance.