Business Setup and Company Formation in the UAE

Setting up a company in the UAE is the easy part — setting it up in a way that is tax-efficient and compliant from day one is where most new businesses need help. Safeway advises on business setup and company formation with the tax position built in, so you start on the right structure rather than restructuring later. We help you choose between mainland and free zone, select the right activities, and get registered for tax from the outset.

Mainland vs free zone

The right choice depends on who your customers are, what you do, and your plans for growth. Free zones can offer the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person rate on qualifying income, while mainland gives direct access to the UAE market. We weigh the licensing, ownership, cost and tax implications together rather than in isolation.

What we help with

• Choosing mainland or the right free zone for your activity
• Selecting business activities and the correct licence type
• Guidance on ownership, visas and office requirements
• Corporate Tax and VAT registration as part of setup
• Setting up bookkeeping and a compliant chart of accounts from day one
• UBO and other post-incorporation filings

Start compliant

New businesses that set up without tax advice often discover avoidable problems at their first filing. We make sure your structure, registrations and records are right from the start, so your first Corporate Tax and VAT returns are straightforward.

Frequently asked questions

Should I set up on the mainland or in a free zone?

It depends on your customers, activity and growth plans. Free zones can offer the 0% rate on qualifying income; mainland gives direct access to the UAE market. We assess both for your case.

Can you register my new company for tax?

Yes. As an FTA-approved tax agent we handle Corporate Tax and VAT registration as part of setup, so you start compliant.

Do new companies need to register for Corporate Tax immediately?

Companies incorporated on or after 1 March 2024 generally must register within three months of incorporation, so it is best handled at setup.

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