Business Setup Advisory in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE

Get Your UAE Business Setup Right From The Start

Expert-led business setup advice for international businesses entering the UAE and companies expanding here, from choosing mainland, free zone or offshore to the right entity, ownership and tax position.

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6x Middle East award winner Big Four-trained tax advisors Featured in Bloomberg, Forbes and the FT

40+

Experienced & qualified professionals

Offices across the UAE, KSA, Hong Kong & Australia

20+

Languages spoken by our team

50+

Years of experience in the MENA region

Middle East award winner

Trusted by leading businesses, institutions and law firms

The Right Business Setup Starts With The Right Structure

Every decision, from where you base the company to how it is owned, shapes who you can trade with, how you control the business, and your tax position. Mainland, free zone and offshore structures each suit different business models, and the wrong choice can limit growth or add cost later.

Through a detailed structuring and risk review, we recommend a structure aligned with your commercial objectives, ownership plans, tax position and compliance obligations, whether you are entering the UAE for the first time or growing an existing presence.

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Simplified overview only. The right structure depends on your activities, customers, ownership and growth plans.

What Our Business Setup Advisory Covers

We guide you through every key business setup decision in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, so your business is structured correctly from day one.

Mainland, Free Zone Or Offshore

We advise on where to base your business, based on your customers, activities and growth plans.

Business Activity

We advise on the business activity that fits how you will operate, as it shapes your ownership options and obligations.

Entity Type & Ownership

LLC, branch, representative office, holding company or SPV: we recommend the right entity and ownership structure.

Free Zone Selection

With more than fifty free zones, we compare the options and recommend the best fit for your sector, budget and location.

Tax Position

Our Big Four-trained tax advisors review your Corporate Tax position before you commit to a structure.

Governance & Ongoing Support

Accounting, bookkeeping and corporate governance support as your business grows.

Who We Advise

Our advice is built for businesses getting their UAE presence right from the start, and for those growing an existing one.

International Businesses

Companies from abroad entering the UAE and choosing the right base for regional growth.

UAE-Based Businesses

Companies already operating in the UAE that are expanding, adding entities or reviewing their current structure.

Multinational Corporations

Groups building a regional presence that need local structuring and tax expertise alongside their in-house teams.

Law Firms & Advisers

Law firms, private equity firms, auditors and financial advisers looking for a trusted structuring partner for their clients.

Which UAE Structure Fits Your Business?

Select what you want to achieve to see the structure businesses in your position typically consider.

Typically considered

Mainland Company

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Mainland, Free Zone Or Offshore?

Each option suits a different business model. Select one to see who it typically suits and what to consider.

Mainland

A mainland company can trade directly with customers anywhere in the UAE, without being limited to a specific zone. Full foreign ownership is possible for many business activities, with limitations remaining for certain activities.

Worth knowing: Choosing the right business activity early is critical, as it shapes your ownership options, obligations and day-to-day operations.

Discuss Mainland Options With An Adviser

Typically suited to

Businesses selling directly to customers across the UAE
Retail, hospitality and consumer services
Professional and consultancy firms serving UAE clients
Groups that want full flexibility on location

Key considerations

Ownership options depend on your business activity
Choice of business activity shapes ongoing obligations
Corporate Tax position depends on activities and circumstances
Ongoing accounting and compliance obligations

Compare Mainland, Free Zone And Offshore

A side-by-side view to help you narrow down the options before we talk.

Feature	Mainland	Free Zone	Offshore
Primary focus	The UAE market	Sector hubs and international trade	International business and asset holding
Trading in the UAE	Directly across the UAE	Some restrictions on direct UAE trade	No direct trading with customers in the UAE
Foreign ownership	Full ownership possible for many activities	100% foreign ownership	100% foreign ownership
Physical presence	Within the UAE	Within the free zone	No physical office in the UAE
Typically suited to	Businesses serving UAE customers	Trading, technology, logistics and services firms	Holding and international structures
Key decision factor	Your business activity	Choice of free zone	Choice of offshore option

General guidance only. Rules change over time, and the right structure depends on your activities and circumstances. We confirm the position for you during your consultation.

Company Structures We Advise On

Alongside the choice of mainland, free zone or offshore, we advise on the type of entity that best fits how you will operate.

Limited Liability Company

A popular choice for operating businesses, offering limited liability protection for its owners.

Branch Of A Foreign Company

An extension of an existing overseas company, operating in the UAE under the parent company’s name.

Representative Office

A UAE presence for an overseas company to promote its business and support its activities in the region.

Professional Services Firm

Suited to consultants and professional practices, such as advisory, design or technical services.

Holding Company

Ideal for managing investments and subsidiaries across multiple jurisdictions from one central structure.

Special Purpose Vehicle

Tailored for specific activities, projects or assets, offering a flexible, dedicated structure.

Foundations & Trusts

For wealth and estate planning, asset protection and long-term family objectives.

Not Sure Which Fits?

We compare the options against your plans and explain the trade-offs.

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How Our Business Setup Advisory Works

A consultative process that puts your commercial objectives first and explains the trade-offs at every stage.

Initial Consultation
We learn about your business, your customers, your growth plans and the markets you want to reach.
Business Review & Strategy
Our structuring, tax and compliance specialists review your business activity, ownership and tax position.
Structure Recommendation
We set out whether mainland, free zone or offshore fits best, and the right entity type, with the trade-offs explained.
Tax & Governance Planning
We help you plan how the structure is owned, governed and positioned for Corporate Tax.
Ongoing Advisory
We review your structure as your business grows, enters new markets, and as rules change.

Structuring, Tax And Compliance Advice In One Place

Your UAE structure is only the starting point. Our specialists consider the wider picture so it works in practice.

Tax Advisory

Corporate Tax, international tax and transfer pricing considerations for your structure and wider group.

Corporate Structuring

Group design, ownership arrangements and governance frameworks aligned with your long-term goals.

M&A Support

Due diligence and deal structuring for acquisitions, investments and reorganisations.

Ongoing Business Support

Accounting, bookkeeping and corporate governance support as your business grows.

Why Clients Choose Creation Business Consultants

Structuring And Tax Together

Big Four-trained tax advisors work alongside our structuring specialists, so structure and tax position are considered as one.

Advice Tailored To You

No one-size-fits-all structures. Every recommendation starts with your business model, customers and growth plans.

Cross-Border Perspective

Offices in Dubai, the DIFC, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Hong Kong and Melbourne, and a team speaking more than 20 languages.

Proactive Guidance

We flag changes in rules and regulations that may affect your business, so you can plan ahead.

Alongside Your Advisers

We work closely with private equity and law firms, auditors and financial advisers who seek our counsel on structuring matters.

Integrity At The Core

Clear, honest advice on what each structure can and cannot do for you, including when it isn’t the right fit.

What Our Clients Say

Andrew DixonGeneral Counsel, CBrain Mena Computer Systems Design LLC

Middle East award winner

Our team’s insights have featured in

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you advise on business setup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Our business setup advisory covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. We guide you through the key decisions: where to base the business, which structure and entity type fit, how ownership is arranged and how it is positioned for Corporate Tax.

How do I choose between mainland, free zone and offshore?

It depends on who your customers are, the business activities you will carry out, your ownership plans, where you want to be located and your tax position. In your first consultation we talk through these points and outline which options fit, and why.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in the UAE?

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of their companies in many sectors. Some activities still carry ownership limitations, which we review against your plans.

Do I need a local partner?

Not for many business activities. Ownership options depend on your activity and the structure you choose, which we assess with you.

Can shareholders and directors be based outside the UAE?

Yes. Shareholders and directors of UAE companies can be based outside the UAE.

Which free zone is right for my business?

With more than fifty free zones, many focused on specific sectors, the right choice depends on your location, activities, budget, staffing and import/export needs. We compare the options with you.

Can an offshore company trade in the UAE?

No. Offshore entities cannot trade directly with customers in the UAE or maintain a physical office there. They are typically used for international business and holding assets, including shares in UAE companies.

How does UAE Corporate Tax affect my structure?

The Corporate Tax position depends on the structure, its activities, the income it earns and whether specific conditions are met. Our tax advisors assess this as part of the structuring advice, so you understand the position before you commit.

Do you work with our existing lawyers, auditors or financial advisers?

Yes. We work closely with law firms, auditors and financial advisers for shared clients. We coordinate with your advisers so everyone is working from the same plan.

What happens in the first consultation?

We discuss your business, your plans for the UAE and your objectives, give you an initial view on which structures could fit and agree clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

Book A Business Setup Consultation

Tell us a little about your plans for the UAE and a member of our advisory team will contact you to arrange a time.

A focused conversation about your business and your plans for the UAE
An initial view on which UAE structure could fit
Clear next steps, with no obligation

Prefer to talk now? Call Dubai on +971 4 878 6240

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