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Get Your Guide on
Get Your Guide on
Doing Business in the UAE
Get Your Guide on
Doing Business in the UAE
Get Your Guide on Doing Business in the UAE
-
4.4%
GDP 2025 5.4% in 2026 (projected) as per CBUAE report
-
100%
ownership in most sectors across the mainland and freezones
-
#3
in international trade and #22 in international investment
-
50+
freezones and mainland to establish your company
Nexdigm - Your Partner for UAE Entry
Pre-investment
Advisory
Company Setups &
Bank Accounts
Talent, VISA/Payroll
and PRO Services
License Renewals,
& Secretarial Compliance
Finance
& Accounting
Tax, and Regulatory
Advisory & Compliance
Transaction
Advisory
Project
Management
Questions on your mind (FAQs)
The UAE is focused on economic diversification, moving beyond traditional oil reliance, and establishing itself as a pivotal global business hub.
- Key Initiatives: The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities, encompassing 100 transformational projects. The "We the UAE 2031" vision focuses on social, economic, investment and development aspects and enhance the position of the UAE as a global partner and an attractive and influential economic hub (targets doubling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows to AED 240 billion annually and tripling FDI stock by 2031).
- Economic Strength: The GDP was estimated at USD 527.8 billion in 2024, with projections for 2025 suggesting an increase to USD 550.2 billion. FDI inflows reached USD 30.688 billion in 2023, positioning the UAE as the second-largest global recipient.
- Competitive Advantages: These include a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, world-class infrastructure, a business-friendly ecosystem, and a lack of exchange control restrictions, enabling seamless cross-border trade and capital repatriation.
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in the UAE following a landmark reform effective June 1, 2021. This removed the requirement for a local sponsor in most sectors, allowing foreign investors to fully own mainland companies. Free Zones have always offered 100% ownership. While the reform covers most activities, certain strategic sectors may still require a local partner or be subject to specific conditions.
The registration process in the UAE follows a structured sequence, with timelines depending on the emirate, business activity, and whether the setup is Mainland or Free Zone.
Steps:
- Determine business activity
- Choose legal structure
- Register trade name
- Obtain initial approvals
- Prepare documentation
- Lease premises/land (if required)
- Submit license application
- Apply for external approvals (if applicable)
Timelines:
- Mainland: Typically 1–2 weeks after document submission
- Free Zone: Often faster, typically completed within a few days
Note: Delays may occur due to incomplete/inaccurate documents or pending external approvals.
The three primary jurisdictions for setting up a corporate entity in the UAE are Mainland, Free Zones and offshore.
| Feature | Mainland | Free Trade Zones (FZs) | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Regulated by the respective emirate's Department of Economic Development (DED). | Governed by their own regulatory authority and specific rules of the Free Zone. | An offshore company in the UAE is a legal entity established in a designated offshore jurisdiction—such as RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore—for conducting business outside the UAE. Unlike mainland and free zone companies, they do not have office inside UAE and do not offer UAE residence visas. |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most mainland sectors (over 1,000), eliminating the 51% local ownership requirement (except some strategically sensitive sectors) | 100% foreign ownership is a standard feature and major incentive. | 100% foreign ownership is a standard feature |
| Office Requirement | Physical office space in the UAE mainland is mandatory | Physical office space is usually required, but the type can vary: Flexi-desk / Smart desk: A shared, minimal-space workstation (very common and accepted for many free zones); Shared office / Co-working space; Dedicated private office; and Warehouse / industrial units (for industrial or logistics activities) | Cannot lease office space |
| Operations Scope | Entities can operate across the entire country without jurisdictional restrictions. | Operations are generally restricted to within the free zone or internationally. But cannot directly trade in the UAE mainland without appointing a local distributor or establishing a mainland branch | The offshore entities cannot operate within the UAE market |
| Corporate Tax (CT) | Standard CT rates apply (9% on income exceeding AED 375,000). | Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) benefit from a 0% CT rate on Qualifying Income. | Generally 0% (but cannot earn UAE-sourced income) |
| Benefits | Allows direct trade with the UAE market and participation in government contracts | Often offers tax incentives, simplified customs procedures, and sector-focused ecosystems | They are primarily used for international business, asset holding, and investment structuring, offering tax efficiency, confidentiality, and simplified compliance. |
Insights
Testimonials
Their quality of service is of the highest standard. The team has been an excellent support in proactively managing compliance well within the deadlines. The firm has an attitude of a partner rather than of a service provider and has demonstrated this by performing services beyond the scope of commissioned work based on requirements that emerge from time to time. This reduced our administrative burden and enabled us to focus on our core business. We look forward to a lasting relationship with Nexdigm.
Khenneth Ebrahim
CFO
Tilad Investment Company Ltd
CFO
Tilad Investment Company Ltd
We partnered with Nexdigm to help us transition into for what is known as the biggest change in which the business is conducted in the region. The expertise of Nexdigm team in the area of taxation is exceptional, with an in-depth knowledge of VAT impact on the business as a whole and their recent experience of driving another complex tax change in India, they helped us steer through the intricacies of VAT implementation. We are happy with Nexdigm’s flexible and partnering approach towards work. They have demonstrated their belief in building long-term relationships and I look forward to work with Nexdigm.
Satish Cheemalakonda
Finance Business Partner, Middle East & South Asia
Rolls-Royce Marine
Finance Business Partner, Middle East & South Asia
Rolls-Royce Marine
The Nexdigm team provided considerable support to us in preparing the monthly accounts and management report. They advised and supported us efficiently in matters related to the UAE VAT compliances. The team went beyond agreed scope of work and was invariably prompt to respond effectively to any challenge, which resulted in building up a good working relationship between us. As a result, we look forward to engaging with Nexdigm for our future projects.
Marc Tohme
Founding Partner - Emerging Markets Capital Partners
UAE
Founding Partner - Emerging Markets Capital Partners
UAE
We partnered with Nexdigm right from our inception in the Middle East. Their team has played a pivotal role in establishing entities across our business lines. Over the years, they have continued to support us as an integral extension of our team, managing ongoing entity-related matters including accounting, finance and tax controlling, secretarial support, and regulatory compliance in line with local laws. Their consistent support has greatly helped our global headquarters function effectively. Their proactive approach and deep subject matter expertise have consistently added measurable value to our operations. We strongly recommend Nexdigm and will definitely consider them in our global expansion further. We look forward to continuing and enhancing our fruitful partnership with Nexdigm.
Swee Chien
Global Finance and Operation Director
Pure Salmon
Global Finance and Operation Director
Pure Salmon
Setting up Asaya Holding in ADGM was a strategic move for D'Decor, and Nexdigm proved invaluable in navigating the India–UAE corridor. The team closely interacted with ADGM team and was quick in responding to their queries and providing end-to-end clarity and implementation. Nexdigm also continues to support us with recurring secretarial, taxation and VAT compliance, enabling us to maintain full regulatory alignment. Their comprehensive approach allowed us to establish and operate the entity efficiently and with confidence.
Dipan Bhuptani
Group CFO
D'Décor
Group CFO
D'Décor
Closing our DMCC business with Nexdigm's expertise was a smooth and efficient experience. Their team's operational excellence shone through, as they completed the entire liquidation process within a remarkable timeframe of six months. Throughout the process, Nexdigm meticulously ensured we complied with all the regulatory requirements of the DMCC and the applicable Indian regulations. Furthermore, their clear and consistent communication kept us informed at every stage of the project. This transparency allowed us to stay on track with our internal deadlines while Nexdigm took complete ownership of the liquidation process. Thanks to Nexdigm's professionalism and efficiency, we were able to close this chapter confidently. We look forward to collaborating with Nexdigm again on future endeavors.
Abhishek Bhandari
Group CFO
Kairish Group of Companies
Group CFO
Kairish Group of Companies
It is indeed a great experience working with the Nexdigm UAE Team. The team has provided exceptional support in the areas of tax and regulatory services and we truly appreciate their proactiveness and professionalism in rendering their services.
Amit Ajmera
Associate Vice President
Waree
Associate Vice President
Waree
As part of our provider screening process, we evaluate 7 to 10 firms. Nexdigm stood out as our top choice and delivered exceptional internal audit services. Nexdigm supported us in auditing IT compliance, AML area, guided us through cyber risk management controls and helped identify and address gaps in the FSA compliance. Their collaborative engagement with our compliance officer and IT team enabled effective testing of internal controls and led to a well-informed recommendation tailored to our needs. Their professional approach, deep understanding of compliance requirement and solution-oriented mindset gave us strong confidence on their capabilities. They demonstrated flexibility and a commitment to understand our business which made them a trusted partner. We'll be happy to recommend.
Rajan Rosick
Head of Administration
Integra Asset Management
Head of Administration
Integra Asset Management
The Nexdigm team has performed beyond our expectations and the potential efficiencies on the MyAirops implementation have now been realized and more. The implementation would not have been successful if it were not for the team’s design documentation and detailed testing. The design was thoughtful, well-documented, and thoroughly communicated to the developers. The team's testing feedback was critical and eliminating bugs and building financial controls to the new software. Our partnership has improved cycle processing times, reduced costs, and enhanced financial controls.
Daniel Balestriere
Financial Controller
Gama Aviation
Financial Controller
Gama Aviation
About Nexdigm
Nexdigm is a global, independent professional services organization that helps businesses set up, operate, and expand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); one of the world’s most dynamic, investor-friendly markets. With our multi-functional expertise and digitally driven Business and Professional services, we deliver customized solutions across UAE company formation, free zone and mainland business setup, corporate tax advisory, finance and accounting, payroll management, and regulatory compliance.
Our hands-on approach, combined with strategic insight, allows Nexdigm to help businesses navigate the complexities of doing business in the UAE market and achieve sustainable growth. We serve multinationals, regional entities, and family businesses across more than 50 countries with direct operations in the USA, Poland, the UAE, and India.
At Nexdigm, our clients’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working side by side with them, going beyond traditional advice to help turn ideas into results. By collaborating closely at every step, we drive innovation, boost efficiency, and support lasting growth within the UAE’s dynamic business landscape.
UAE Offices: DIFC | Dubai Mainland | Abu Dhabi
