Business Setup Service In UAE

Looking for the top Business Setup Service in UAE? Probiz Corporate is here to provide Business Setup Services to fulfill the accounting needs of your business.

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    Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
    in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman
    & Across the UAE

    Business Setup in Abu Dhabi and Across the UAE

    Unlocking Business Opportunities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman & Across the UAE

    Thinking about starting a business in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE? You’re not alone. Every day, people from all walks of life—whether fresh entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, or international investors—see the UAE as a land of opportunity. With its mix of modern infrastructure, supportive government policies, and a buzzing economy, it’s no wonder so many want to set up shop here. But let’s be honest: getting started can feel overwhelming if you don’t know the ropes. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you break into the UAE business scene, written with a local touch and real-world advice.

    Why Abu Dhabi and the UAE?

    Abu Dhabi isn’t just the capital; it’s quickly becoming the go-to place for new businesses and established companies looking to grow. The government here is always rolling out new initiatives to make life easier for business owners, and the city’s infrastructure is top-notch. Plus, with direct connections to places like Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC, you’re right at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa. That’s a big plus if you’re thinking about expanding your reach.

    But it’s not just Abu Dhabi. The other emirates—Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah—each have their own flavor and strengths. Dubai, for example, is the region’s business capital, while Sharjah and Ajman are great for manufacturing and SMEs. Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah offer solid incentives for logistics and shipping businesses.

    Why Choose Abu Dhabi? Local Advantages

    Abu Dhabi stands out for a few reasons:

    Lower Costs: Office rent and licensing fees are generally lower than in Dubai, but you still get world-class infrastructure
    Government Support: The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is always working to make things easier for business owners, with online services and fast-track options
    Diverse Free Zones: From the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) for finance to Masdar City for clean energy, there’s a free zone for almost every industry.
    Golden Visa Options: Investors and entrepreneurs can get long-term residency, making it easier to plan for the future.
    Quality of Life: Abu Dhabi is known for its safety, family-friendly vibe, and great work-life balance.
    Differences

    Free Zone vs. Mainland Business Accounts

    Both Free Zone and Mainland companies can open bank accounts in the UAE. However, there are some differences:

    Free Zone Companies

    May require extra documentation to prove physical presence and business operations.

    Mainland Companies

    Typically have an easier time during bank compliance and due diligence.

    KYC Requirements

    May be stricter for international shareholders or owners.

    Mainland vs Free Zone
    What’s the Difference?

    When you’re setting up a business in the UAE, you’ll hear a lot about “mainland” and “free zone” options. Here’s what that really means, in plain English:

    Feature Mainland Company Free Zone Company
    Where You Can Trade Anywhere in the UAE and beyond Inside the free zone & internationally
    Ownership Often needs a local sponsor/service agent 100% foreign ownership allowed
    Visa & Licensing Access to more activities, can work with government Limited to free zone activities, but flexible for international trade
    Ideal For Retail, hospitality, construction, services Exporters, freelancers, IT, media, consultancies
    Tax Benefits Standard UAE rules Zero corporate tax, customs duty exemptions, full profit repatriation
    Office Requirement Must have a physical office Many allow virtual/shared offices

    Mainland setups are great if you want to do business across the UAE, open a shop, or work with government projects. Free zones, on the other hand, are perfect if you want full control of your business, focus on exports, or work in sectors like tech, media, or consulting.

    How to Set Up Your Business in Abu Dhabi or the UAE

    Setting up a business here isn’t as complicated as it might seem.
    Here’s how it usually goes, whether you’re in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or another emirate:

    01

    Free Consultation & Assessment

    Start by figuring out what you want to do. What’s your business idea? What’s your budget?


    02

    Choose Your Business Activity & License

    Decide what kind of business you’ll run—trading, consulting, e-commerce, etc.—and get the right license. There are different licenses for commercial, professional, industrial, and even tourism activities
    03

    Reserve Your
    Trade Name

    Pick a unique name for your business and get it approved. This is a must, and you’ll need to check with the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the free zone authority

    04

    Get Initial Approvals & Prepare Documents

    You’ll need to submit your application, passport copies, and other documents. If you’re setting up on the mainland, you might need a Memorandum of Association (MOA) or a Local Service Agent Agreement
    05

    Secure Office Space

    Find a location that fits your needs. In Abu Dhabi, you can even get a license to operate online if you don’t need a physical office, thanks to platforms like TAMM. Free zones often offer flexible options like shared or virtual offices

    06

    Apply for Your Trade License

    Once everything’s in order, pay the fees and get your license. This is your official ticket to do business in the UAE.




    07

    Open a Corporate
    Bank Account

    After you have your license, you can open a business bank account. This is essential for handling payments and expenses


    08

    Get Visas for You and Your Team

    If you need residency visas for yourself or your employees, now’s the time to apply. This is usually straightforward, especially in free zones.
    09

    Ongoing Support

    Remember, business doesn’t stop at setup. You’ll need to renew licenses, stay on top of compliance, and maybe even expand as you grow. Many consultants offer ongoing support for these needs.

    Other Emirates: What Makes Them Special?

    While Abu Dhabi is our primary focus, we also offer account opening services across other Emirates:

    Dubai

    The “city of gold” is famous for its international business scene, luxury lifestyle, and iconic free zones like DMCC and JAFZA.

    Sharjah & Ajman

    These emirates are budget-friendly and great for manufacturing, logistics, and SMEs.

    Fujairah & Ras Al Khaimah

    If you’re into shipping, logistics, or want to set up an offshore company, these are top picks.

    Common Questions Answered

    Usually, it takes 3 to 7 working days, depending on your business activity and how quickly you get your documents together.

    Yes! Thanks to new rules, many sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, especially in free zones.

    Most of the time, yes. But there are flexible options like shared workspaces and even virtual offices, especially in free zones and through online platforms like TAMM

    Generally, yes. You’ll save on licensing and office rent, but still get top-tier government support and infrastructure.

    Expert team member

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    24/7 Customer support

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    Ready to Get Started?

    Ready to Business Setup in the UAE?

    Starting a business in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE is a smart move if you’re looking for growth, stability, and access to global markets. With the right advice and a clear plan, you can cut through the red tape and focus on what matters most—building your dream.

    If you’re ready to take the leap, reach out for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, help you estimate your setup costs, and make sure your business gets off to a flying start.

    Let’s make your business idea a reality—right here in the heart of the UAE!

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