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5+ Continents
Global Coverage
100+ Licenses
Across Jurisdictions
Expert Team
Legal & Compliance
Fast & Reliable
Transparent Process
Need a Custom Solution?Tell us about your project and we'll design a tailored licensing strategy
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Need a Custom Solution?Tell us about your project and we'll design a tailored licensing strategy
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Need a Custom Solution?Tell us about your project and we'll design a tailored licensing strategy
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Need a Custom Solution?Tell us about your project and we'll design a tailored licensing strategy
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Switch Theme
5+ Continents
Global Coverage
100+ Licenses
Across Jurisdictions
Expert Team
Legal & Compliance
Fast & Reliable
Transparent Process
Contact Us
Switch Theme
5+ Continents
Global Coverage
100+ Licenses
Across Jurisdictions
Expert Team
Legal & Compliance
Fast & Reliable
Transparent Process
Contact Us
Switch Theme
5+ Continents
Global Coverage
100+ Licenses
Across Jurisdictions
Expert Team
Legal & Compliance
Fast & Reliable
Transparent Process
Contact Us
Switch Theme
5+ Continents
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Expert Team
Legal & Compliance
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Company Formation and Business Setup in UAE
Book a free consultation
Talk to expertsThe United Arab Emirates has rapidly evolved into a global powerhouse for business, offering a highly attractive launchpad for fintech and crypto enterprises. For entrepreneurs exploring options, crypto company formation in Dubai provides a robust ecosystem through specialized financial free zones, such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that offer streamlined incorporation processes and allow for 100% foreign ownership.
For digital asset and Web3 companies, the introduction of bespoke regulatory frameworks, most notably Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), offers unprecedented legal clarity, operational legitimacy, and a safe environment for innovation. Beyond regulatory certainty, the UAE’s highly favorable tax regime, featuring zero personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates, enables these capital-intensive businesses to maximize profit retention and reinvest in growth.
Coupled with its strategic position as a gateway to the lucrative MENA region, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to a deep pool of global talent and venture capital, there has never been a better time to setup your crypto company in the UAE with its’ license varieties within several financial centers. Establishing a presence here empowers fintech and crypto enterprises to scale securely and lead the future of global finance.
GCC Membership
A steady, growing economy
Flourishing business environment
More than a thousand clients trusted us to form a company
Service packages and cost of a Company Formation in UAE
Choose a package that you would like to receive more information on.
MOST POPULAR
| Compare plans | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial consultation | Included | Included | Included |
| Turnkey Company Formation | Not included | Included | Included |
| Company contact person | Not included | Included | Included |
| Registered legal company address for 1 year | Not included | Included | Included |
| Remote incorporation | Not included | Included | Included |
| Notary Services | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Company Secretary | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Local personnel | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Accounting for 1 year | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Long-term POA | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Apostilled set of documents | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Additional legal support | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Corporate Account | Not included | Not included | Included |
Company Registration
Consulting Team
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974
Sabir Alijev
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Sabir Alijev leads jurisdictional research, regulatory engagement, and strategic advisory across crypto licensing, FinTech, and international corporate structuring, with particular focus on LATAM, Caribbean, and Asian markets.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974
And what will you say once we make your project work?
STORIES OF OUR CLIENTS AND HOW THEY WENT BEYOND WITH OUR ASSISTANCE
Best for Crypto Licenses. Best company for Crypto Licenses! Kudos to the team for making the incorporation of our company really smooth
Highly recommended! The team of LegalBison was very helpful and fast in supporting my company’s structural set up. They are undoubtedly top-level experts when it comes to licensing and registrations in the crypto and web3 industry. Highly recommend!
Very proactive. Very proactive, responsive, and able to provide solutions and advice. The firm is familiar with the new industry of blockchain and cryptocurrency
Business Set-Up in the UAE - Free Consultation
Company formation services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all of the United Arab Emirates. Request now. The first consultation is free.
Price
from 3.000 €
Duration
1-3 weeks
INCORPORATION IN THE UAE
Getting started with company registration in the United Arab Emirates
Find out all the necessary information about company registration in the Emirates. Discover why UAE is a popular jurisdiction and how it may help your business to reach another level. Additional information is on demand, directly from our team of experienced consultants.
Duration
How long does it take to form a company in the UAE?
It would be not fair to set your expectations high and assume that the incorporation will be finished within a day. In some jurisdictions, it is extraordinarily fast (for example in Estonia) and in others - slower. It all boils down to one thing: ‘When are the necessary (basic) documents ready?’ The process is counted from the moment on we have all the needed documents. Please consult with our consultants to understand what documents you need to kick-start the process.
- 5-15 days for a mainland company;
- This includes obtaining the necessary license and other approvals if the chosen business activity requires them.
Timeline
Procedure to prepare the registration of a company in the UAE
The registration process of a company in Company Formation in UAE with LegalBison is very simple. Contact us for more details on a first primary consultation.
Remote incorporation
Can I form a company in the UAE remotely?
For the foreign partner, remote incorporation is possible but with the necessary Power of Attorney certified by the Secretary of State.
VAT
Without VAT number in the UAE
Non-VAT registered companies can’t charge VAT in their goods and/or services and consequently can’t also claim for input VAT back.
With VAT number in the UAE
- A 5% VAT has been recently imposed on most goods and services;
- For companies, registration is mandatory if their taxable goods and services exceed the threshold of AED 375,000 although companies may also register voluntarily when the optional threshold of AED 187,500 is exceeded;
- Filing of tax returns depends on the company’s business operations cost. These operating more than AED 150 million must file their returns monthly while those operating below should file theirs quarterly.
Documents
Required documents to provide to register a company in the UAE
- Passport copies (scans) of all individuals mentioned above and a beneficiary owner if applicable;
- A Power of Attorney (POA) from (all) partners/shareholders is needed (in case of a remote company registration);
- Certified company documents (in case at least one of the shareholders is going to be a foreign company).
How long does it take to form a company in the UAE?
It would be not fair to set your expectations high and assume that the incorporation will be finished within a day. In some jurisdictions, it is extraordinarily fast (for example in Estonia) and in others - slower. It all boils down to one thing: ‘When are the necessary (basic) documents ready?’ The process is counted from the moment on we have all the needed documents. Please consult with our consultants to understand what documents you need to kick-start the process.
- 5-15 days for a mainland company;
- This includes obtaining the necessary license and other approvals if the chosen business activity requires them.
Procedure to prepare the registration of a company in the UAE
The registration process of a company in Company Formation in UAE with LegalBison is very simple. Contact us for more details on a first primary consultation.
Can I form a company in the UAE remotely?
For the foreign partner, remote incorporation is possible but with the necessary Power of Attorney certified by the Secretary of State.
Without VAT number in the UAE
Non-VAT registered companies can’t charge VAT in their goods and/or services and consequently can’t also claim for input VAT back.
With VAT number in the UAE
- A 5% VAT has been recently imposed on most goods and services;
- For companies, registration is mandatory if their taxable goods and services exceed the threshold of AED 375,000 although companies may also register voluntarily when the optional threshold of AED 187,500 is exceeded;
- Filing of tax returns depends on the company’s business operations cost. These operating more than AED 150 million must file their returns monthly while those operating below should file theirs quarterly.
Required documents to provide to register a company in the UAE
- Passport copies (scans) of all individuals mentioned above and a beneficiary owner if applicable;
- A Power of Attorney (POA) from (all) partners/shareholders is needed (in case of a remote company registration);
- Certified company documents (in case at least one of the shareholders is going to be a foreign company).
WHICH JURISDICTION AND LICENSE TO CHOOSE FOR YOUR PROJECT
Alternatives to company formation in UAE
Our team has curated the following jurisdictions as being worthy alternatives to a company registered in UAE
British Virgin IslandsCompany Formation in British Virgin Islands
from 1.320 €
- Top offshore jurisdiction
- Tax-free, no reporting
- High secrecy
Cayman IslandsCompany Formation in Cayman Islands
from 2.915 €
- Complete tax exemption
- Top for investing
Costa RicaCompany Formation in Costa Rica
from 2.350 €
- Tax-free
- Discretion of board members
- Not listed as a tax haven!
Hong KongCompany Formation in Hong Kong
from 750 €
- Ideal offshore jurisdiction
- Advantageous taxation
- Fast and cheap process
Company Formation in ThailandCompany Formation in Thailand
from 3.000 €
- South Asian powerhouse
- Quick incorporation
- Rising economy
No offers are listed for this selection.
FACTS ABOUT THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Things to know before registering your company in UAE
Crypto Licenses in the UAE
Cryptocurrency licenses in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
It is possible to obtain a license for crypto currency activities within the United Arab Emirates. The currently available options include:
Taxes in UAE
Taxation of companies in the UAE
The UAE doesn’t impose federal corporate income tax. Hence, it may vary from one emirate to another.
Although all companies may be required to pay CIT, in practice, only companies engaging in oil-related business activities and foreign bank branches are charged for CIT.
Those engaged in oil-related businesses are taxed up to 55% while branches of foreign banks are taxed at 20%.
Double Tax Treaties
DTAA signed by the UAE for companies
To help its investors avoid the payment of tax twice, the UAE also entered into various Double Taxation Agreements with the following countries:
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Comoro Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Accounting and audit requirements
Accounting and audit requirements for a company in the UAE
Financial statements must be prepared annually.
Accounting records including annual accounts, general ledgers, purchase day books, tax invoices, credit notes, debit notes, VAT ledgers, and company books must be kept in the UAE office.
Residency requirements for company holders
Economic substance and residency requirements for companies in the UAE
- For mainland LLC or Commercial License companies, since the ownership is the majority by Emirati nationals, local UAE addresses are required;
- 100% foreign-owned companies must have a local service agent based in UAE.
LegalBison offers help with all of the requirements listed above. Being local in the country, we are well-versed in all the local regulations and requirements for businesses. Get started today with a free consultation with our specialists.
Cryptocurrency licenses in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
It is possible to obtain a license for crypto currency activities within the United Arab Emirates. The currently available options include:
Taxation of companies in the UAE
The UAE doesn’t impose federal corporate income tax. Hence, it may vary from one emirate to another.
Although all companies may be required to pay CIT, in practice, only companies engaging in oil-related business activities and foreign bank branches are charged for CIT.
Those engaged in oil-related businesses are taxed up to 55% while branches of foreign banks are taxed at 20%.
DTAA signed by the UAE for companies
To help its investors avoid the payment of tax twice, the UAE also entered into various Double Taxation Agreements with the following countries:
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Comoro Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Accounting and audit requirements for a company in the UAE
Financial statements must be prepared annually.
Accounting records including annual accounts, general ledgers, purchase day books, tax invoices, credit notes, debit notes, VAT ledgers, and company books must be kept in the UAE office.
Economic substance and residency requirements for companies in the UAE
- For mainland LLC or Commercial License companies, since the ownership is the majority by Emirati nationals, local UAE addresses are required;
- 100% foreign-owned companies must have a local service agent based in UAE.
LegalBison offers help with all of the requirements listed above. Being local in the country, we are well-versed in all the local regulations and requirements for businesses. Get started today with a free consultation with our specialists.
About company registration in UAE
The right path forward, regardless of project stage
UAE is generally a safe place to travel to. It is actually ranked as the 31st safest country in the world. Nevertheless, ordinary caution and diligence are still advised.
It depends on the emirate. In Abu Dhabi, foreign ownership of land is only allowed in investment areas. In Dubai, foreigners may only acquire land with freehold ownership while it is completely prohibited in Sharjah but allows usufruct. The other emirates do not allow any acquisition at all.
Typically, it takes 5-15 days for a mainland company. However, we must consider all the specifics of your project case: contact our team today and we will estimate the timeframe for your company on a first free consultation.
The UAE imposes no personal income tax and no capital gains tax. These provisions apply to individuals, including founders and executives who are UAE tax residents. For corporate entities, a 9% corporate tax applies to taxable income above AED 375,000 from June 2023. Free zone entities meeting qualifying conditions may be eligible for a 0% rate on qualifying income. VAT treatment of specific crypto activities varies. The UAE is a tax-favorable jurisdiction for virtual asset businesses, but the correct position depends on the business structure, activity type, and residency status. Tax-specific legal advice is required for any business making licensing decisions based on tax considerations.
Contact Us
Request more information about incorporation in the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi) now. We will get back to you in 24 business hours for a free primary consultation.
Contact Us
Our team of experts will be glad to provide you with answers and a one-stop-shop solution to all your legal corporate needs.
Company Registration
Consulting Team
Consulting team dedicated into advising the best suitable jurisdiction for your project.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974
Sabir Alijev
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
Sabir Alijev leads jurisdictional research, regulatory engagement, and strategic advisory across crypto licensing, FinTech, and international corporate structuring, with particular focus on LATAM, Caribbean, and Asian markets.
Phone +44 20 4577 0974