Which UAE Trade License
Do You Need?
Mainland LLC
Free Zone
Offshore
Trusted by
Companies Setup
Years in Market
22
Languages Spoken
Request Your UAE Setup Proposal
Please note, this call is intended for new business enquiries only.
Trusted by
Companies Setup
Years in Market
22
Languages Spoken
Get Your Trade License in 4 Steps
A discreet, structured process designed around clarity, control, and long-term continuity.
What you get
| Feature | Freezone | Mainland | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Formation | Setup + residency options | Full UAE market access + residency | Asset holding / international structuring |
| UAE Market Access (trade locally) |
Limited / activated through partners or permits |
|
|
| Contracting / Local Invoicing | Limited, case by case as per business activity |
|
|
| 100% Foreign Ownership |
|
✔ for most activities |
|
| UAE Residency Visa (Owner/Partner/Employee) |
|
|
typically not a standalone visa route |
| Corporate Bank Account | Local & digital banking options, subject to approval | Local & digital banking options, subject to approval | Limited / Subject to bank approval |
| VAT Registration |
|
|
Usually not applicable for offshore-only structures |
| Corporate Tax Registration |
Subject to Corporate Tax Law (0% may apply on qualifying Income in QFZP conditions are met) |
Subject to Corporate Tax Law |
Subject to Corporate Tax Law (scope depends on jurisdiction/tax residency) |
| Employee Visa Sponsorship (hire staff in the UAE) |
✔ (quota/package-dependent) |
✔ (quota/requirements apply) |
✖ (offshore-only structures) |
| Office / Address Requirement | Virtual office / shared desk / flexi desk (varies by free zone and package) | ✔ Office / Physical address required, Ejari required for most setups | Registered agent / registered office |
Feature
FREEZONE
MAINLAND
OFFSHORE
Company Formation
Setup + residency options
Full UAE market access + residency
Asset holding / international structuring
UAE Market Access
(trade locally)
Limited / activated through partners or permits
Contracting / Local Invoicing
Limited, case by case as per business activity
100% Foreign Ownership
for most activities
UAE Residency Visa
(Owner/Partner/Employee)
typically not a standalone visa route
Corporate Bank Account
Local & digital banking options, subject to bank approval
Local & digital banking options, subject to bank approval
Limited / Subject to bank approval
VAT Registration
Usually not applicable for offshore-only holding structures
Corporate Tax Registration
Subject to Corporate Tax Law
(0% may apply on qualifying income if QFZP conditions are met)
Subject to Corporate Tax Law
Subject to Corporate Tax Law
(scope depends on jurisdiction/tax residency)
Employee Visa Sponsorship
(hire staff in the UAE)
(quota/package-dependent)
(quota/requirements apply)
(offshore-only structures)
Office / Address Requirement
Virtual office / shared desk / flexi desk (varies by free zone and package)
Office / Physical address required, Ejari required for most setups
Registered agent / registered office
What Type of Business Are You Licensing?
Wealth structuring is the process of organizing ownership, governance, and succession in a way that protects assets and preserves intent over time. It typically brings together legal vehicles, documented controls, and long-term administration to ensure clarity across generations and jurisdictions.
Trusted by 75,000+ Entrepreneurs
3,600 reviews and counting…
Client Stories
What Founders Say About Creative Zone
“The entire team is extremely efficient and professional.”
I had an excellent experience with Creative Zone and couldn’t be more satisfied with their service. The entire team is extremely efficient and professional, and everything was handled with impressive speed from start to finish. What really stands out is their well-organized logistics, which makes both sending and receiving documentation smooth, clear, and stress-free.
Creative Zone is a reliable and trustworthy agency that I highly recommend to anyone looking for fast, efficient, and well-managed services. An outstanding experience overall!
Manuel Grandi
“I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to establish a business.”
They were incredibly professional, responsive, and knowledgeable about every step of the process. The team made what can often be a complicated setup feel smooth and stress-free. Their attention to detail and commitment to getting everything right stood out. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to establish a business efficiently and with complete confidence.
Daniel Harris
“..helped me out sorting my Emirates ID.”
Creative Zone recently helped me out sorting my Emirates ID. The process was quick and smooth. They were always happy to help with any questions I had and supported me with the required documents. If you’re looking to get your Emirates ID sorted – highly recommend using Creative Zone.
Ben Clucas
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for private wealth planning, DIFC or ADGM?
It depends on your objectives, asset mix, governance preferences, and counterparties. We recommend the best-fit framework after reviewing your requirements.
What vehicles are commonly used in wealth structuring?
Foundations, holding companies, and SPVs are commonly used, selected based on control requirements, asset type, and jurisdiction rules.
Can wealth structuring support succession planning?
Yes. Wealth structuring is often used to document governance and long-term intent to support succession and continuity.
What information do you need to propose a structure?
Your objectives, asset types and locations, ownership profile, governance preferences, and any banking or cross-border requirements.
Take the Next Step
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