Company formation
Choice of jurisdiction (mainland, free zone or offshore) and structure, trade licence, articles and registration in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Setting up in the United Arab Emirates
Set up in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with peace of mind.
From company formation to your personal relocation, we coordinate every step with selected local partners: legal structure, accounting, residence visa, bank account and real estate search.
Why the UAE
A business platform between Europe and the Gulf
Attractive taxation, stability, and access to the markets of the Middle East, Asia and Africa: the United Arab Emirates have become a strategic base for entrepreneurs and investors. With our presence in Dubai, we help you avoid the pitfalls of a remote setup and connect you to the right ecosystem from day one.
Our support
A complete, turnkey service
Accounting & legal
Introductions to local firms for bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, compliance (substance, ESR, AML) and legal advice.
Visa & residence
Support for the investor visa, residence permit and Emirates ID for you and, where relevant, your family.
Bank account
Introductions to banks and neobanks, file preparation (KYC, business plan) and support opening business and personal accounts.
Real estate search
Search for residential or commercial property, selected partners, viewings, and support structuring the purchase or lease.
Domiciliation & offices
Business address, flexible spaces or dedicated offices depending on your activity and visa needs, in the most suitable areas.
Two emirates, two dynamics
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Dubai
An international trade and financial hub with a dense free-zone ecosystem (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DIFC…), ideal for trade, services, tech and holdings.
Abu Dhabi
The UAE capital, an institutional and industrial centre with a financial centre of excellence (ADGM), relevant for regulated activities, industry and wealth management.
Our method
From idea to setup, step by step
01 · Scoping
Analysis of your project, activity and goals to define the right jurisdiction and structure.
02 · Structuring
Mainland / free zone / offshore, licensing, governance and, if needed, alignment with your European structure.
03 · Incorporation
Registration, articles, trade licence and operational setup of the company.
04 · Visa & account
Residence visa, Emirates ID and opening of business and personal bank accounts.
05 · Installation
Offices or domiciliation, real estate search, accounting and legal introductions.
06 · Follow-up
Ongoing support: compliance, renewals, growth and transactions.
Frequently asked
Your questions about setting up in the UAE
Free zone or mainland company: how to choose?
It depends on your activity, your clients and your visa needs. A free zone allows 100% foreign ownership and streamlined formalities; a mainland company enables direct trade on the local market. We steer you towards the most suitable structure with our partners.
How long does company formation take?
Timelines vary with jurisdiction, activity and file completeness. After scoping, we coordinate incorporation, licensing, visa and account opening to keep a controlled schedule.
Can I run my European business from the UAE?
Yes, within the applicable rules. Where relevant, we align your UAE setup with your European structure and your private equity transactions.
Do you help with real estate search?
Yes, both residential and commercial: partner selection, search, viewings and structuring of the purchase or lease.
Planning to set up in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Let's talk in confidence about your project. We'll give you a clear roadmap and the right local contacts.
WBNewDeal acts as a coordinator and introducer to qualified local partners (licensed formation agents, accounting and legal firms, banks, real estate agencies). Regulated services are performed by these partners, in accordance with the applicable UAE framework. This page does not constitute legal, tax or investment advice.