Which UAE Trade License Do You Need?
- Mainland LLC
- Free Zone
- Offshore
Request a Wealth Structuring Proposal
Please note, this call is intended for new business enquiries only.
- 16+ years operating in the UAE
- Trusted by 75,000+ founders and businesses
- Global Operations
Get Your Trade License in 4 Steps
A discreet, structured process designed around clarity, control, and long-term continuity.
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Step 1Free Consultation
5 Days -
Step 2Choose Jurisdiction
5 Days -
Step 3Submit Documents
5 Days -
Step 4Receive License
5 Days
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 | Yes | No |
| Contracting / Local Invoicing | Yes Limited, case by case as per business activity | Yes | No |
| 100% Foreign Ownership | Yes | Yes for most activities | Yes |
| UAE Residency Visa (Owner/Partner/Employee) | Yes | Yes | No typically not a standalone visa route |
| Corporate Bank Account | Yes Local & digital banking options, subject to bank approval | Yes Local & digital banking options, subject to bank approval | Limited / Subject to bank approval |
| VAT Registration | Yes | Yes | Usually not applicable for offshore-only holding structures |
| Corporate Tax Registration | Yes Subject to Corporate Tax Law (0% may apply on qualifying income if QFZP conditions are met) | Yes Subject to Corporate Tax Law | Yes Subject to Corporate Tax Law (scope depends on jurisdiction/tax residency) |
| Employee Visa Sponsorship (hire staff in the UAE) | Yes (quota/package-dependent) | Yes (quota/requirements apply) | No (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.
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Trading
- Starting from
- AED 15,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone/ Mainland
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Professional Services
- Starting from
- AED 12,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone
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E-Commerce
- Starting from
- AED 6,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone
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Restaurant & Food
- Starting from
- AED 20,000
- License type recommended
- Mainland
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Industrial
- Starting from
- AED 15,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone
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Technology
- Starting from
- AED 12,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone/ Mainland
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Media & Creative
- Starting from
- AED 6,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone
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Consulting
- Starting from
- AED 12,000
- License type recommended
- Freezone
Trusted by 75,000+ Entrepreneurs
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“From start to finish, the process was incredibly smooth and stress-free.”
I had an excellent experience with the team assisting me with my visa renewal. From start to finish, the process was incredibly smooth and stress-free.
A huge thank you to Racky, Roxanne, and Julie — their communication was outstanding throughout. Every step was clearly explained, instructions were simple and easy to follow, and they were always quick to respond to any questions I had. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave me complete confidence that everything was being handled properly.
Dennis Joseph -
“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 -
“..incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful..”
I had a great experience with Creative Zone! From the very beginning, their team was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Every question I had was answered clearly and with patience. They made the process feel smooth and stress-free, which I truly appreciated. Special thanks to Judianna, for her professionalism and prompt response to my follow-ups - quick and reliable. I highly recommend Creative Zone to anyone looking for trustworthy business set-up support in the UAE! Kudos guys.
Roan Abellera
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Can wealth structuring support succession planning?
Yes. Wealth structuring is often used to document governance and long-term intent to support succession and continuity.
4. 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.