Blog

Free zones in the UAE attract entrepreneurs with promises of simplicity, low costs, and tax advantages, yet many founders encounter unexpected expenses and operational limitations because they accept common misconceptions without verifying against their specific business model.

Shareholder agreements define the internal governance, rights, and obligations among owners in UAE companies, filling gaps where the Commercial Companies Law provides defaults that may not suit specific business needs. As of February 2026, these agreements remain private contracts enforceable under UAE civil law, with no mandatory filing requirement unless the company is listed or in regulated sectors like DIFC or ADGM.

Selecting the correct business activity code defines the legal scope of operations, influences licensing authority approvals, determines additional permits needed, affects banking perception, and impacts compliance with corporate tax and VAT rules. As of February 2026, each jurisdiction maintains its own approved list: mainland through the Department of Economic Development (DED) in each emirate offers broad categories with specific codes, while free zones provide tailored lists often exceeding 800 activities in places like IFZA or RAKEZ.

Most UAE startups survive incorporation but falter in the first 12 months due to decisions that seem minor at the time yet compound into operational paralysis, cash shortages, or regulatory exposure. The ecosystem supports rapid setup, yet the real test comes after the license arrives.

UAE companies offer structured opportunities for international tax efficiency through low headline rates, participation exemptions, Qualifying Free Zone Person preferences, and an extensive double taxation agreement network. Corporate tax applies at 0 percent on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9 percent above that threshold, with outcomes depending on business facts, activity classification, residency status, and compliance posture.

The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency without employer sponsorship, attracting business owners through pathways tied to company formation, investment, or entrepreneurial achievement. As of February 2026, business ownership qualifies primarily via investor routes requiring substantial capital or through entrepreneur categories emphasizing innovation, revenue, or incubator endorsement.

Real estate business in the UAE demands precise alignment between license scope, jurisdiction, regulatory approvals, and operational substance from the outset. Whether brokerage, property management, development, or holding, the setup must comply with emirate-specific rules, particularly Dubai's Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under the Dubai Land Department (DLD) for brokerage and related activities.

E-commerce in the UAE requires a trade license with activities covering online sales of goods or services, registration for VAT when thresholds trigger, and integration with compliant payment gateways to handle transactions securely. As of February 2026, the framework supports both mainland and free zone setups, with 100 percent foreign ownership available in most cases. Free zones often suit international or dropshipping models through streamlined processes and potential Qualifying Free Zone Person benefits, while mainland provides unrestricted local market access. The key is matching the license scope to actual operations, ensuring customs and payment compliance, and maintaining substance for banking and tax purposes.

Opening a consulting company in Dubai requires aligning the structure with the revenue model, client geography, and compliance expectations from the first decision. Consulting activities fall under professional services, which benefit from 100 percent foreign ownership in both mainland and free zone jurisdictions as of 2026. The choice between mainland and free zone determines local market access, operational flexibility, and administrative load. A management consultant primarily serving EU clients often prioritizes a free zone for streamlined international focus and potential tax advantages on qualifying income. One targeting UAE corporate contracts benefits from mainland for direct contracting without intermediaries.

VAT and accounting form the operational backbone for UAE businesses, requiring disciplined systems from incorporation to avoid penalties, cash flow disruptions, or banking complications. VAT operates as a 5 percent consumption tax on most goods and services supplied in the UAE, while accounting ensures accurate records that support tax filings, audits, and compliance with corporate tax obligations. As of February 2026, founders must treat these as integrated processes rather than annual exercises, particularly with small business relief for corporate tax available only through tax periods ending December 31, 2026. The fundamentals depend on revenue thresholds, activity type, jurisdiction, and whether supplies qualify as taxable, zero-rated, exempt, or subject to reverse charge.