Frequently asked questions

A free zone company is a business entity established within a designated economic zone in the UAE. These zones offer special incentives such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulations to attract international businesses.

Free zone companies can trade internationally and within their free zone. To conduct business directly on the UAE mainland, you may need a local distributor or a dual license. Some free zones now offer dual licensing options.

The setup timeline varies by free zone, but most companies can be established within 2 to 5 working days once all documents are submitted. Some free zones like IFZA offer express processing.

There is no single figure — the total depends on the free zone, your licence type and activity, how many residency visas you need, and whether you take a flexi-desk or a physical office. The components are: licence issuance and registration, the office or desk facility, the establishment card, each visa (including medical and Emirates ID), and the annual renewal of all of the above. Government fees are set by the authority and change from time to time, so we quote against the specific zone and activity you choose rather than publishing a headline price.

Yes, the UAE government amended the Commercial Companies Law to allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities on the mainland. Some strategic sectors may still require a local partner.

A mainland company can trade freely across the UAE without restrictions and bid for government contracts. A free zone company operates within a specific zone and typically cannot trade directly with the local UAE market without a distributor.

Yes, a physical office address with an Ejari (tenancy) contract is required for mainland companies. Al Aegis helps you find affordable options including flexi-desk and shared office arrangements.

With Al Aegis, the entire mainland company formation process can be completed in 5-7 working days, subject to document readiness and government processing times.

A UAE offshore company is a legal entity incorporated in a UAE offshore jurisdiction (such as RAK ICC, JAFZA, or Ajman) that allows you to conduct international business, hold assets, and manage investments without a physical presence in the UAE.

Yes, UAE offshore companies can open corporate bank accounts with major banks in the UAE including Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and RAKBANK. We assist with the full bank account opening process.

UAE offshore companies enjoy 0% corporate tax and 0% personal income tax. There are no withholding taxes, and profits can be fully repatriated without restrictions.

Yes, RAK ICC and JAFZA offshore companies can hold property in designated freehold areas across the UAE, making them suitable for real estate investment holding.

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed in Free Zones and for most activities in the Mainland as per recent regulations.

The process involves choosing a trade name, selecting a business activity, applying for initial approval, drafting the MOA, and obtaining the license. We handle all these steps for you.

Profitable sectors include Real Estate, Tourism, E-commerce, Consultancy, and Trading. The best choice depends on your expertise and market research.

Benefits include 0% personal income tax, strategic location, world-class infrastructure, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and a business-friendly environment.