Start your business in Dubai with a structured, fast, and cost-efficient approach. We provide expert company formation in UAE across freezone and mainland jurisdictions, ensuring clarity from day one.
From selecting the right freezone among 40+ options to securing your corporate bank account and processing visas, every step is aligned for speed, compliance, and long-term growth.
OLIVE & TANAMI CONSULTING
Practical guidance for business setup in the UAE, company formation and business growth, helping you understand your options before you take the next step.
✓ Not sure where to start? Talk to an advisor about your plans. Our stated callback target is within 15 minutes.
START
Understand your options
ESTABLISH
Set up with clarity
GROW
Build for what’s next
BEFORE YOU MAKE THE MOVE
Setting up a company involves more than choosing a name and obtaining a trade licence. The decisions you make at the beginning can affect your costs, operations and ability to grow.
The right setup starts with understanding what your business actually needs.
Free zone or mainland? Which business activities should your licence cover? Understand the available options before committing to a company formation package.
STRUCTURE & LICENSINGLook beyond the advertised licence fee. Visas, office or workspace, establishment charges, banking requirements and ongoing compliance may all affect your budget.
COSTS & PLANNINGCompany formation is only the beginning. Consider corporate banking, accounting, tax obligations, residency visas and the operational support needed to run your business.
OPERATIONS & GROWTHA better starting point? Understand your requirements before you commit.
Discuss Your Plans ↗YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY
Whether you are launching a new venture, expanding into the UAE or managing an established company, we help you navigate the decisions and services that keep your business moving forward.
STAGE ONE
Define your requirements, explore the right jurisdiction and understand the costs before making a commitment.
STAGE TWO
Navigate company registration, licensing and the practical requirements of getting your UAE business established.
STAGE THREE
Build reliable business processes with the right financial, administrative and technology support.
STAGE FOUR
Prepare for new opportunities with practical advice and support aligned with your business goals.
One point of guidance. Support for the decisions that shape your business journey.
THE OLIVE & TANAMI APPROACH
Starting or growing a business comes with important decisions. We bring the services, practical guidance and connections you need into a more joined-up experience.
We start by understanding your business activity, objectives, budget and plans, helping you explore suitable options rather than treating every business the same.
From licensing coordination to accounting, HR, payroll and technology services, explore ongoing support as your company moves from launch to daily operations.
Business setup, operational support and digital solutions can work together. We help you identify the services relevant to your stage without losing sight of the bigger picture.
Your requirements may change as your business expands. Our wider service offering can help you explore the next steps in your operational and digital development.
✳ Your business has its own path. Your support should reflect that.
Talk to an Advisor ↗A CLEARER WAY FORWARD
You don't need to have every answer before speaking with us. Tell us what you want to achieve, and we'll help you understand the practical steps involved.
FIRST CONVERSATION
Share your business idea, current situation, requirements and goals. We'll start by understanding what matters to you.
UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS
Review relevant setup routes, service requirements, likely costs and important considerations before deciding how to proceed.
AGREE ON THE NEXT STEPS
Identify the services you need, the steps involved and the appropriate next actions for your business requirements.
MOVE FORWARD
Proceed with the agreed services and coordination, with the aim of making your business journey more organised and clear.
Start with a conversation about your business goals.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS HERE
Whether you're exploring business setup in the UAE, planning company formation in Dubai or looking for support with an existing business, let's discuss your requirements and the options available to you.
Not sure what you need yet? That's a good place to start.
YOUR GUIDE TO STARTING IN THE UAE
Planning to launch a company in the United Arab Emirates? The right approach depends on your business activity, intended market, budget, ownership requirements and plans for future growth. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions about UAE company formation.
Before applying for a trade licence, establish what your business needs to operate. Consider the activities you intend to undertake, where your customers will be located, whether you need visas, your office or workspace requirements, and the costs of maintaining the company after registration.
Choose suitable business activities and licence requirements.
Compare mainland and free zone company formation options.
Estimate setup expenses and ongoing operating costs.
Identify visa, banking, accounting and compliance needs.
The cheapest licence is not necessarily the most suitable. Compare the permitted activities, operating requirements and total cost against your actual business plans.
Need guidance for your own situation? Discuss your plans with Olive & Tanami Consulting.
Discuss Your Setup ↗UAE COMPANY FORMATION
Company formation in the UAE involves choosing an appropriate business structure, confirming your activities, meeting licensing requirements and preparing for operations. The exact process depends on the jurisdiction, business activity and relevant authority.
Identify the products or services your company will offer. Your selected activity influences licence requirements, approvals and the type of business structure available.
Compare mainland and free zone options based on your intended customers, operating model, location and expansion plans.
Follow the applicable authority's procedures for name reservation, documentation, approvals and trade licence issuance, as required for your chosen setup.
Assess the next requirements, which may include visas, workspace, corporate banking, accounting, tax registration and other applicable compliance obligations.
Need help navigating company formation in the UAE? Start by discussing your activity, budget and business goals.
Speak to an Advisor ↗Choosing where to establish your company is an important early decision. The right option depends on your business activity, target customers, operating model, budget and plans for growth.
Explore a mainland structure if your business model involves serving customers across the UAE or operating within the wider local market.
Explore a free zone structure if its available activities, facilities and licensing options align with the way you intend to operate.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Permitted activities, market access, ownership conditions, premises, visa eligibility and approvals can vary by authority and business type. Review the requirements before committing to a licence.
Discuss your plans with our consulting team before you decide.
Before applying for a trade licence, identify exactly what your company will do. Your business activities help determine the appropriate licence category, approvals and operating requirements.
The right starting point is your business model, not simply the cheapest licence package.
For eligible trading and commercial activities, subject to the relevant authority's classifications and requirements.
For eligible service-based or expertise-led businesses, depending on the activity and licensing authority.
Some business models need specific activity classifications, additional permissions or approval from a relevant authority.
Business activityWhat will your company actually provide or sell?
Licensing authorityWhich mainland authority or free zone can license it?
Extra approvalsDoes the activity require external or specialist approval?
Total requirementsWhat are the fees, premises, visa and renewal conditions?
Let's clarify your plans before you commit to a licence.
Setting up a UAE company is only the beginning. Depending on your business and its circumstances, you may also need accounting, corporate tax registration, VAT support, record keeping and ongoing compliance assistance.
Keep financial records organised and make it easier to understand your company's income, expenses and financial position.
Understand your company's corporate tax obligations and identify the registrations, records and filing requirements that may apply.
Review whether VAT registration applies to your business and establish a process for handling VAT records and returns.
Corporate tax, VAT registration, filing requirements and available reliefs depend on the applicable UAE rules and your company's individual circumstances. Eligibility and deadlines should be checked before taking action.
Let's discuss the support your business needs.
Managing employees involves more than hiring. Businesses may need support with payroll, employee records, onboarding, HR processes and ongoing employment administration.
We help you identify the operational support your business needs as your team grows.
Put practical systems in place for employee administration and payroll coordination, with support aligned to your company's size, structure and requirements.
Discuss Your HR Requirements ↗Help organise employee documentation, HR records, internal processes and routine workforce administration.
Coordinate payroll data, salary calculations and payroll records according to the agreed service scope and applicable requirements.
Support onboarding checklists, document collection and the administrative steps involved when employees join your team.
Help establish clearer processes for employee information, recurring HR tasks and day-to-day team administration.
Every business has different obligations. Employment contracts, work permits, payroll procedures, wage protection requirements and other employment rules depend on the employer, jurisdiction and circumstances. Confirm the applicable requirements before implementing a process.
Let's discuss an approach that fits your business.
Your business needs more than a licence to grow. From a professional website to custom software and digital marketing, we help you explore practical technology solutions that support your business goals.
Discuss Your IT Requirements ↗Explore the services you need today, with room to build on them as your business evolves.
Create a professional online presence with business websites, WordPress solutions, landing pages and e-commerce platforms.
Explore Website Solutions ↗Explore tailored CRM systems, business applications, workflow automation and web or mobile app development.
Explore Software Solutions ↗Strengthen your digital visibility through SEO, paid campaigns, content planning and lead-generation initiatives.
Explore Marketing Solutions ↗Identify technology and IT support options that help your business manage its systems, tools and everyday digital operations.
Explore IT Support ↗Tell us what you want to build, improve or achieve.
Starting a business is one decision. Building a business that operates well and grows over time takes many more.
Olive & Tanami Consulting helps you navigate business setup in the UAE while identifying the operational, financial and digital support your company may need along the way.
Our approach starts with understanding your plans, clarifying your options and helping you identify practical next steps for your business.
Let's Talk About Your Business ↗Understand your objectives, business model and priorities before exploring suitable options.
Consider the accounting, HR, IT and other operational needs that follow company formation.
Explore relevant services through a coordinated approach, rather than treating every business need in isolation.
Focus on clear information, realistic next steps and decisions aligned with your business goals.
Where Businesses Take Root in the UAE
Choosing the right business structure involves more than obtaining a trade licence. Explore these answers to understand the key considerations before starting your UAE company.
The cost of business setup in the UAE depends on your business activity, jurisdiction, licence type, premises, visa requirements and any additional approvals. Renewal fees and ongoing operating expenses should also be considered. We can help you assess the likely cost components before you choose a setup option.
The right choice depends on your business activity, target customers, operating model, premises and future plans. Mainland and free zone companies can have different licensing conditions and operating requirements. Compare the relevant rules and total costs before deciding which structure fits your business.
Foreign ownership is permitted for many UAE business activities, but the applicable rules depend on the activity, jurisdiction and relevant licensing authority. Confirm the ownership conditions for your proposed business before beginning the company formation process.
A residence visa is not automatically required in every company formation situation. Your eligibility and visa needs depend on your circumstances, business structure and intended activities in the UAE. Visa applications are subject to the relevant immigration requirements and approvals.
VAT registration depends on the nature and value of your taxable supplies, applicable registration thresholds and relevant rules. Corporate tax obligations are assessed separately. Businesses should review their registration, filing and record-keeping responsibilities based on their individual circumstances.
Yes. Beyond UAE company formation, Olive & Tanami Consulting can help you explore ongoing business support, including accounting and tax support, HR and payroll, IT solutions, website development and digital marketing. The services available can be discussed according to your business requirements.
Look for clear advice, transparent explanations of costs, an understanding of your business activity and support that considers your needs beyond registration. A suitable business setup consultant should help you understand your options and the decisions you need to make before proceeding.
Discuss your plans with Olive & Tanami Consulting.
