Set up, scale and stay compliant in the UAE

Free zone companies can often be ready within a few working days once documents are in order, while mainland setups depend on the activity and approvals required. After an initial consultation we give you a realistic timeline for your specific case.

Yes. Free zones have always allowed 100% foreign ownership, and following recent reforms most mainland commercial and professional activities now permit full foreign ownership too. A small list of strategic activities may still require a local partner.

It depends on where you trade. A mainland (DED) licence lets you deal directly with the UAE local market and government, while a free zone is ideal for international, holding or industry-specific businesses with 100% ownership. We assess your activity, market and budget and recommend the right route.

Almost every UAE business — mainland and free zone — must register with the Federal Tax Authority for corporate tax and obtain a registration number, even if profits are below the AED 375,000 threshold where the rate is 0%. Late registration carries an AED 10,000 penalty.

VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 over a 12-month period, and voluntary from AED 187,500. The standard VAT rate in the UAE is 5%.

Everything. Nine To Six handles company formation, corporate tax, VAT and accounting under one roof, so a single team keeps your business compliant from day one and through every filing season.