Start Business Services
Start Business Services: “Boutique UAE company-formation firm helping established UK, Irish and Australian business owners move and grow a real business in the UAE — structure, banking, residency and yearly renewals. Founded by Gareth Jones, advising business owners since 2009.”
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Dubai mainland company?
“Yes, for most activities. The rule that required a 51% Emirati shareholder was removed in 2021. A short list of strategic activities (such as defence and security) still has ownership conditions, but ordinary trading and professional businesses can be fully foreign-owned.”
View in the company profileDo I need a local sponsor for a mainland company?
“For most activities, no. The local-sponsor and local-agent requirements were removed for the great majority of mainland activities in 2021. If you’ve seen older guidance saying you need one, it’s out of date — we’ll confirm your specific activity.”
View in the company profileMainland or free zone — which should I choose?
“Mainland if you sell inside the UAE or want government work; a free zone if your customers are mostly overseas or you want the lowest-cost setup. The activity and how the company will bank usually decide it, and we work that out with you before setting anything up.”
View in the company profile