Business Setup Services in the UAE, Handled Start to Finish
Planning to set up a business in the UAE? Skyo helps you choose between mainland, free zone and offshore structures, then handles licensing, visas and banking so you can start operating with confidence. Share your details below for a free consultation.
Business setup services in the UAE
Every business needs a different setup. A retail brand may need a mainland license and a shop. A consultancy may need a free zone license and a flexi-desk. A holding company may need an offshore structure with no office at all.
Skyo helps you choose the right structure and manages the entire process, from your first consultation to your first invoice.
Mainland Company Setup
A mainland license lets you trade anywhere in the UAE, including with government entities, and suits businesses that need a physical presence and direct access to local customers.
See our mainland company setup service for the full process, costs and documents required.
Free Zone Company Setup
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income and fast setup, and suit businesses trading internationally or online.
See our free zone company setup service for a comparison of the main free zones and packages.
Offshore Company Setup
Offshore companies suit international trading, holding structures and asset protection, without a UAE office or visa.
See our offshore company setup service to check if this structure fits your goals.
PRO and Visa Services
Once your company is formed, ongoing PRO work keeps your visas, licenses and government approvals current.
Our PRO and visa services cover employment visas, Golden Visa applications and renewal support.
Trade License Types
UAE licenses generally fall into commercial, professional and industrial categories, whether issued by a mainland authority or a free zone.
We confirm which license type, or combination, matches your intended business activity.
Business Activity Selection
Your business activity affects your license type, required approvals and, for mainland companies, your minimum office requirement.
We review your activities against the relevant authority list before you commit to a structure.
Corporate Bank Account Opening
Opening a UAE corporate bank account depends on your license type, activity and shareholder nationalities.
We prepare your documentation and introduce you to banks whose criteria match your business profile.
Investor and Employee Visas
Mainland and free zone companies can sponsor investor, employee and dependent visas under their license quota.
We manage medical testing, Emirates ID and visa stamping as part of your setup.
Golden Visa Eligibility
Investors, entrepreneurs, property owners and specialised talent may qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, offering long-term residence.
We check Golden Visa eligibility as part of our PRO and visa services.
Document Attestation and Legal Translation
Certificates and corporate documents often need attestation and certified Arabic translation before UAE authorities accept them.
We coordinate this as part of your company formation or as a standalone service.
Annual Renewals and Compliance
Every license, visa and Emirates ID needs to be renewed on schedule to stay compliant.
We track your renewal dates and handle the paperwork so nothing lapses.
Corporate Tax and VAT Registration
UAE businesses may need to register for corporate tax, VAT or both, depending on activity and revenue.
We confirm your obligations and handle registration alongside your company formation.
Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business
Mainland, free zone and offshore structures suit different goals, and the wrong choice can be costly to unwind later.
We recommend the structure that fits your market, visa needs and budget, not the easiest one to sell.
How Skyo approaches business setup in the UAE
Step 1: Free Consultation
We learn about your business, goals and budget, then recommend mainland, free zone or offshore.
Step 2: Structure and Activity Review
We confirm your business activity, jurisdiction and the license category that matches it.
Step 3: Trade Name and Initial Approval
We reserve your trade name and secure initial approval from the relevant authority.
Step 4: Legal Documentation
We draft and notarise your Memorandum of Association and other required documents.
Step 5: License Application and Issuance
We submit your complete application and track it through to license issuance.
Step 6: Corporate Bank Account Support
We prepare your banking documentation and introduce you to suitable banks.
Step 7: Visa Processing
We process investor, employee and dependent visas under your license.
Step 8: PRO and Compliance Support
We handle attestation, Emirates ID processing and other government requirements.
Step 9: Ongoing Renewal
We manage license, visa and compliance renewals so your business stays in good standing.
Why Choose Skyo for Business Setup in the UAE
Setting up a business in the UAE involves more decisions than most people expect. Jurisdiction, activity, license type, visas and banking all affect each other.
We guide you through each decision instead of pushing a single package.
- Skyo supports business setup in the UAE with a focus on:
- Independent structure and jurisdiction advice
- Transparent, itemised pricing
- Fast document turnaround
- Banking introductions
- Visa and PRO support
- Ongoing renewal and compliance support
We do not push every client toward the same structure. Explore mainland company setup, free zone company setup or offshore company setup, or contact us and we will recommend the right fit.
About Business Setup Services
Business setup costs and timelines depend on your chosen structure, activity and visa needs. The answers below cover the questions we hear most often.
1. Should I choose mainland, free zone or offshore?
2. How much does it cost to set up a business in the UAE?
Free zone packages start from around AED 11,500, mainland packages from around AED 18,900, and offshore setup from around AED 7,500. Final cost depends on your activity, visas and office requirements.
3. How long does company formation take?
Standard license issuance usually takes 5 to 15 working days once your documents and activity are confirmed, with visa processing adding a further 3 to 5 weeks if needed.
4. Can I get a UAE residence visa through my company?
Yes. Mainland and free zone companies can sponsor investor, employee and dependent visas, and qualifying investors may also be eligible for the Golden Visa.
5. Do you help with ongoing compliance after setup?
Yes. Our PRO and visa services cover license renewals, visa renewals and other annual compliance requirements after your company is formed.