Service 02
Corporate Advisory
UAE market entry, business setup and corporate structuring — from choosing a jurisdiction to running a compliant, well-governed operation.
Overview
The right structure from day one.
The UAE offers more than 40 free zones, a liberalised mainland regime and two financial free zones with their own legal frameworks. Choosing well determines where you can trade, what you can do and how you are taxed.
We help international companies compare the options against their business model, set up the entity efficiently and put in place the governance and compliance routines that keep it in good standing — so your team can focus on the business.
At a glance
- For
- International corporations, groups and investors entering or restructuring in the UAE
- Outcomes
- A licensed, banked and compliant UAE entity with clear governance
- Jurisdictions
- Mainland, free zones, DIFC and ADGM
What we do
Our corporate advisory capabilities.
Market entry strategy
Comparing mainland, free zone and financial free zone options against your activities, clients and growth plans.
Company formation & licensing
End-to-end setup: trade name, licensed activities, constitutional documents, registrations and visas.
Corporate structuring
Holding and subsidiary structures, branches and representative offices aligned with tax and governance needs.
Banking & operational setup
Corporate bank account preparation, office solutions, payroll and the core vendors you need to operate.
Governance & compliance
Beneficial ownership records, board governance, corporate tax and VAT registrations, renewals and filings.
Restructuring & relocation
Group reorganisations, relocation of headquarters or functions to the UAE, and orderly closure of entities.
How setup works
A clear path to an operating entity.
Assess & choose
Business model review, jurisdiction comparison and recommended legal form.
Prepare
Trade name, activities, shareholder documents, attestations and approvals.
Incorporate
Licence issuance, office or flexi-desk, establishment card and visas.
Operate
Bank account, tax registrations, payroll and the ongoing compliance calendar.
FAQ
Common questions.
It depends on the jurisdiction, activity and how quickly documents can be prepared and attested. A free zone licence can often be issued within a few weeks once documents are ready; regulated activities and bank account opening usually take longer. We give you a realistic timeline at the start.
It depends on who your customers are, what activities you need and how you plan to grow. Our article Mainland or free zone? explains the main differences.
For most commercial and industrial activities, yes — both in free zones and, since the 2021 reforms, on the mainland. A limited number of strategic activities remain subject to specific ownership requirements.
We are a consulting firm. For matters requiring legal advice or representation, we work alongside licensed law firms and coordinate their input as part of the overall project.
Get in touch
Let’s discuss how we can support your business in the UAE.
- GC FZE
- Sheikh Rashid Tower, DWTC, Dubai
- +971 58 564 0069
- info@gcfze.ae