Start Your Business in the UAE with 100% Ownership | No Sponsor Needed

How to Start a Business with 100% Ownership in UAE – No Local Sponsor Needed

Starting a business in the UAE is an exciting opportunity for foreign investors. With the introduction of 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors, you can now set up your business in the UAE without a local sponsor. Whether you’re considering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any of the UAE’s free zones, the process is straightforward, and the benefits are immense.

This guide will walk you through the key steps, advantages, and important considerations for starting your 100% owned business in the UAE. We’ll also help you choose between mainland and free zone setups to ensure your business thrives. For a deeper dive into the setup processes, you can refer to our guides on how to start a business in the UAE and business setup in Dubai.

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Ready to Start Your Business in the UAE?

Starting a business in the UAE with 100% ownership is a fantastic opportunity, but navigating the setup process can be challenging. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step, from choosing the right structure to completing registration and obtaining your visa.

Contact us today for a free consultation and get expert advice on setting up your business in the UAE. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success. Learn more about our business setup consultants.

Start Your Business in the UAE with 100% Ownership | No Sponsor Needed

Key Benefits of 100% Ownership in UAE

Establishing your business with 100% ownership in the UAE offers numerous advantages:

Complete Control: Enjoy full control over decision-making and operations, without the need to rely on a local sponsor.
Access to Global Markets: Leverage the UAE’s strategic location to expand your business across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
No Personal Income Tax: Benefit from the UAE’s tax-friendly policies, with no personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates.
Attractive Business Environment: Enjoy a stable and growing economy, with significant support for foreign entrepreneurs. For more information on the best free zones in the UAE, check out our guide on the best freezones.

Types of Business Structures in the UAE Offering 100% Ownership

There are several business structures that allow foreign ownership in the UAE. Understanding which one is the best fit for your business needs is crucial to your success.

Free Zone Companies: These zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and other incentives, making them a popular choice for startups and foreign entrepreneurs. With a free zone setup, you can enjoy benefits such as 100% repatriation of profits and a simple, streamlined registration process.
Mainland LLC Companies: Depending on the industry, foreign entrepreneurs can now hold 100% of a Mainland LLC without a local partner. This is ideal for businesses that want to engage in retail and wholesale activities within the UAE market. For companies in specific sectors, such as tech or professional services, the option for full company ownership is available.
Offshore Companies: If you are looking to operate internationally, offshore companies offer complete foreign ownership with limited operational restrictions. Offshore structures are beneficial for companies that do not require a physical office within the UAE but want to benefit from the tax advantages and business-friendly regulations the country offers.

Steps to Start Your 100% Owned Business in the UAE

1. Choose the Right Business Structure

The first step is deciding whether your business will operate in a free zone or on the mainland. Both offer 100% ownership, but each has distinct advantages:

Free Zones: Ideal for businesses targeting international markets. Free zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis and Jebel Ali allow 100% ownership and provide tax exemptions. To explore the free zone setup in more detail, visit our Dubai freezone setup guide.
Mainland: Suitable for businesses that want to operate within the UAE and serve local markets directly. The latest reforms allow 100% foreign ownership in select sectors on the mainland. For mainland-specific insights, check out our mainland business setup in Dubai.

2. Complete the Company Registration

After choosing your business structure, register your company with the relevant authorities:

Register your business name.
Submit your business plan and documentation.
Obtain the necessary licenses, such as the UAE Trade License.
Pay applicable registration fees. You can find detailed information on the business license types in the UAE.

3. Apply for Your Residency Visa

Once your business is registered, apply for your UAE residency visa. This will allow you to live and work in the country, and you can also sponsor your employees for work permits and residency visas. For more about the visa process, read our detailed guide to business setup without a visa.

4. Open a Business Bank Account

With your business established, open a corporate bank account to handle all transactions. Choose a bank with experience working with foreign businesses and understand the requirements. Our business setup consultants can help guide you through this process.

Cost Breakdown & Timeline for 100% Owned Business Setup in the UAE

Business Setup Costs

The cost of setting up a 100% owned business in the UAE varies depending on your chosen structure and business activity. Here are the typical costs:

Free Zone Setup: AED 10,000 – AED 25,000 (includes registration and licensing). For more about costs in Dubai, check out our cost guide for business setup in Dubai.
Mainland Setup: AED 15,000 – AED 40,000 (depends on the business type and location). For mainland costs across the UAE, check out the cost guide for business setup in UAE.
Visa & Residency: AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 per individual (depends on the free zone or mainland).

Timeframe

Free Zone Setup: Typically takes 3-7 business days.
Mainland Setup: Can take 2-4 weeks, depending on additional approvals and paperwork.