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UAEтАЩs Leading Corporate Services Provider

For those who build with intention, Momentum provides the complete corporate infrastructure to establish, operate, and grow within the UAE, covering jurisdictional strategy, licensing, banking, and corporate services.

For Only AED
4,999
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Business
Setup

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Foundations

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Your Holistic Corporate Services Partner

The UAE continues to offer founders and investors an unmatched combination of competitive tax structures and direct access to global trade routes. But behind every business setup is a real person, often making one of the biggest financial decisions of their life.

At Momentum, we understand that. The conversations we have with clients go beyond licences and paperwork. They cover assets, families, futures, and long-term plans. We treat every one of those conversations with the sensitivity and care they deserve. 

Start Your Business in Dubai
Business setup in UAE

Where other corporate services providers stop, Momentum goes further. From structure and licensing to banking, wills, powers of attorney, and holistic corporate services, we move quickly and completely on every aspect of your business.

Why Choose Momentum

Momentum operates as a complete corporate services provider, delivering a complete suite of services to establish and sustain your business in the UAE.

expert guidance

A Growing Ecosystem

Momentum operates within a wider group supporting over 25,000 clients across the UAE. Our ecosystem offers every corporate service your business needs to thrive. 

tailored solutions

Human-First Approach

Business decisions are rarely just business decisions. We always take the time to understand your full picture before we advise.

streamlined processes

Execution with Speed

Need your UAE residency processed in under a week? A Power of Attorney issued in one business day? Momentum has the right advisors in place to meet your deadlines.

dedicated support

Subject Matter Specialists

Every service we offer is handled by someone who knows it inside out. Our senior advisors make sure you get accurate advice at every stage.

How to Start a Company in the UAE

The path to establishing a corporate presence in the UAE is straightforward, when handled by the right team. Momentum manages the entire process, from the first conversation to your final licence approval.

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01

Select Your Jurisdiction

Mainland, free zone, or offshore. The right structure depends on your business activity, ownership requirements, and long term objectives. Momentum advises on the optimal fit from the outset.

Prepare Documents

Every jurisdiction carries its own documentation requirements. Momentum prepares and submits all paperwork on your behalf.

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03

Apply for a Trade License

Momentum manages the entire licence application process, securing all necessary permits and approvals to get your business operational as quickly as possible.

Process Your Visas

Once your licence is issued, Momentum handles visa applications for you and your team, navigating the requirements of your chosen jurisdiction.

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Open a Bank Account

Momentum directly liaises with banks on your behalf, identifying the right banking partner and fully managing the application process.

Go Further, Faster With Momentum

When you work with Momentum, youтАЩre not juggling five different providers. Everything, from company formation and PRO services to visas, banking, and legal structuring, sits inside one coordinated setup. That means less back-and-forth, fewer delays, and a business that gets up and running the right way.

For clients with tighter timelines, Momentum delivers expedited solutions across essential services, including UAE residency in under a week and power of attorney issuance within just one day.

Calculate Your Business Setup Cost

Calculate Your Business Setup Cost

Answer a few quick questions and get a tailored package

1Activity
2Jurisdiction
3Owners
4Visa
5Office
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Which business activity are you looking for?

If you do not see your activity, choose тАЬOtherтАЭ and describe it in the message box at the end.

SRTIP Freezone

Starting from
AED 5,500
  • 0 Visa
  • Up to 5 shareholders
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Mix & Match 5 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement
  • Unlimited Co-Working Space

Rakez Freezone

Starting from
AED 5,999
  • 0 Visa
  • Up to 5 shareholders
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Mix & Match 5 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement
  • Unlimited Co-Working Space

Meydan Freezone

Starting from
AED 12,500
  • 0 Visa
  • Multiple Shareholder
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • 3 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement
  • Bank Account Assistance
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Why Choose Momentum Business Setup?

Business setup in UAE is quickly becoming a lucrative option for foreign investors and ambitious entrepreneurs. However, if youтАЩre new to the country, the process can feel complex and confusing. Momentum was established to remove all the roadblocks you may face and help you set up your company quickly and efficiently. Our experts have decades of experience across industries and are well-versed with the Dubai business setup paperwork. We take legal compliance very seriously and ensure that our team stays up to date with the countryтАЩs business regulations and tax laws. They will also inform you of any law changes and help you understand how it affects your operations. When it comes to the business set up itself, we are fully transparent of our process. You will always be aware of what weтАЩre doing, and why weтАЩre doing it. Our service is completely tailored to our clients, so the support you receive will be personalized to your business needs. Our pricing structure is competitive and affordable, and we offer several additional services that further support your business setup and keep it running smoothly in the long run. Whether youтАЩre interested in a mainland business setup in Dubai, or a freezone company setup Dubai, the Momentum consultants have you covered.

Featured Services

Wills

Protect what you've built. Momentum structures and registers UAE wills, including single, mirror, and guardianship wills, across DIFC, ADJD, and Dubai Courts, so your assets go exactly where you intend.

Powers of Attorney

Need someone to act on your behalf in the UAE? Momentum prepares and notarises POA documents covering property, banking, business operations, and legal matters, with issuance possible within one business day.

Foundations

 Momentum advises on and registers UAE foundations, giving you a legally recognised framework to protect assets, plan succession, and retain long-term control over how your wealth is managed and distributed.

Which UAE Jurisdiction is Right for You?

The UAE offers three corporate structures. The right one depends on your business, your goals, and how you plan to operate.

Free Zones

Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, competitive tax conditions, and access to modern infrastructure. Each zone is structured around specific industries, giving businesses a focused environment to operate and grow within the UAE and across international markets.

Mainland

A mainland licence grants full access to the UAE market with no restrictions on trade activity or location. Businesses benefit from unrestricted local and international market access, unlimited visa quotas, and the freedom to establish branches across the country.

Offshore

Offshore structures are designed for businesses whose operations run outside the UAE. They carry minimal regulatory obligations, 100% foreign ownership, and strong asset protection, making them a preferred vehicle for international holding and wealth structuring.

Business Services

Welcome to Momentum your trusted partner for navigating the intricacies of business incorporation in the UAE. In a market saturated with Corporate Service Providers, it can be difficult to identify the right partner for your business journey.

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Business Setup

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Golden Visa

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Bank Account

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Corporate Services

We Work Closely With All Government Agencies

Business Setup Insights

Stay ahead with curated insights on business setup in Dubai. Explore practical advice, latest regulations, and expert guidance to help you launch and grow your venture with confidence.

FAQs

Can a foreign investor own 100% of a business in the UAE?

The UAE permits 100% foreign ownership across mainland and free zone structures for most business activities. Certain regulated activities, such as those in the legal, medical, and defence sectors, may still require a local partner or service agent.

A 9% Corporate Tax applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Free zone businesses that qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person may be exempt, provided they meet specific criteria set by the Federal Tax Authority.

A UAE Power of Attorney can typically be issued within one business day when handled by an experienced provider. Momentum manages the entire process, from document preparation through to notarisation, on your behalf.

To set up a foundation in the UAE, you need to determine the right jurisdiction, prepare the founding documents, and complete registration with the relevant authority. Momentum works with clients to identify the right structure for their goals and manages every step of the process. 

If you own assets in the UAE, you need a will. Without one, UAE law determines how your estate is distributed, which can differ significantly from the laws of your home country. Registering a UAE will gives you legal clarity over how your assets are distributed and protects your family and dependants.

How much does it cost to set up a mainland business in Dubai?

The price of business setup in Dubai mainland typically falls within AED 15,000 to AED 35,000. However, factors like company location, number of employees, and the type of business activity can affect the cost.
For business setup in Dubai on the mainland, you need to first choose a trade license. This will depend on the type of business activity you are planning to conduct. Next, youтАЩll choose a legal structure and then check if your business activity allows for 100% foreign ownership.
A mainland business is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the Emirate it is established in. It is an onshore company, and is allowed to engage in almost every type of business activity.
A free zone is a special economic area that is designed to encourage business activities by offering exclusive incentives. Business setup in UAE in a free zone means lesser tax obligations, 100% business ownership, unrestricted international market access, and no custom duties. However, they cannot trade within the mainland without a local distributor. If you operate on the mainland, you can operate across the UAE without any restrictions.
The biggest advantage of getting a mainland license in Dubai is the freedom to conduct business activities anywhere in the country and across the world. Mainland company formation in UAE also allows unlimited work visas to be issued, multiple legal structure options, and ease of expansion.
You no longer need a local sponsor for mainland business setup in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE for most business activities. However, the Department of Economic Development (DED) still requires a local sponsor for certain types of activities.

There are more than 2,000 types of activities for mainland businesses to choose from. Activities like manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, retail, tourism are popular choices for business setup in UAE.

It is possible to convert a freezone company into a mainland company. However, the process can be intensive as you will need to cancel your free zone license and apply for a new mainland license. It is recommended that you work with an expert in company formation in UAE if you are considering this process.
There is a 9% corporate tax in the UAE mainland. However, companies only have to pay this tax if their taxable income is over AED 375,000.
Foreign individuals need a UAE work visa that is sponsored by their employer to legally live and work in the country. If you are considering business setup in UAE, make sure to include visa costs into your budget. The authorities will also conduct an inspection of your business premises and run a check for any violations.
Free zone companies are only allowed to operate within their designated zones, and cannot operate in the mainland without approval from the relevant free zone authority and the DED. However, Dubai now allows its free zone companies to operate on their mainland by getting a license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Which is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?

The cheapest free zones in UAE are SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) whose packages start from AED 5,500, and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), who offer packages starting from AED 5,750. In Dubai, the cheapest free zone is IFZA (International Free Zone Authority).
Generally, an employee working in a free zone in Dubai can get a visa that is valid for one to three years. The duration of the visa will depend on the work contract and the location of the free zone. Hire a business setup in Dubai expert for specific advice.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is generally considered to offer the cheapest trading license in Dubai. The cost will depend on the number of residence visas you will require. A Dubai business setup consultant will be able to help you with this.
For business setup in Dubai free zone, the process will start with choosing a free zone to set up in, followed by picking a legal structure, registering a trade name, obtaining approvals to apply for a license, getting an office space and necessary visas.

If you are a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), you do not have to pay corporate tax. A QFZP must have a physical presence in UAE, generate revenue that is qualifying income, follow OECDтАЩs transfer pricing rules, and prove contribution to the countryтАЩs economy.

Not every free zone is exempt from VAT. Certain тАЬdesignated zonesтАЭ in the country, which include certain free zones, do not have to pay VAT. Working with a business setup in UAE expert can help you figure out if you have to pay VAT on your free zone business.
The cost of a freezone license in Dubai will depend on the location of your business, number of visas, required office space and the type of license you are applying for. Hiring an expert in business setup in Dubai freezones will give you a better idea of the actual cost.
Free zone companies cannot sell on the UAE mainland without approval from the free zone authorities and the Department of Economic Development. Recently, Dubai passed a law that allows its free zone companies to operate on the mainland with a license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Only free zone businesses who are QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Persons) are exempt from corporate tax. A QFZP must be able to prove that their operations contribute to the economy, have a physical presence in UAE, generate qualifying income, and follow OECDтАЩs transfer pricing rules.
Freezone company formation in UAE allows benefits like 100% ownership, low tax obligations, easy business setup, unrestricted access to international markets, advanced infrastructure, repatriation of capital and profits, and exclusive government incentives.
The cost of a free zone visa depends on the location of the free zone. Factors like number of visas, office space, and type of license also affect the cost. Currently, business setup in UAE is cheapest in SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City).

How to start an offshore company in Dubai?

Offshore Dubai business setup involves registering a trade name, preparing the necessary paperwork for your license application, drafting a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, and opening a bank account.
Ajman Free Zone offers the cheapest company formation in UAE. Setting up an offshore company allows you total confidentiality over your operations and minimal operational costs.
Dubai is considered to be an offshore tax haven as it maintains a business-friendly environment while complying with anti-money laundering regulations. This makes it an attractive option for business setup in Dubai.
Offshore companies in Dubai are allowed to own properties, but they are restricted to certain designated areas, as a precaution against money-laundering. If you are considering an offshore company formation in UAE, speak to an expert business setup consultant to stay compliant.
Offshore companies cannot conduct any activities within the UAE. Free zone companies in Dubai are allowed to operate within their designated free zone, but cannot trade with the mainland unless they have a license to do so.
For offshore business setup in Dubai, you will need to choose a legal structure, apply for a license, draft legal documents, and open a bank account. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) allows for the incorporation of offshore companies.
Offshore companies cannot trade with UAE mainland companies, and can only conduct business activities outside the country. However, they can become shareholders of companies on the mainland and in the free zone.
Opening an offshore bank account in Dubai can be a confusing process. It is recommended to work with a professional to make things easier. Momentum consultants provide an offshore business setup in Dubai service that includes opening a bank account for you.
Every offshore company in UAE must meet the annual renewal requirement and pay the necessary fees to the relevant authorities.
Generally, offshore companies do not have to register for VAT in UAE, as they are not considered to be UAE-based businesses.
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ROBIN PHILIP Profile
ROBIN PHILIP
Founder/Managing Partner

From setting a clear vision, making strategic decisions, fostering innovation, to leading a team to achieve goals, an effective leader plays a crucial role in guiding and steering an organization towards success. One such leader is Robin Philip, Founder and Group CEO of A&A Associate LLC. Robin began his career in the finance sector, working at a prestigious bank in India, where he discovered a passion for assisting individuals with their banking needs. Driven by a desire to support entrepreneurs and startups, as well as share his wealth of knowledge and experiences, Robin founded A&A Associate.

Initially, the focus of A&A Associate was on providing accounting and auditing services to companies in the UAE, addressing the increasing demand for such specialized services. Over time, under RobinтАЩs leadership, the company evolved its services to encompass comprehensive business formation solutions in the UAE. This expansion covered a spectrum from licensing to liquidation services, reflecting RobinтАЩs commitment to helping individuals worldwide realize their aspirations of establishing successful businesses in the UAE.

Robin PhilipтАЩs journey exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership, as he navigated from a banking career in India to founding and leading A&A Associate, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company. LetтАЩs hear from him.

Rohan Malhotra
ROHAN MALHOTRA
Founder / Chief Executive Officer

Rohan Malhotra is the Founder and CEO of Momentum Consultancy and the brain behind setting up a new age concept agency. Rohan comes with over 20 years of experience of working across countries both in the private and public sector.

Rohan started his career in the banking and financial services industry working across departments with some of the finest institutions like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ, National Australia Bank and Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Prior to starting Momentum Consultancy, Rohan worked as a Trade and Investment Director with the Australian Federal Government, where he was responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment in the fintech, energy, mining and sectors between the UAE/GCC and Australia. With vast experience set across businesses and regions, he has helped multiple businesses scale in the region and across continents.

Rohan holds a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) majoring in Management Fundamentals, Marketing and Finance. Born and brought up in a business family, Rohan attained his schooling in Mumbai and Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Mumbai University (India) and he is well connected in the business and showbiz industry.

Together with his wife Francesca Bouwman, they have set up and successfully own other consultancy agencies and are actively involved in managing and running an NGO/boarding home in India. Under the name of Sneha Sadana, the project provides food, shelter, clothing and education to 86 under privileged and orphaned girls.