Advisory services · Mainland and free zone setup

Business set up in the UAE, mainland or free zone

We help you choose the right structure, get your trade licence and set up everything needed to start hiring.

Modern office workspace

Start your UAE company the right way

Choosing between the mainland and a free zone affects where you can trade, how many visas you can get and what your company costs to run.

We explain your options, handle the licensing and government steps, and connect your new company with our HR, PRO, payroll and recruitment services so you can start operating quickly.

  • Mainland and free zone options compared
  • Licensing and registrations handled
  • Ready to hire from day one

What is included

Everything covered by our Business Set Up service.

Structure advice

Mainland, free zone or branch: the right option for your plans.

Trade licence

Activity selection, name approval and licence issue.

Company registrations

Establishment card, immigration and labour registrations.

Investor visas

Residence visas for owners and partners.

Bank account support

Introductions and document support for a corporate bank account.

Office solutions

Help finding flexi desks or offices that meet licence rules.

Who it is for

Examples of the businesses and roles we support with this service.

Entrepreneurs starting in the UAEForeign companies opening a UAE officeFreelancers moving to a companyBusinesses changing jurisdictionCompanies adding a new activity

How it works

A clear process with one point of contact at every step.

  1. Consult

    We discuss your activities, budget and plans.

  2. Choose

    We recommend the best jurisdiction and structure.

  3. License

    We handle the application and approvals.

  4. Launch

    Registrations, visas and bank support completed.

Why choose HRX for Business Set Up

What our clients value most about this service.

Clear advice

Honest comparison of costs and options.

One partner

Setup, visas, HR and payroll in one place.

Faster start

Hiring ready as soon as your company is licensed.

Frequently asked questions

Cannot find your answer? Call or email us and a consultant will help.

Contact us
What is the difference between mainland and free zone companies?

Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE. Free zone companies usually trade within their free zone and internationally, with different rules on offices and visas.

Can foreigners own 100 percent of a mainland company?

For many activities, yes. Some activities still have ownership rules. We check this for your business activity.

How long does company setup take?

It depends on the jurisdiction and activity. Some free zone setups are completed quickly, while others need more approvals.

Can you help open a bank account?

We help prepare documents and introduce you to banks. The final decision is made by the bank.

Request a free proposal

Tell us what you need. A consultant will reply within one working day with next steps and pricing.

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