When people think of doing business in Dubai, Free Zones are often the first thing that comes to mind — and for good reason. Over the years, Free Zones have played a huge role in putting Dubai on the map as one of the world’s most attractive hubs for entrepreneurs, startups, and established companies alike.
So, what exactly is a Free Zone? In simple terms, it’s a special economic area that allows foreign investors to fully own their business without the need for a local partner. This makes business setup in Dubai much more accessible for entrepreneurs who want full control and maximum flexibility.
One of the best things about setting up a company in Dubai is the variety of Free Zones available. Each one has its own focus and benefits. For example:
Choosing the right Free Zone depends on your business activity and where your clients are — that’s where our team comes in. We help you find the Free Zone that makes the most sense for your business goals.
Starting a company in Dubai Free Zones can feel overwhelming if you’re doing it alone. Our team has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and investors successfully set up their businesses here — and we’d love to help you too.
From choosing the best Free Zone to handling paperwork and getting your trade license, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on what really matters: growing your business.
Whether you’re planning a small startup, an online store, or an international trading company, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to get honest advice, clear answers, and a smooth company setup experience.
Mainland
If you’re planning to open a company in Dubai, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to set up in a Free Zone or on the Mainland. But what exactly is a Dubai Mainland business setup?
A Mainland company is registered under the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) — previously known as the Department of Economic Development (DED). Unlike Free Zone businesses, Mainland companies have no limits on where they can trade. You’re free to do business anywhere in the UAE market and beyond.
One big reason more investors are looking at Dubai Mainland company formation is the new foreign ownership rules. Many activities that once required a local Emirati partner now allow 100% foreign ownership, giving you full control over your business.
The best choice depends on your goals. If you want to run a local shop, a restaurant, a consultancy, or any business that serves B2D customers directly — or if you want to win government contracts — a Mainland license makes the most sense.
If you’re mainly trading internationally, doing online business, or want a simple, quick setup with 100% ownership and no local market dealings, then a Free Zone could be better for you.
At Assertive Zone, we specialise in helping entrepreneurs and companies set up Mainland businesses in Dubai — smoothly and quickly. We take care of everything: approvals, paperwork, office search, local service agents, visas — so you don’t have to stress about the process.
If you’re ready to launch your business in Dubai Mainland, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today for clear advice, honest guidance, and a hassle-free company formation process.
When people talk about setting up a company in the UAE, they often hear three terms: Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore. But what does “offshore company” really mean in Dubai?
In simple terms, an offshore company is a legal business entity that is registered in the UAE but is not allowed to operate inside the UAE market. Instead, offshore companies are mainly used for international business, holding assets, protecting wealth, and tax planning.
In Dubai and the wider UAE, the most well-known offshore jurisdictions are Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore (JAFZA Offshore) and RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC).
Setting up an offshore company in Dubai or the UAE has become popular with foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who want to benefit from:
✅ 100% Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor or partner is required.
✅ Full Repatriation of Profits: No restrictions on moving your money abroad.
✅ Asset Protection: Offshore companies are commonly used to hold shares in other companies, own property (where allowed), or protect personal wealth.
✅ No Corporate Taxes: Offshore companies enjoy tax benefits and zero personal income tax.
✅ Privacy: Offshore jurisdictions offer strong confidentiality and protection of company information.
✅ Ease of International Business: Many global investors use offshore companies for cross-border trade, invoicing, and holding investments.
It’s important to know that an offshore company cannot directly do business within the UAE. This means you cannot rent an office in Dubai or hire local staff under an offshore license.
However, an offshore company can:
Hold shares in UAE Free Zone or Mainland companies
Own property in approved areas (for example, JAFZA Offshore companies can own property in Dubai)
Open a corporate bank account in the UAE
Conduct business internationally
Protect family wealth and manage inheritance planning
Offshore Company: For international operations, wealth protection, and holding assets. No local UAE trade.
Free Zone Company: Operates within the Free Zone and globally, limited local UAE trade unless using a distributor.
Mainland Company: Full access to UAE local market, can trade anywhere in the UAE and beyond.
Setting up an offshore company is simple with the right support. Here’s how it usually works:
1️⃣ Choose the right offshore jurisdiction (like JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC).
2️⃣ Decide on your company name and structure.
3️⃣ Prepare the required documents — passport copies, proof of address, and a business plan (if needed).
4️⃣ Submit the application through a registered agent (offshore registration must be done through an approved agent).
5️⃣ Open a corporate bank account.
6️⃣ Start managing your international operations!
At Assertive Zone, we help entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners set up secure and compliant offshore companies in Dubai and the UAE. Whether you want to protect your assets, expand internationally, or plan your business tax-efficiently — our experienced team will handle every step, from paperwork to bank account opening.
If you’re exploring offshore company formation in Dubai, reach out to us for honest advice and complete support.
Dubai has become one of the most attractive places in the world to live and work — and for good reason. To stay here long-term, you need what’s called a residence visa. So, what does that actually mean?
A Dubai residence visa is an official permit that allows people from other countries to live in Dubai legally for more than just a quick holiday. It means you can settle down, work, open a bank account, rent a home, and enjoy everything the UAE has to offer — all while having legal resident status.
Depending on which type you get, a Dubai residence visa can be valid for 2, 3, 5 or even 10 years, and you can keep renewing it as long as you still meet the conditions.
One of the things that makes Dubai attractive for expats is that there are multiple ways to qualify for residency. Here are some of the most common:
Employment Visa: If you work for a UAE-based company, they’ll usually handle your visa process and sponsor you as their employee.
Investor or Business Owner Visa: Many entrepreneurs choose to set up a company in Dubai — either in a Free Zone or on the Mainland — and get a residence visa as an investor or shareholder.
Property Investor Visa: If you buy property in Dubai worth at least AED 750,000 (subject to rules), you can get residency through your real estate investment.
Family Visa: If you already have residency, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, your parents too.
Golden Visa: This is Dubai’s long-term option, offering 5 or 10 years of residency for certain investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, or exceptional talents. Also, if you invest in Dubai property which is worth 2 million AED, you will be eligible for 10 years golden visa.
Getting residency in Dubai unlocks a lot of practical benefits that make life here easy and comfortable. Here are just a few reasons so many people want one:
✔️ Live and Work Legally: A residence visa lets you work or run your business without worrying about overstaying or visa runs.
✔️ Open Local Bank Accounts: UAE banks require a valid residence visa to open a personal or business account.
✔️ Sponsor Your Family: You can bring your spouse and kids to live with you and even sponsor parents in some cases.
✔️ Access Healthcare: You’ll be able to get UAE medical insurance and use both public and private hospitals.
✔️ Get a Driving License: With a valid visa, you can apply for a UAE driving license — and it’s recognised in many other countries too.
✔️ Schooling for Kids: Your children can enroll in UAE schools and universities.
✔️ Easy Travel: A residence visa makes it easy to leave and re-enter Dubai without needing a new entry visa each time.
✔️ Tax Benefits: One of the biggest reasons people relocate here — no personal income tax on your salary or business profits.
Whether you’re planning to move to Dubai for work, start a business, invest in property, or just build a new life for your family, you’ll need the right residence visa.
At Assertive Zone, we help people just like you figure out which Dubai residence visa is best for their situation — and we handle the paperwork, applications, and renewals so you can settle in stress-free.
At Assertive Zone, we know that getting your Dubai residence visa is just one piece of the puzzle. Opening a business bank account in the UAE can sometimes feel complicated — but it doesn’t have to be.
We guide our clients through the entire process, from choosing the right bank to preparing the documents and securing approvals, so you can open your UAE business bank account without unnecessary delays.
So whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or setting up a company for the first time, we make sure you have everything you need to live, work, and bank confidently in Dubai.
Running a business in Dubai comes with huge opportunities — but keeping your finances organised is just as important as getting your license or opening your bank account. At Assertive Zone, we know that many entrepreneurs and small businesses don’t need a full in-house accounting team — they just need a reliable partner they can trust.
That’s why we offer outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services to help you stay compliant, save time, and focus on what you do best: growing your business.
✅ Save Time & Cut Costs — No need to hire and train a full finance team when you can get experienced accountants on call.
✅ Stay Compliant — We help you meet all UAE accounting and VAT regulations, so you avoid penalties and late fees.
✅ Clear Reports & Real Numbers — Get accurate financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports when you need them.
✅ Focus on Growth — Spend less time buried in paperwork and more time building your business.
Our outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services include:
✔️ Day-to-day bookkeeping
✔️ Bank reconciliations
✔️ VAT registration & filing
✔️ Payroll processing
✔️ Monthly and annual financial statements
✔️ Budgeting and cash flow management
✔️ Audit preparation support
Whether you’re a small startup, a Free Zone company, or a growing Mainland business, our experienced team tailors our services to match your industry and your goals.
At Assertive Zone, we’re more than just a business setup company — we’re your long-term partner in Dubai. When you outsource your accounting to us, you get clear, honest support, so you always know where your money is going.
✅ Need stress-free accounting support in Dubai?
Let’s talk. Contact Assertive Zone today to find out how we can handle your books while you handle your business.
