Business Setup & Consultancy in the UAE
Scale Smarter. Compete Stronger. Transform Digitally.
In today's fast-moving UAE business environment, strategy and adaptability are everything. From business setup, trade licensing and VAT & corporate tax registration to growth strategy, we help you identify opportunities, optimize operations, and implement solutions that drive real results.
Start Strong. Stay
Compliant. Grow Faster.
Book a Call
Our Services Include:
Business License Consultancy
End-to-end guidance on selecting the right jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore), activity licensing, and approvals—ensuring your business is set up for success from day one.
Business Bank Account Opening
We assist in securing reliable banking partners and streamline the account opening process, helping you overcome common challenges and delays.
Corporate Tax & VAT Registration
Stay fully compliant with UAE regulations. We handle your tax registrations efficiently, ensuring accuracy and peace of mind.
Scale Smarter. Compete
Stronger. Transform Digitally.
Book a Call
Our Services Include:
Marketing Consultancy
Data-driven strategies to strengthen your brand, generate leads, and improve customer acquisition across digital and offline channels.
Growth Strategy & Business Consultancy
Customized growth roadmaps focused on revenue expansion, market penetration, and operational efficiency.
Digital Transformation Consultancy
Modernize your business with the right tools and technologies—from website development to automation and digital ecosystems that enhance performance and scalability.
For
All Businesses
In today's fast-moving business environment, strategy and adaptability are everything. We help you identify opportunities, optimize operations, and implement solutions that drive real results.
Why Choose Us
End-to-End Expertise
From setup to scaling, everything under one roof.
Global Perspective
Solutions aligned with international standards.
Tailored Approach
Strategies built around your business goals.
Reliable Execution
We don't just advise—we help you implement.
We don't just supply products. We build business ecosystems.
thesupplier becomes an extension of your company — managing sourcing, digital needs, and operational support so you can focus on growth.
Company formation in the UAE, explained
Business setup services
- Mainland company formation: activity selection, trade name, initial approval and licence.
- Free zone company formation: choosing the right free zone for your activity, budget and visa needs.
- Trade licence services: new licences, renewals, activity changes and amendments.
- VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority.
- Corporate tax registration for mainland and free zone companies.
- Bank account opening support: preparing the documents banks ask for.
- Growth strategy: pricing, positioning and the digital setup a new company needs.
Mainland vs free zone company formation
| Mainland | Free zone | |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership for most activities | 100% foreign ownership |
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE, including government contracts | Within the free zone and internationally; mainland trade usually needs a distributor or extra permit |
| Licensing authority | The emirate’s economic department | The free zone authority |
| Office | Physical office usually required | Flexi-desk options in many free zones |
The right choice depends on who your customers are and where you will sell. We walk you through it in the first consultation.
Setting up a business in Sharjah
Sharjah offers lower setup and running costs than many Dubai options, with free zones such as SPC Free Zone, Sharjah Media City (Shams), SAIF Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone. Our own company, S and S Global Ventures FZC, is licensed in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, so we have been through the process ourselves.
Read our full guide to business setup in Sharjah.
How company formation works
- Consultation: your activity, budget, visa needs and where you will trade.
- Jurisdiction and activity: mainland or the right free zone, and the exact licence activities.
- Trade name and initial approval.
- Documents and submission: we prepare and check everything before it is filed.
- Licence issued.
- After the licence: visas, bank account, VAT and corporate tax registration.
Free zone licences are often issued within one to two weeks; mainland setups usually take two to four weeks, depending on approvals.
VAT and corporate tax registration in the UAE
VAT. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 a year, and optional above AED 187,500. We prepare and file the registration and explain what changes on your invoices.
Corporate tax. The UAE charges 9% corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000. Every taxable company must register, including free zone companies, even if they qualify for relief.
Rules and deadlines change; we check current Federal Tax Authority guidance for every filing. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice.
Full guide: VAT and corporate tax registration in the UAE.
What business setup costs
Costs depend on the jurisdiction, licence activities, number of visas and office type. After the consultation you get one all-in quote covering government fees and our service, with no surprises later.
Why TheSupplier for business setup
- We have done it ourselves in a Sharjah free zone.
- One advisor from first question to licence and bank account.
- All-in quotes before you commit.
- Day-one ready. The same team can build your website, source your office IT and set up your ERP.
Consultancy FAQs
Business setup, tax, and growth strategy — answered.