Talk to Us
A short conversation usually saves a long correction. Tell us what you are trying to do and we will tell you what it takes.
Direct
- Landline
- +971 4 342 5415
- Mobile
- +971 52 316 2015
- Message us
- hello@pistos.ae
- Office
- Office 506, Ground Floor, Hamza A Building, Al Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Before you call
If you already know roughly what you want, the setup assessment will give you a jurisdiction and a shortlist in two minutes. Bring the result to the call and we can get straight to numbers.
If you are buying property and want to know what residency it entitles you to, the golden visa eligibility check answers that against your own share value and the property's status.
Send us a message
Name, email and a mobile number we can reach you on. We will come back the same working day.
Questions We Get Asked
What is the actual difference between mainland and a free zone?
A mainland licence lets you trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government work. A free zone gives you customs relief and a cheaper, faster setup, but selling onshore needs a distributor, a mainland branch or a dual licence. The assessment works out which applies to you.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed it, and over a thousand mainland activities now do too. A short list of strategic-impact activities still requires Emirati participation, and we check yours against the current list rather than last year's.
How long does it take to set a company up?
Roughly three to seven working days in a free zone and five to ten on mainland, assuming documents are in order and no external regulator is involved. Visas add a further one to two weeks on top.
What will it cost?
It depends on the activity, the facility and how many visas you need, which is why we quote rather than publish a price. Government fees move, so we confirm them on the day we send the figure.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up?
Not for most free zone incorporations — we can run the whole licensing process without the shareholder travelling. You do need to be here for the medical and biometrics when your residence visa is issued.
Which activities cannot go in a free zone at all?
Real estate brokerage, construction and contracting, retail premises, clinics and pharmacies, recruitment and manpower supply, and travel agencies. All of those are mainland-only, whatever anyone has quoted you.