Corporate Services, Business Setup & Market Entry Across UAE and Saudi Arabia
6thMove supports foreign companies, investors, entrepreneurs and multinational organisations establishing or expanding operations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. From company formation and trade licence support to PRO services, RHQ setup, foreign company registration and market entry planning, we coordinate the practical requirements needed to operate confidently in the Middle East.
Company Formation UAE
Who It Is For
Foreign investors, entrepreneurs, SMEs and multinational corporations seeking to establish a legal entity in the United Arab Emirates across mainland, free zone or offshore jurisdictions.
What Is Included
- Entity type advisory and jurisdiction analysis based on business activity, ownership preferences and operational scope
- Full licence procurement including initial approval, trade name reservation, MOA drafting and final licence issuance
- Post-incorporation support including visa processing, office space setup and ongoing compliance management
Process Overview
We assess your business model to recommend the optimal jurisdiction, then manage the complete application lifecycle from name reservation through to licence delivery, typically completing free zone formations within 1–2 weeks.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Available across all UAE jurisdictions including Dubai mainland, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, DMCC, ADGM, JAFZA, DSO and RAK ICC offshore.
Company Formation Saudi Arabia
Who It Is For
Foreign investors, multinational enterprises and entrepreneurs looking to establish a legal presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the Vision 2030 framework.
What Is Included
- MISA licence application and sector-specific regulatory approvals for LLCs, wholly owned subsidiaries and branch offices
- Commercial registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce, chamber of commerce enrolment and municipal licensing
- ZATCA tax registration, GOSI enrolment and Saudisation (Nitaqat) compliance setup through the Qiwa platform
Process Overview
Our Saudi-based team manages the full MISA licensing process, coordinating with government entities to secure approvals and deliver your commercial registration within 4–8 weeks.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Available across Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Al Khobar, with access to all sector-specific licensing pathways.
Business Setup Dubai
Who It Is For
Entrepreneurs, investors and companies targeting Dubai as their regional base, whether through mainland licensing or one of Dubai's world-class free zones.
What Is Included
- Jurisdiction assessment between Dubai Mainland (DED) and free zones including DMCC, DIFC, Dubai South and DSO
- End-to-end licensing, initial approval, name reservation, shareholder documentation and office tenancy registration via Ejari
- Visa processing for shareholders, employees and dependents plus industry-specific regulator approvals where required
Process Overview
We evaluate your business activity and growth plans to recommend the ideal Dubai jurisdiction, then execute the full setup process including licence procurement, office registration and visa issuance.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Covers all Dubai jurisdictions — mainland through DED and all major free zones — with additional support for regulated sector approvals.
Business Setup Riyadh
Who It Is For
Foreign companies and investors establishing operations in Riyadh and other major Saudi cities under the Kingdom's ambitious economic diversification programme.
What Is Included
- MISA investment licensing and commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce for Riyadh-based entities
- Municipality licensing, chamber of commerce membership and sector-specific regulatory approvals
- Saudisation (Nitaqat) planning, expatriate quota allocation and work permit processing via Qiwa
Process Overview
Our Riyadh-based advisors manage the full licensing journey from MISA application to operational readiness, coordinating with local authorities for a seamless establishment.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Primary coverage in Riyadh with support across Jeddah, Dammam, Al Khobar and emerging economic cities under Saudi Vision 2030.
RHQ Setup Saudi Arabia
Who It Is For
Multinational corporations seeking to establish a Regional Headquarters in Saudi Arabia to qualify for the 30-year corporate tax exemption and preferential government procurement access under the RHQ programme.
What Is Included
- MISA RHQ licence application, commercial registration under the RHQ framework and premium residency (Iqama) facilitation for executives
- Corporate income tax exemption registration with ZATCA and coordination with Ministry of Human Resources on Saudisation quotas
- Ongoing compliance support to maintain RHQ status and maximise programme benefits across the 30-year incentive period
Process Overview
We conduct an eligibility assessment, prepare the RHQ application package, manage MISA approval and coordinate with government entities to deliver a fully operational RHQ entity.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Exclusive to Saudi Arabia under the Ministry of Investment (MISA) RHQ programme, a cornerstone of Vision 2030 for multinational corporations.
PRO Services
Who It Is For
Companies operating in the UAE that need reliable government liaison, document processing and regulatory compliance support to maintain smooth day-to-day operations.
What Is Included
- Document attestation through MOFA and embassies, employee and dependent visa processing via Amer and ICP systems
- Trade licence issuance, amendment and renewal across all UAE jurisdictions, plus labour contract registration with MOHRE
- Tenancy contract registration through Ejari, establishment card processing and immigration card management
Process Overview
Our dedicated PRO team maintains direct relationships with government service centres across all emirates, ensuring priority processing and rapid turnaround on all government transactions.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Full coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates with access to all UAE government service channels.
Trade Licence Support
Who It Is For
Businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia requiring new trade licence procurement, activity amendments or annual renewals across multiple regulatory jurisdictions.
What Is Included
- Initial trade licence procurement based on business activity classification under UAE Unified Classification and Saudi ISIC codes
- Licence amendment for adding or changing business activities, plus annual renewal across all UAE and Saudi jurisdictions
- Supplementary approvals from regulatory bodies including Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Health, TDRA and SFDA where required
Process Overview
We review your current and planned business activities, classify them correctly under local coding systems, and manage the full licence application or amendment process with the relevant authority.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Supports trade licence needs across all UAE emirates and Saudi Arabia, including sector-specific regulatory approvals for regulated activities.
Foreign Company Registration
Who It Is For
International companies seeking to register a branch office, representative office, wholly owned subsidiary or joint venture in the UAE or Saudi Arabia.
What Is Included
- Entity structuring advice — branch office, representative office, subsidiary or joint venture — based on your operational requirements and regulatory constraints
- Full registration with UAE Ministry of Economy, Saudi MISA and relevant free zone authorities including legal documentation and corporate structuring
- Ongoing compliance management to ensure your foreign entity operates within local laws and maintains good standing with all authorities
Process Overview
We evaluate your parent company structure, advise on the optimal entity type, prepare all registration documentation and manage the approval process with the relevant authorities in both markets.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Available in both UAE and Saudi Arabia with specific pathways for foreign branches, representative offices and joint ventures under each jurisdiction's regulations.
Market Entry Middle East
Who It Is For
International companies, investors and organisations planning their strategic entry into the Middle East market, needing comprehensive feasibility analysis and execution support.
What Is Included
- Market feasibility analysis, entity selection and jurisdiction assessment based on your business model and sector regulations
- Regulatory mapping, licensing pathway development and partner identification with due diligence where local partnerships are required
- Complete incorporation support from initial market intelligence through to post-licence activation and operational launch
Process Overview
Our team of ex-regulators, corporate lawyers and business consultants deliver a structured market entry programme covering feasibility, entity setup, regulatory compliance and operational readiness.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Covers both UAE and Saudi Arabia markets with detailed intelligence on sector regulations, competitive landscape, talent availability and operational costs.
Corporate Banking Introduction
Who It Is For
Companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia needing assistance with corporate bank account opening, documentation preparation and relationship manager introductions.
What Is Included
- Documentation preparation including board resolutions, certified passport copies, proof of address and business plans tailored to each bank's requirements
- Relationship manager introductions to leading local and international banks across the UAE and Saudi Arabia
- End-to-end follow-up through the account opening process to reduce delays and minimise rejection rates
Process Overview
We assess your banking requirements, prepare compliant documentation packages and introduce you to relationship managers at banks best suited to your entity profile and transaction needs.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Covers all major UAE banks (Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq, RAKBank) and leading Saudi banks (Al Rajhi, NCB, SABB).
VAT Registration Support
Who It Is For
Businesses in the UAE and Saudi Arabia that meet the mandatory VAT registration threshold or wish to register voluntarily for tax compliance purposes.
What Is Included
- VAT registration application preparation and submission through the FTA (UAE) or ZATCA (Saudi Arabia), including mandatory and voluntary threshold guidance
- Corporate tax registration under the UAE Corporate Tax regime (2024), tax group registration and excise tax registration for relevant activities
- Documentation support and coordination with approved tax agents to ensure full compliance from the date of incorporation
Process Overview
We prepare your tax registration application, compile supporting documentation and submit to the relevant tax authority, managing follow-up until registration is confirmed.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Covers VAT and corporate tax registration in both UAE (FTA) and Saudi Arabia (ZATCA), with thresholds at AED/SAR 375,000 mandatory and AED 187,500 voluntary in the UAE.
Document Attestation & Legal Translation
Who It Is For
Companies and individuals requiring attested documents and certified Arabic translations for company formation, visa processing, licensing and regulatory compliance.
What Is Included
- Full attestation chain management including notarisation, originating country MOFA, UAE/Saudi embassy attestation and final MOFA attestation
- Certified Arabic legal translation of incorporation documents, board resolutions, powers of attorney, contracts, degree and marriage certificates
- Complete attestation lifecycle management to eliminate delays in business setup, visa processing or regulatory submissions
Process Overview
We manage the entire attestation chain from document collection through notarisation, embassy attestation and final MOFA certification, with certified legal translation at every stage.
UAE & Saudi Relevance
Required for all UAE and Saudi Arabia government processes including company formation, visa applications, licensing and court proceedings.
Business Setup Enquiry
Tell us about your requirements and our corporate services team will provide a tailored estimate.
A regional specialist will review your enquiry and respond within 24 business hours.
Ready to Establish Your Business?
Contact our corporate services team to begin your company formation or business setup journey across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Why Choose 6thMove for Corporate Services
Premium corporate services backed by deep regional expertise.
Dual Market Expertise
Deep regulatory knowledge across UAE and Saudi Arabia with dedicated in-country corporate services teams delivering seamless cross-border establishment and compliance support.
End-to-End Service
From company formation and trade licensing through to bank account opening, tax registration and ongoing compliance, we manage every corporate requirement under a single engagement.
Dedicated Account Management
Every client is assigned a dedicated corporate services manager who coordinates all work streams, manages government interfaces and provides regular progress updates.
Proven Track Record
Hundreds of successful company formations and corporate service engagements across technology, finance, healthcare, energy and professional services sectors in both markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What corporate services does 6thMove offer?+
6thMove provides comprehensive corporate services including company formation in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, business setup support in Dubai and Riyadh, PRO services, trade licence processing, foreign company registration as branch or subsidiary, RHQ setup under the Saudi Regional Headquarters programme, market entry strategy, corporate banking introductions, VAT and corporate tax registration, and document attestation with legal translation. Each service is delivered by experienced professionals who understand the local regulatory landscape across both UAE and Saudi Arabian jurisdictions.
Can I set up a company in UAE without a local partner?+
Yes, since 2021, 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most business activities across UAE mainland and all free zones. This landmark reform removed the requirement for a local service agent or Emirati partner for most commercial, industrial and professional activities. Certain strategic sectors may still require specific licensing arrangements, but the vast majority of foreign investors can now fully own their UAE entity. Our team will confirm the ownership structure applicable to your specific business activity during the initial consultation.
What is the difference between Mainland and Free Zone company setup?+
Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and can trade directly within the UAE market, operate anywhere in the country, and take on government contracts. Free Zone companies are licensed by a specific Free Zone Authority, enjoy 100% ownership, zero corporate and personal tax, and full capital repatriation, but cannot trade directly in the UAE local market without a local distributor or commercial agent. Free Zone entities are ideal for businesses focused on international trade, regional distribution, or specific professional services. Our advisors help determine the optimal jurisdiction based on your operational needs.
What are PRO services and why do I need them?+
PRO (Public Relations Officer) services handle all government-related paperwork on behalf of your company. This includes document attestation through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and embassies, visa processing for employees and dependents, trade licence issuance and annual renewal, labour contract registration with the Ministry of Human Resources, tenancy contract registration through Ejari, and ongoing compliance with regulatory authorities. PRO services save your management team significant time and ensure all government interactions are handled correctly and without delay, avoiding penalties and compliance issues.
How long does company formation typically take?+
Free zone company registration typically takes 1 to 2 weeks from submission of complete documents. Mainland company formation generally takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on the business activity, initial approvals required, and the speed of documentation processing. Saudi Arabia company formation through MISA takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks depending on the sector and entity type. RHQ setup in Saudi Arabia follows a separate timeline determined by the Ministry of Investment and Ministry of Human Resources. Our project managers coordinate each step to ensure the fastest possible timeline for your specific entity type.
What is the RHQ programme in Saudi Arabia?+
The Regional Headquarters (RHQ) programme, administered by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, allows multinational corporations to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Benefits include a 30-year corporate income tax exemption on qualifying activities, relaxed Saudisation requirements, visa facilitation for expatriate employees, and preferential treatment in government procurement. The RHQ programme is a cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at positioning the Kingdom as the primary business hub for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Do you assist with corporate bank account opening?+
Yes, 6thMove provides corporate banking introduction and account setup support across UAE and Saudi Arabian banks. Our team prepares the required documentation, coordinates with relationship managers, and guides you through compliance and KYC requirements. We have established relationships with leading local and international banks and can facilitate introductions to streamline the account opening process. Corporate bank account opening typically takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on the bank, entity type, and required approvals.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by multinational organisations, RMC partners, investors and international assignees across the Middle East.
“6thMove supported our Riyadh mobilisation with immigration, Iqama coordination and arrival services. Their understanding of Saudi processes helped us move quickly while keeping control of compliance.”
Mobility Manager
Saudi Technology Group
“From company formation to Golden Visa processing, 6thMove handled every aspect of our market entry into Dubai and Riyadh. Their dual-market capability is a significant advantage.”
Corporate Services Client
Riyadh
“Our Amman assignment required housing support, family relocation guidance and regional coordination. 6thMove gave us one point of contact and clear updates throughout.”
Project Director
Jordan Regional Assignment
“We chose 6thMove for their corporate-first approach. Dedicated account management, SLA tracking and transparent reporting made them a true extension of our mobility team.”
Regional RMC Partner
Middle East
“Moving to Dubai with my family was made simple by 6thMove's school search and settling-in services. We were fully settled within two weeks of arrival.”
International Assignee
Amman
“The team's knowledge of Saudi immigration and compliance requirements gave us complete confidence in our expansion. Our Iqama processing was seamless.”
HR Lead
Riyadh Healthcare Organisation
“The business setup and PRO services in Dubai were handled efficiently. Our trade licence was issued within days, not weeks.”
Investor Client
Dubai
“Our employees relocating to Riyadh received exceptional destination services. Home search, school search and settling-in were coordinated seamlessly.”
HR Director
Saudi Industrial Group
“6thMove managed the relocation of 40 of our employees across UAE and Saudi Arabia in under 6 months. Their coordination between immigration, corporate services and destination support was exceptional.”
VP Global Operations
International Consulting Firm
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