Jordanian entrepreneurs can establish and own businesses in the UAE across a wide range of permitted activities. Depending on your business model and target market, you can consider a mainland or free zone company, while offshore structures may be suitable for specific international or holding purposes.
If you have Jordan nationality and are planning to start a business in the UAE, this guide explains the key decisions involved, including company structure, licensing, documents, residence visas, business banking, tax and the setup process.
Can Jordanians Own a Business in the UAE?
Yes. Under the UAE Commercial Companies Law changes that took effect in 2021, foreign investors can own up to 100% of most mainland companies. Free zones generally allow 100% foreign ownership, subject to the rules of the relevant free zone and activity. This applies to founders with Jordan nationality whether they live in Jordan, the Gulf or elsewhere.
Two points to keep in mind:
- Strategic sectors such as defence, security and telecommunications still have restrictions or need approval.
- Regulated activities such as healthcare, education, financial services and real estate brokerage need approval from the relevant regulator before the licence is issued.
If you have read older guides that ask for a local sponsor, those describe the earlier system. Check your exact activity before paying any fee, because the approval list is decided by the licensing authority.
Why the UAE Suits Founders from Jordan
The UAE offers Jordanian entrepreneurs access to a well-connected business environment, different company setup options and opportunities to serve customers across the UAE and international markets.
Key advantages include:
- 100% foreign ownership — Jordanian nationals can fully own businesses across many permitted mainland and free zone activities, subject to the applicable licensing requirements.
- Regional and international connectivity — the UAE’s airports, ports and logistics networks provide access to markets across the GCC, Asia, Africa and Europe.
- Arabic and English business environment — Arabic is the official Jordan National language and an official language of the UAE, while English is widely used in UAE business.
- Multiple setup options — founders can consider mainland or free zone structures depending on their activity, customers, workspace and operational requirements.
- Residence options — eligible business owners can apply for the applicable UAE residence visa after company formation, subject to immigration requirements.
- Business infrastructure — the UAE provides established banking, logistics, digital government and professional-service infrastructure for businesses.
The right setup depends on your business activity, target market and operational needs, so compare the available jurisdictions before choosing a licence.
Visa Requirements for Jordanian Citizens Starting a UAE Business
Starting a UAE company and obtaining UAE residence are separate processes. Visa requirements for Jordanian citizens depend on the type of residence being applied for, the company structure and the relevant immigration authority.
For Jordanian entrepreneurs, the process may include:
- UAE entry requirements — Jordanian citizens should check the current entry requirements applicable to their travel purpose before travelling.
- Company formation — establish the UAE company and obtain the applicable business licence.
- Residence application — eligible company owners or partners may apply for the relevant UAE residence permit after completing the required company and immigration procedures.
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID — applicants for applicable UAE residence permits generally complete the required medical and Emirates ID procedures.
- Family sponsorship — eligible UAE residents may sponsor qualifying family members subject to current immigration requirements.
The exact documents, fees and residence procedures can vary by emirate, company structure and visa category, so the current requirements should be confirmed before applying.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore: Which Setup Should You Consider?
Jordanian entrepreneurs can consider mainland, free zone or offshore structures depending on their business activity, target market, workspace needs and long-term plans.
Mainland Company
A mainland company may suit businesses that want to operate across the wider UAE market.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is available for many permitted activities, subject to applicable restrictions.
- Business activities: Activities must be approved by the relevant emirate-level licensing authority.
- UAE operations: The company can conduct permitted business across the UAE, subject to applicable regulations.
- Workspace: Office or workspace requirements depend on the business activity and licensing authority.
- Residence visas: Available with eligible company structures, subject to immigration requirements.
Free Zone Company
A free zone company can suit start-ups, service providers, international businesses and companies that fit the activities offered by a particular free zone.
- Ownership: Free zones generally allow 100% foreign ownership.
- Business activities: The company must select activities permitted by the chosen free zone.
- UAE operations: Access to the UAE market depends on the business activity, free zone rules and applicable mainland requirements.
- Workspace: Office, flexi-desk or other workspace options may be available depending on the free zone and licence package.
- Residence visas: Eligible licence packages may provide residence visa options, subject to immigration requirements.
Offshore Company
An offshore structure may be considered for specific international business, holding or asset-structuring purposes.
- Ownership: Foreign ownership is generally permitted, subject to the applicable offshore regulations.
- Business activities: Activities are limited to those permitted under the relevant offshore framework.
- UAE operations: Offshore companies are primarily intended for international or holding purposes rather than regular UAE mainland operations.
- Workspace: Physical UAE office requirements depend on the applicable offshore framework.
- Residence visas: Offshore structures are generally not intended as a UAE residence visa route.
The right structure depends on where you plan to do business, your activity, customers, physical presence and visa requirements. Compare the applicable rules before choosing your UAE company setup.
Company Structures and Licence Options in the UAE
After choosing a jurisdiction, the next step is selecting a legal structure and business licence that match your activity.
Common Company Structures
Depending on the jurisdiction and activity, options may include:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) — commonly used for mainland commercial activities.
- Sole establishment — may be available for eligible professional or individual business activities.
- Free zone company — can be formed with one or multiple shareholders, depending on the selected free zone.
- Branch — an existing Jordanian or foreign company may establish a UAE branch where permitted.
Business Licence Categories
The required licence depends on what the company will actually do. Common categories include:
- Commercial licence — for permitted trading activities.
- Professional licence — for eligible professional and service activities.
- Industrial licence — for approved manufacturing or industrial activities.
- E-commerce or digital activities — available through relevant mainland and free zone authorities.
Licence names, validity periods, permitted activities and renewal requirements vary by licensing authority. Confirm the requirements for your selected activity before incorporation.
Business Activities Jordanian Entrepreneurs Can Consider in the UAE
The right activity depends on your experience, target customers, licensing requirements and business model. Common UAE setup options include:
- general and specialised trading
- business, engineering and management consultancy
- e-commerce and digital marketing
- IT and software services
- real estate services, which need regulator approval
- construction and contracting
- logistics and freight
- restaurants and cafes, which need food safety approvals
- tourism and travel services
How to Start a Business in the UAE from Jordan
The exact process depends on the business activity, jurisdiction and licensing authority. For Jordanian entrepreneurs, it can be summarised in five steps:
- Choose Your Business Activity and Structure
Select your activities and choose a suitable mainland or free zone structure. - Reserve the Trade Name and Obtain Initial Approval
Choose an acceptable company name and complete the required initial approvals. - Prepare Documents and Required Approvals
Submit the incorporation documents and obtain any additional approvals required for regulated activities. - Complete Licence and Workspace Requirements
Arrange the applicable office, flexi-desk or tenancy requirements and obtain your business licence. - Complete Post-Licensing Requirements
Complete the applicable residence visa, corporate banking, Corporate Tax, VAT and other post-setup requirements.
Documents Required for Jordanian Nationals
The required documents vary by licensing authority, company structure and business activity. Applicants with Jordan nationality may commonly need:
- Valid passport copy for each shareholder and authorised person
- Recent personal photograph where required
- UAE entry or residence documents if already in the UAE
- Emirates ID if already a UAE resident
- Contact and address information
- Professional qualifications or external approvals for regulated activities
Additional incorporation, workspace or authority-specific documents may be required during the setup process.
If a Jordanian Company Will Be a Shareholder
If an existing company registered in Jordan will hold shares in the UAE business, additional corporate documents may be required.
Depending on the licensing authority and company structure, these may include:
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board or shareholder resolution approving the UAE investment
- Details of shareholders, directors and authorised signatories
- Power of attorney where applicable
Foreign corporate documents may need to be notarised, legalised, attested or translated before they are accepted in the UAE. The exact process depends on the document and the authority receiving it, so confirm the current requirements before arranging attestation.
Cost of Business Setup
There is no single price. Fees are based on your activity and jurisdiction, not on Jordan nationality. Your total depends on:
- the licence category and number of activities
- the jurisdiction and package
- the type and size of office or desk
- the number of visas
- approvals, attestation and PRO fees
- bank account and accounting needs
Some free zone packages may have lower initial setup costs, while mainland and free zone costs vary depending on the activity, workspace, visa requirements and licensing authority. Compare setup and renewal costs, visa limits and operational requirements before choosing a jurisdiction.
UAE Tax and Compliance Requirements
Setting up a company also creates ongoing tax, accounting and regulatory responsibilities. The requirements depend on the business, legal structure and activities.
Corporate Tax
Businesses that are Taxable Persons must comply with the applicable UAE Corporate Tax registration, filing and record-keeping requirements.
The UAE Corporate Tax regime generally applies:
- 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000.
- 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000.
Different rules may apply to Qualifying Free Zone Persons and other specific categories.
Eligible Taxable Persons with revenue of no more than AED 3 million may be able to claim Small Business Relief for qualifying tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2029, subject to the applicable conditions.
VAT
For UAE-resident businesses, VAT registration is generally:
- Mandatory when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed the threshold within the next 30 days.
- Voluntary where taxable supplies, imports or applicable taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500, subject to the Federal Tax Authority’s requirements.
Ongoing Compliance
Depending on the company, ongoing obligations may include:
- Maintaining accounting and business records
- Filing applicable Corporate Tax and VAT returns
- Renewing the business licence
- Updating company or tax registration details when required
- Meeting any activity-specific regulatory requirements
Tax treatment can vary according to the company’s circumstances, so businesses should review the current Federal Tax Authority requirements applicable to them.
Corporate Bank Account
A corporate bank account keeps business and personal transactions separate. Banks may request the trade licence, company documents, passport, proof of address, Emirates ID where applicable, and information about the business and expected transactions. Approval depends on the bank’s onboarding and compliance requirements. SAB can assist with the account opening process.
How Start Any Business Helps Jordanian Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs with Jordan nationality who want to establish a UAE company need to consider the jurisdiction, business activity, licensing, documentation, visas and ongoing compliance. Start Any Business (SAB) supports Jordanian entrepreneurs through the setup process based on their proposed business activities and requirements.
Our business setup support includes:
- Business setup consultation — activity, ownership, budget and operational requirements
- Mainland and free zone guidance — comparison of suitable jurisdictions and licence options
- Company formation support — trade name, initial approvals, incorporation and licensing
- Document assistance — shareholder documents, attestations and additional approvals
- Residence visa support — applicable owner, partner, employee and family procedures
- Corporate bank account assistance — support with documents and bank onboarding
- Tax and ongoing compliance support — applicable Corporate Tax, VAT, renewals, amendments and PRO services
Conclusion
Jordanian entrepreneurs can establish a UAE business through mainland or free zone options based on their activity, market and operational needs. If you have Jordan nationality, choosing the right structure and understanding the licensing, visa, tax and compliance requirements can make the setup process easier.
Start Any Business can support you throughout the UAE company formation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Jordanian citizens start a business in the UAE?
Yes. Jordanian citizens can establish and own businesses in the UAE through eligible mainland and free zone structures. The available setup options depend on the proposed business activity, licensing authority and applicable regulations.
2. Do Jordanian nationals need a local sponsor to start a UAE company?
Not for many business activities. The UAE allows 100% foreign ownership across many permitted mainland activities, while free zones generally allow full foreign ownership. Certain activities may still be subject to specific ownership, approval or regulatory requirements.
3. How much does it cost to set up a business in the UAE?
There is no single fixed setup cost. The total depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, licence type, workspace, number of residence visas and any additional government or regulatory approvals required. Some free zone packages may have lower initial costs, but the complete setup requirements should be compared before choosing an option.
4. Which is better for a Jordanian entrepreneur: mainland or free zone?
It depends on the business model. A mainland company may suit businesses that need broader access to the UAE market, while a free zone may suit certain service, international or specialised activities. The right option depends on your customers, activity, workspace, visa requirements and planned operations.
5. What documents do Jordanian nationals need to start a UAE company?
Common documents may include a valid passport, personal photograph, contact details and existing UAE residence documents where applicable. Regulated activities may require professional qualifications or additional approvals. The exact checklist depends on the company structure and licensing authority.
6. What are the visa requirements for Jordanian citizens starting a UAE business?
Visa requirements for Jordanian citizens depend on the residence category, company structure and relevant immigration authority. Eligible company owners or partners may apply for the applicable UAE residence permit after completing the required company and immigration procedures. Medical fitness and Emirates ID requirements may also apply.
7. Can I start a UAE company from Jordan without travelling?
Some UAE company formation procedures can be completed remotely, particularly through certain free zones and digital government services. However, whether the entire process can be completed from Jordan depends on the jurisdiction, activity and company structure. Residence visa, medical, Emirates ID or banking procedures may require additional steps or physical presence.
Ready to Start Your UAE Business?
Planning to set up a company in the UAE from Jordan? Start Any Business can help you choose the right setup and manage the company formation process from licensing to post-setup support.
