Business Setup, Dubai, UAE
Mainland, free zone or offshore, published pricing from AED 12,500 to AED 28,500. Here's how to choose the right structure and get set up.
Free, no-obligation consultation on structure, licence and cost.
Starting a business in Dubai means choosing between three structures: a mainland company (able to trade directly across the UAE), a free zone company (100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup, export-focused), or an offshore company (holding and international trading, no UAE office needed). Published competitor pricing puts a typical setup between AED 12,500 and AED 28,500, depending on structure, activity and visa count. Every route offers 100% foreign ownership under current law, 0% personal income tax, and full repatriation of profits and capital.
Why It Matters
Dubai gives you three routes into business: mainland, free zone or offshore, and each carries different ownership rules, activity scope and cost. Published competitor pricing puts a typical setup between AED 12,500 and AED 28,500, but picking the wrong structure can mean re-registering later at extra cost. Getting advice before you file, not after, is what keeps the process a one-time cost instead of a repeated one.
Choosing Your Route
Trade directly across the UAE and with government entities, with no restriction on office location.
100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup and a strong fit for export-focused or professional-service businesses.
Available across mainland, free zone and offshore structures under current UAE law.
Keep more of what your business earns, with no personal income tax in the UAE.
100% repatriation of capital and profits, with no currency restrictions.
Before You Apply
Decide your business activity first, since it determines which jurisdictions and licences fit.
Mainland, free zone or offshore, each carries different ownership, cost and activity implications.
Passport copies, a business plan and a proposed trade name are the core requirements.
Confirm your total cost once activity, structure and visa count are decided.
Getting Started
Confirm the exact business activity you plan to carry out.
Decide between mainland, free zone or offshore based on your activity and market.
Submit your preferred company name for approval.
File your licence application along with passport copies and shareholder documents.
Obtain any additional approvals your specific activity requires.
Settle registration and licensing fees.
Collect your trade licence and open your corporate bank account.
Apply for investor and employee visas against your approved package.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical setup range | AED 12,500-28,500* |
| Free zone licence (from) | AED 12,500* |
| Offshore company (from) | AED 8,000* |
| Mainland licence (from) | AED 25,999* |
| Per-person visa cost | AED 3,000-5,500* |
| Nationality requirement | Open to any nationality |
*Indicative only, based on published competitor starting rates at the time of writing. Confirm current pricing directly with our team before budgeting a total.
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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