Incorporation
Business Setup in the UAE
Starting a company in the UAE means choosing between more than 45 free zones, mainland licensing in each emirate and offshore registries. We map your activity, ownership, visas, office and banking needs, then recommend the structure in writing with every cost shown, before you commit to anything.
Free zone packages from AED 12,500
Who it is for
Built for your situation.
Free zone, mainland or offshore, chosen for how you will actually trade.
What is included
Everything handled, end to end.
Jurisdiction comparison
Two or three costed options side by side: free zone, mainland or offshore.
Activity selection
The exact licence activities your business needs, so banks and authorities accept them.
Name and approvals
Trade name reservation, initial approval and any external approvals.
Licence and registration
Memorandum, licence, registration certificate and share certificates.
Visas and Emirates ID
Investor and employee visas processed end to end.
Bank account support
Compliance pack and introductions to UAE banks.
How it works
The process, step by step.
Discovery call
A free 30 minute session to understand activities, shareholders and visas.
Written proposal
Jurisdiction, licence and costs in writing, with government fees split out.
Documents and approvals
One checklist, collected once, submitted for name and initial approval.
Licence issued
Company registered and your corporate documents handed over.
Visas and banking
Establishment card, visas, Emirates ID and bank account support.
Documents you will need
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager
- Passport-size photo on a white background
- Proof of residential address
- Short description of the planned business
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and a board resolution
Timeline
Most free zone companies are licensed in 3 to 10 working days once documents are complete.
Updates at every stageFees
Free zone packages from AED 12,500Government fees are passed through at cost and shown separately on your proposal. Prices as of October 2026 and confirmed in your written proposal.
Questions
Business Setup in the UAE FAQ.
Still unsure? Ask an advisor and get an answer in writing.
Free zones suit international trade, services and holding activity with simple setup. Mainland suits businesses that sell directly to the UAE market or need government contracts. We compare both for your activity in writing.
Yes. Free zone companies are fully foreign owned, and most mainland activities also allow 100% foreign ownership.
Many free zones allow fully remote setup. You will need to visit for the medical and biometrics if you apply for a residency visa.
Related services
Often combined with this.
Free consultation
Start your business setup in the uae.
Tell us what you need. An advisor replies within one working day with the route, documents, timeline and a fixed fee.
- Reply within one working day
- Written proposal with every fee shown
- Boulevard Plaza, Downtown Dubai or online
