Business Setup & PRO Services
Business Setup in Dubai & the UAE. Fast, Right, Complete.
From selecting the right jurisdiction across 40+ UAE free zones to obtaining your trade licence, processing visas and opening a corporate bank account, GULF CONSULT manages the entire company formation process so you can focus on your business from day one.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore
Choose the right jurisdiction for your business model, activity type and long-term commercial plans.
| FEATURE | MAINLAND LLC | FREE ZONE | OFFSHORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | ✓ 100% (most activities) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| UAE Local Market Access | ✓ Unrestricted | ✗ Via distributor only | ✗ Not permitted |
| Government Contracts | ✓ Eligible | Limited | ✗ Not eligible |
| Corporate Tax | 9% above AED 375k | 0% (on qualifying income OFFZP) | No CT if no UAE income |
| Office Requirement | Physical office mandatory | Flexi desk options available | No office required |
| Audit Requirement | Annual (most activities) | Depends on free zone | Not mandatory (RAK ICC) |
| Setup Timeline | 7-15 working days | 3-10 working days | 3-7 working days |
| Typical First-Year Cost | AED 15,000 to 40,000+ | AED 12,000 to 30,000+ | AED 8,000 to 16,000 |
*Cost ranges are indicative for standard setups. Activity-specific approvals, regulated activities and additional visas affect final costs. Contact GULF CONSULT for a precise quotation.
Complete Business Formation Services
Every component of your UAE company setup, handled by specialists who know each authority, free zone and DED requirement in detail.
Mainland LLC Formation (DED)
DED-licensed mainland companies with 100% foreign ownership (post-2020 Commercial Companies Law reform). Full access to UAE government contracts, local market and GCC trading.
Free Zone Company Setup
40+ UAE free zones covered: DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, IFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS, DAFZA and more. 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation, sector-specific licensing.
Offshore Company Registration
RAK ICC and JAF ZA offshore structures for asset holding, IP ownership and international trading, with full confidentiality and streamlined compliance requirements.
Trade Licence & Activity Selection
Correct activity classification is critical for CT, VAT and PRO purposes. We map your business model to the right licensed activities and advise on expansion from day one.
Visa & Immigration Services
Investor visas, employment visas, dependent visas and UAE Golden Visa applications. Entry permits, status change, medical fitness, Emirates ID, full immigration support.
Corporate Bank Account Opening
Introductions and application support for Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, FAB, HSBC UAE, ENBD, WIO and more. We know what each bank requires and prepare your file accordingly.
PRO Services & Government Liaison
Ministry of Labour, MOHRE, immigration, DED, municipality and notary transactions. Document attestation, power of attorney and ongoing government liaison on your behalf.
Licence Renewals & Amendments
Annual licence renewal, activity amendments, shareholder changes, company name changes and address updates across all jurisdictions, handled without you visiting a single government office.
Branch & Representative Office
UAE branch registration for foreign companies: MoE approval, local service agent appointment and ongoing compliance management.
Not Sure Which Free Zone Is Right for You?
GULF CONSULT provides a written jurisdiction recommendation within one business day, free of charge. We compare the top 2 to 3 options for your activity, visa needs and commercial model.
How to Set Up a Business in Dubai
Work with a Virtuzone consultant from the first call. We advise on the route, prepare the documents and manage each stage until you are ready to trade.
Step 1
Consult and plan
We align goals and activities, recommend free zone or mainland and outline costs and timelines.
Step 2
Structure and documents
We set the legal structure and shareholding and prepare forms, MOA and all papers.
Step 3
Name and approvals
We reserve the trade name and secure the initial approvals from the authority.
Step 4
Licence and immigration
We file the application, issue the trade licence and create immigration records.
Step 5
Visas banking and compliance
We process visas, support bank account opening and register VAT and corporate tax.
Types of business setup in Dubai
There are three main types of business setup in the UAE: free zone, mainland and offshore. Each has distinct advantages, regulations and requirements.
Free Zone Company
Industry focused. Fast and seamless setup.
Free zones are special economic areas designed for specific industries. The UAE is home to over 40 of them, each with its own authority, regulations, and perks. If you want 100% foreign ownership, zero customs duties, and a streamlined registration process, a free zone setup is often the smartest route.
Best for:
- Startups
- E-commerce businesses
- International trade
- Tech companies
- Freelancers
Starting from: AED 12,500
Mainland Company
Operate anywhere in the UAE and beyond.
A mainland company, also known as an onshore company, gives you the freedom to trade across the entire UAE and internationally. Licensed by the Department of Economic Development, this is the go-to option if you want to work directly with UAE clients, bid for government tenders, or set up anywhere in the country.
Best for:
- Businesses selling to UAE clients
- Companies needing unlimited visas
- Government contractors
Starting from: AED 14,999
Offshore Company
A lean holding structure for international activities.
An offshore company is a non operational entity, typically used for holding assets, managing investments, or serving as a special purpose vehicle. It is registered within certain UAE free zones and managed by public authorities. If you do not need a physical presence in the UAE but want the benefits of a UAE registered entity, this is your path.
Best for:
- Holding companies
- International SPVs
- Asset protection
Starting from: AED 8,000
40+ UAE Free Zones, Find Your Best Fit
Browse all major UAE free zones by emirate. Each has its own licence categories, visa allowances, office requirements and pricing. Click any free zone to see its current package prices, or contact our team for a personalised recommendation.
Dubai Free Zones (19)
Dubai Free Zone PricesDMCC
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Commodities, Trade, Gold, Diamond, Energy, Consulting
From AED 35,484See PricesDIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre
Financial Services, Fintech, Legal, Consulting
From AED 65,000See PricesDAFZA
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Logistics, Aviation, Trade, Manufacturing, Media
Quote OnlySee PricesJAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone
Logistics, Trading, Manufacturing, Industrial Operations
Quote OnlySee PricesIFZA
International Free Zone Authority
Consulting, Trading, Services, Tech, 0 Visa Min
From AED 12,900See PricesMEYDAN FREE ZONE
Meydan, Near Downtown Dubai
Freelancers, E-Commerce, Services
From AED 12,520See PricesDUBAI SOUTH
Aviation, Logistics
Manufacturing, E-Commerce, Trade Adjacent To Al Maktoum Airport
From AED 12,500See PricesDSOA
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Technology, Software, Electronics, Semiconductor, R&D
From AED 12,000See PricesDIC
Dubai Internet City
Internet, Digital, IT, Software, Media, Telecommunications
From AED 7,500See PricesDMC
Dubai Media City
Media, Broadcasting, Publishing, Advertising, PR
From AED 7,500See PricesDKP
Dubai Knowledge Park
Education, Training, HR, E-Learning
From AED 7,500See PricesDHCC
Dubai Healthcare City
Healthcare, Pharma, Wellness, Medical Devices
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareDFC
Dubai Flower Centre
Flowers, Perishables, Horticulture, Food
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareDUBAI STUDIO CITY
Production, Broadcasting
Content Creation, Media
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareDWTC
Dubai World Trade Centre
Events, Exhibitions, Business Services
From AED 12,000See PricesDCCA
Dubai Creative Clusters
Design, Fashion, Architecture, Craft
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareDIEZ
Dubai Industrial & Export Zone
Manufacturing, Industrial, Heavy Industry
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareDUCAMZ
Dubai Cars & Automotive Zone
Car Trading, Vehicle Export, Al Aweer
From AED 14,000See PricesDMFZA
Dubai Maritime City
Maritime Services
Dubai Free Zone PricesCompareAbu Dhabi Free Zones (7)
Abu Dhabi Free Zone PricesADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market
Financial Services, Fintech, Legal, Fund Management
From AED 5,510See PricesKEZAD (Formerly KIZAD)
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi
Manufacturing, Logistics, Chemicals, Food Processing
From AED 22,575See Pricestwofour54
Media, Entertainment
Gaming, Digital Content, Broadcasting
Fees WaivedSee PricesMASDAR CITY
Clean Energy, Sustainability
Tech, R&D, Green Innovation
From AED 12,000See PricesADAFZ
Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone
Aviation, Air Cargo, Services
From AED 14,590See PricesADIC
Abu Dhabi Investment Office
Free Zones: Advanced Manufacturing, Tourism, Agritech
Abu Dhabi Free Zone PricesCompareZONESCORP
Industrial Zones
Manufacturing, Food, Chemicals, Metals, Logistics
Abu Dhabi Free Zone PricesCompareSharjah Free Zones (5)
Sharjah Free Zone PricesSHAMS
Sharjah Media City
Media, Consulting, Trading, E-Commerce, Very Affordable
From AED 5,750See PricesSPC FREE ZONE
Sharjah Publishing City
Publishing, E-Commerce, Trading, Dual Licence Option
From AED 4,999See PricesSAIF ZONE
Sharjah Airport International
Free Zone: Logistics, Trading, Manufacturing
From AED 10,800See PricesSRTIP
Sharjah Research
Technology And Innovation Park: R&D, Deep Tech
From AED 5,500See PricesHAMRIYAH FZ
Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah
Industrial, Oil & Gas Services, Heavy Industry
Quote OnlySee PricesAjman Free Zones (3)
Ajman Free Zone PricesRas Al Khaimah Free Zones (3)
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone PricesRAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Most Affordable, Wide Range Of Activities
From AED 6,000See PricesRAK ICC
RAK International Corporate Centre
Offshore Company Registry, Not A Free Zone: Holding And Asset-Owning Companies
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone PricesCompareRAKIA
RAK Investment Authority
Industrial, Manufacturing, Trading
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone PricesCompareUmm Al Quwain Free Zones (1)
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone PricesFujairah Free Zones (3)
Fujairah Free Zone PricesUAE Business Setup, Cost Estimator
Get a real-time estimate of your business setup costs. Pricing varies by jurisdiction, activity, office type and visa requirements.
Estimate Your Costs
Estimated Cost Breakdown
Disclaimer: This is an estimate only. Actual costs may vary based on your specific business activity, regulatory requirements, and jurisdiction-specific fees. Contact our team for a detailed quote.
Business Setup in the UAE, 8 Key Questions Answered
Get answers to the most common questions about setting up your business in Dubai
Still have questions?
Ready to Set Up Your UAE Business?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our setup specialists. We'll tell you exactly what you need, what it will cost and how long it will take, before you commit to anything.
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