Setting up a company in the Emirates — three routes, one decision.
Free zone, mainland or holding: your activity decides, not the brochure. We settle that first and then incorporate where it actually works for you.
A UAE free zone licence is typically issued within a few working days; mainland takes one to three weeks and requires an Ejari tenancy contract. What it costs depends on activity, jurisdiction and visa count — the first estimate calculates the range for your case. As of 09/2026.
Setting up a UAE company means the issuance of a trade licence by a free zone authority or the economic department of the respective emirate (mainland), including memorandum of association, establishment card and — if required — a visa quota for shareholders and employees.
Updated: 01/09/2026
The three routes compared
The difference is not prestige but market access, cost and how much substance you build locally.
| Criterion | Free zone | Mainland | Holding (RAK ICC / DIFC / ADGM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100 % foreign | 100 % in nearly all activities | 100 % foreign |
| Local market | only via distributor or mainland branch | direct access, public tenders | no operating business |
| Office requirement | flexi-desk usually sufficient | Ejari tenancy contract mandatory | registered office with the agent |
| Setup cost level | lowest | higher, due to office and Ejari | low, without visas |
| Typical duration | a few working days | one to three weeks | one to two weeks |
| Corporate tax | 0 % on qualifying income with substance met, otherwise 9 % | 9 % above AED 375,000 profit | depends on activity, usually pure shareholding |
| Visas | quota by package and space | depends on office space | usually none |
As of 09/2026. You get the cost range for your case through the first estimate and the binding price in the quote.
The process in six steps
Define activity and jurisdiction
We check which free zone can licence your activity at all. Some activities — real estate brokerage, financial advice, healthcare, crypto — require approval and additionally involve RERA, DFSA, DHA or VARA.
Reserve the name and submit documents
Passport copies, photo, proof of address, occasionally a short business plan. UAE naming rules are strict: no religious terms, no country names, no abbreviated personal names.
Licence and memorandum
The authority issues the trade licence and MOA. From here the company exists and can enter contracts.
Establishment card
The company immigration card. Without it no visas can be applied for — it is the link between licence and residency.
Visa process
Entry permit, status change, medical, biometrics, Emirates ID, visa stamp. Individually per person, typically in weeks rather than months.
Bank account, tax registration, operations
Corporate account with a prepared KYC file, corporate tax registration, VAT if taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000, then annual renewals.
What determines the price
There is no list price for a company setup, because four things move it. Knowing them makes the estimate readable.
The activity
Regulated activities — real estate, finance, healthcare, crypto — bring additional authority fees and conditions. A consulting licence is the cheapest case.
The jurisdiction
Free zone or mainland, and which zone. Mainland requires an Ejari tenancy contract and an establishment card, which are cheaper or unnecessary in a free zone.
The number of visas
The biggest lever. Each person brings an entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and health insurance. From four visas most zones apply package pricing.
What recurs every year
Licence renewal, establishment card, insurance per person, Ejari where applicable. That belongs in the calculation before deciding — not a year later.
Free zones we frequently recommend
The right zone is not the best-known one but the one whose activity catalogue and visa quota fit you.
IFZA & Meydan (Dubai)
Broad activity catalogues, fast issuance, good bankability. The standard for consulting, IT and trading without warehousing.
DMCC (Dubai)
More expensive, but reputation and commodities trading. Sensible when banks and partners look closely.
DIFC & ADGM
Common law, own courts, foundations and fund structures. For family offices and regulated financial activities.
RAKEZ & RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah)
Cost-efficient for industry and warehousing, RAK ICC as a holding vehicle without operations.
SHAMS & Ajman
Affordable media and e-commerce licences, suitable for solo founders on a small budget.
Mainland (DET, ADDED)
When you sell to end customers or authorities in the UAE, bid for tenders or need retail premises.
First estimate: what will your structure cost?
A cost range in 60 seconds, based on our current price list. Not an offer — a starting point for the conversation.
- 1Choose an activity — from 55 options or describe your own
- 2Free zone, mainland or "not sure yet"
- 3Visas yes or no, and how many
- 4Estimate with breakdown — instantly and by email
What will your company do?
Choose the main activity. Yours missing? Choose "Other".
Frequently asked questions
What does setting up a company in Dubai really cost?
It depends on activity, jurisdiction and the number of visas — which is why there is no figure here that would be right for you anyway. The first estimate calculates your range in 60 seconds, with a full breakdown and no sales pressure.
How long does incorporation take?
The licence is typically issued within a few working days once documents are complete. The visa process then usually takes two to six weeks, depending on medical appointments and the authority.
Do I need a local partner?
No. In free zones 100 % foreign ownership was always possible; on the mainland it applies to nearly all activities since the 2020 reform. Only a few strategic sectors still require Emirati participation.
Do I have to live in the UAE to incorporate?
No. A licence without visas is possible, for example for holdings. Anyone who wants to live here, run an account or rent needs a residence visa — and must enter the country for medical and biometrics.
Which activities require approval?
Among others real estate brokerage (RERA), financial and investment advice (DFSA/FSRA), healthcare services (DHA), crypto services (VARA), legal advice and insurance brokerage. These add authority fees and conditions, and the price only emerges in conversation.
Can I move from free zone to mainland later?
Yes. The usual route is an additional mainland licence or branch rather than dissolving the free zone company. Which is cheaper depends on visas, contracts and banking.
Does my UAE company pay tax?
9 % corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000, 0 % below. Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0 % on qualifying income if substance and de-minimis conditions are met — tested annually. Registration is mandatory regardless.
Does that get me a bank account?
Not automatically. Banks assess activity, source of funds and substance. With a prepared KYC file and the right choice of bank it is routine — without both it becomes slow.
Which licence carries your business — and which does not?
In the first call we check activity, visa needs and bankability and tell you which jurisdiction we recommend. 15 minutes, free of charge.