Business Setup in Dubai & UAE from AED 9,900

Why Choose This

Why 500+ Entrepreneurs Set Up With EBS

One partner, end to end

Licence, visa, Emirates ID, bank account, tax registration — one team handles everything, nothing falls between providers.

Founder-led, personal service

A founder-led team oversees every client. WhatsApp-first communication, answers in hours, not ticket queues.

Transparent fixed pricing

You get an exact fixed quote before we start. No hidden government fees appearing later — ever.

Business Formation in Dubai — Your One-Stop Shop

Start your journey in Dubai with Emirates Business Setup. We are recognized for our proven reputation and business regulations expertise with clear and transparent pricing. With comprehensive corporate services, 24/7 customer support, and strong industry connections in the UAE, we offer all business solutions as a one-stop shop — company formation, bank accounts, PRO services, accounting and tax, trademark registration, and timely licence renewals.

Free Zone, Mainland or Offshore — The Honest Comparison

Free Zone — the international favourite

Free zone companies are exempt from taxes on qualifying income, offer 100% ownership and 100% repatriation of capital and profits, and can engage in import and export. You can also add multiple business activities under one trade licence in a free zone setup. From AED 9,900 — see Free Zone formation.

Mainland — the local market key

Dubai Mainland offers numerous advantages: multiple business activities, unlimited residency visas, and full access to the UAE market including government contracts. Licences are issued by the Department of Economic Development across four categories — commercial, professional, industrial and tourism. Note: on the mainland you choose from pre-decided activity groups (8-9 activities of the same group under one licence). From AED 15,000 — see Mainland formation.

Offshore — privacy and holding

Offshore companies are registered in the UAE with an office address only — they are not entitled to run business activities inside the UAE, but offer more privacy in banking terms. Ideal for holding structures and international business — see the Non-Residency Package from AED 23,500.

Freelancer — the solo route

Working solo? A freelance licence gives you legal UAE status, residency visa and the right to invoice clients — without the overhead of a full company. From AED 15,000 — see the Freelance Visa.

How to Set Up Your Business in Dubai — Step by Step

More than 2,000 business activities are available in the UAE. The path from idea to licence:

Decide on your business activity and choose a legal structure — sole establishment, LLC, branch of a local or foreign company, holding company, or free zone entity
Choose a trade name that complies with UAE guidelines (we submit three options; the approved one is reserved for your company)
Obtain the initial approval certificate — the ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the relevant authority
Prepare and submit all required documents
Secure your business premises or flexi-desk and tenancy contract where required
Receive your trade licence and register for taxation (Corporate Tax, and VAT where applicable)
Open your corporate bank account through our banking partners
Process residency visas for you, your family and your team

With us, every step above is handled for you — most clients only appear for the visa biometrics.

What It Costs

Free Zone licences from AED 9,900 · complete packages with visa and bank account from AED 19,999 · Mainland from AED 15,000 · Non-Residency from AED 23,500. Build your exact configuration in the free Setup Cost Calculator and receive one fixed all-in quote — transparency and integrity are features that make us unique: we do not surprise our clients after they sign up.

How It Works

From Enquiry to Open for Business

STEP 01

Free 1-hour consultation

We assess your activity, market and budget — and recommend the exact structure and zone.

STEP 02

We handle everything

Licence, visas, Emirates ID, medicals, bank applications — processed by our teams, remotely if you prefer.

STEP 03

You are open for business

Typically fully operational within 2-3 weeks, with our accounting team ready for the long term.

FAQ

Business Setup FAQs

How much does business setup in Dubai cost?

Free Zone licences start from AED 9,900 (about $2,700). A full package with residency visa, Emirates ID and bank accounts starts from AED 19,999. Mainland from AED 15,000, Non-Residency from AED 23,500. You receive an exact fixed quote on your free call.

How long does company formation in Dubai take?

Your trade licence is typically issued in 1-5 working days. Bank accounts take 3-10 days and visas run in parallel — most clients are fully set up within 2-3 weeks.

Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?

Yes. Free Zone companies offer 100% foreign ownership, and most Mainland activities now also permit full foreign ownership without a local sponsor.

Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?

Free Zone setups can be completed fully remotely. For Mainland, one short visit is needed for the MoA signature. Visa stamping requires presence, which we schedule around your travel.

Which is better for me — Free Zone or Mainland?

It depends on where your clients are. Serving international clients: Free Zone is usually optimal. Selling to the UAE market or seeking government contracts: Mainland. We confirm the best fit on your free call.

Good to Know

The Details Most Providers Skip

Can I run multiple business activities under one licence?

In a free zone: yes — you can add multiple activities under one trade licence. On the mainland, the government uses pre-decided activity groups: you can choose 8-9 activities of the same group under one licence. We structure your activity list so nothing you plan to do falls outside your licence.

Why do most foreign entrepreneurs choose Dubai?

The UAE offers 100% ownership, low taxes, and 100% capital repatriation. It is a global tourist destination, its economy is well-developed, and it is safe for families. Add 0% personal income tax and you keep what you earn.

What documents do I need to start?

For most setups: passport copies of shareholders, a passport photo, and your chosen activities — that’s genuinely it to begin. Bank account opening later requires the trade licence, MoA and supporting documents, all of which we prepare.

Can an offshore company do business inside the UAE?

No — offshore companies are registered with an office address only and cannot run activities inside the UAE. They excel at holding assets, international invoicing and banking privacy. If you need UAE market access, free zone or mainland is your structure.