Business Setup, Dubai, UAE

Reviewed by Shobhna Thapa, Legal Advisor

How to start your business in Dubai

Mainland, free zone or offshore, each with a different ownership, activity and cost profile. Here's how to choose the right structure and get set up.

100% Foreign Ownership Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore Tailored Cost Quote Full Profit Repatriation

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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). Cost depends on structure, activity and visa count, so get in touch for a tailored quote once your details are confirmed. Every route offers 100% foreign ownership under current law, 0% personal income tax, and full repatriation of profits and capital.

Why It Matters

Why choosing the right structure from day one matters

Dubai gives you three routes into business: mainland, free zone or offshore, and each carries different ownership rules, activity scope and cost. 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

Mainland vs free zone vs offshore

Mainland Company

Trade directly across the UAE and with government entities, with no restriction on office location.

Free Zone Company

100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup and a strong fit for export-focused or professional-service businesses.

100% Foreign Ownership

Available across mainland, free zone and offshore structures under current UAE law.

0% Personal Income Tax

Keep more of what your business earns, with no personal income tax in the UAE.

Full Repatriation

100% repatriation of capital and profits, with no currency restrictions.

Before You Apply

Requirements you'll need to confirm

Activity & Jurisdiction

Decide your business activity first, since it determines which jurisdictions and licences fit.

Structure Choice

Mainland, free zone or offshore, each carries different ownership, cost and activity implications.

Document Checklist

Passport copies, a business plan and a proposed trade name are the core requirements.

Budget Confirmation

Confirm your total cost once activity, structure and visa count are decided.

Getting Started

Dubai business setup: the step-by-step process

Choose Your Activity

Confirm the exact business activity you plan to carry out.

Choose Your Jurisdiction

Decide between mainland, free zone or offshore based on your activity and market.

Reserve Your Trade Name

Submit your preferred company name for approval.

Submit Your Application

File your licence application along with passport copies and shareholder documents.

Secure Approvals

Obtain any additional approvals your specific activity requires.

Pay Fees

Settle registration and licensing fees.

Receive Your Licence

Collect your trade licence and open your corporate bank account.

Process Visas

Apply for investor and employee visas against your approved package.

Budgeting

Requirements and cost

Item	Detail
Typical setup range	Varies by structure and activity, contact us for a tailored quote
Free zone licence	Varies by free zone and activity, contact us for a tailored quote
Offshore company	Varies by jurisdiction, contact us for a tailored quote
Mainland licence	Varies by activity, contact us for a tailored quote
Per-person visa cost	Varies by visa type, contact us for a tailored quote
Nationality requirement	Open to any nationality

Pricing depends on your activity, structure and visa count. Contact our team directly for a tailored quote.

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Thousands around the world trust us. Now so can you.

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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Frequently Asked, and Ready When You Are

Starting a business in Dubai, answered, plus a direct line to our team

What is the first step to start a business in Dubai?+

The first step is choosing your business activity and jurisdiction, mainland, free zone or offshore, since this decision shapes every step that follows, including licensing, ownership and visa eligibility.

How much does it cost to start a business in Dubai?+

Cost varies by jurisdiction, business activity and visa count, so there is no single flat figure. Share your activity and structure with our team and we will confirm a tailored quote.

Mainland, free zone or offshore, which should I choose?+

Mainland suits businesses that need to trade directly across the UAE and with government entities. Free zone suits export-focused or professional-service businesses wanting 100% ownership and streamlined setup. Offshore suits holding structures and international trading with no UAE office requirement.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?+

Yes, 100% foreign ownership is available for free zone companies and for most mainland activities under current UAE commercial companies law.

What documents do I need to start a business in Dubai?+

At a minimum you will need passport copies of all shareholders, a business plan or activity description, and a proposed trade name. Additional approvals may apply depending on your activity.

How long does it take to register a company in Dubai?+

Straightforward free zone licences can be issued in a matter of days once documents are submitted. Mainland licences and activities needing external approvals can take longer, confirm your specific timeline once your activity is known.

Do I need a local sponsor to start a business in Dubai?+

No, most mainland and all free zone activities no longer require a local UAE sponsor, following reforms to the commercial companies law that permit 100% foreign ownership.

What ongoing costs should I budget for after setup?+

Beyond the initial licence, budget for annual licence renewal, office or desk space, visa renewals, and audit costs where applicable to your structure and jurisdiction.

Talk to an advisor

Send your details and our team will reply with next steps and a tailored quote.

+971 52 960 4444 hidubai@smartzonesuae.com 11th Floor, Suite No. 1108, Silver Tower, Downtown, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.

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Start your Dubai company the right way, first time

Call now or send your details above. Our advisory team will confirm your structure, licence and total cost, free of charge.