Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Business Setup, UAE
Seven emirates, dozens of free zones, published pricing from AED 6,000 to AED 16,500. Here's how to choose the right one and get set up.
Free, no-obligation consultation on emirate, structure and cost.
Setting up a business anywhere in the UAE means choosing between three structures, mainland, free zone or offshore, across seven emirates and dozens of free zones. Published competitor pricing puts a typical starting package between AED 6,000 and AED 16,500, depending on emirate, activity and visa count. Every route offers 100% foreign ownership under current law, and free zone companies can qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, with full repatriation of profits and capital across all structures.
Why It Matters
The UAE offers seven emirates and dozens of free zones, each with its own licensing authority, fee schedule and activity list. Published competitor pricing runs from around AED 6,000 to AED 16,500 for a standard package, but the right emirate and structure for your activity can change that figure significantly. Comparing your options before you file is what keeps the process a one-time cost.
Choosing Your Route
Trade directly across the UAE and with government entities, with no restriction on office location.
100% foreign ownership, streamlined setup, and a strong fit for export-focused or professional-service businesses.
Available across mainland, free zone and offshore structures under current UAE law.
A 9% corporate tax rate above a set threshold, with 0% available on qualifying free zone income.
100% repatriation of capital and profits, with no currency restrictions.
Before You Apply
Decide your business activity and target emirate first, since together they shape every other decision.
Mainland, free zone or offshore, each carries different ownership, cost and activity implications.
Passport copies, a business plan and a proposed trade name are the core requirements.
Confirm your total cost once activity, emirate and visa count are decided.
Getting Started
Confirm the exact business activity you plan to carry out.
Decide between mainland, free zone or offshore, and which emirate fits your activity and market.
Submit your preferred company name for approval.
File your licence application along with passport copies and shareholder documents.
Obtain any additional approvals your specific activity requires.
Settle registration and licensing fees.
Collect your trade licence and open your corporate bank account.
Apply for investor and employee visas against your approved package.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entry-level package (from) | AED 6,000* |
| Standard package (from) | AED 16,500* |
| Per-person visa cost | AED 3,000-5,500* |
| Corporate tax rate | 9% above threshold, 0% on qualifying free zone income |
| Nationality requirement | Open to any nationality |
*Indicative only, based on published competitor starting rates at the time of writing. Confirm current pricing directly with our team before budgeting a total.
Our Story
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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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment