Business setup in the UAE
Company Registration in Dubai, with the licence, visas and tax registrations handled for you
Company registration in Dubai can be done on the mainland, in a free zone or offshore, and the right choice depends on where your customers are and what you sell. BizSetups Consulting helps you pick the route and the licence activity, then completes the trade name, licence, visa and corporate tax steps, with one expert from start to finish.
- Mainland, free zone and offshore compared
- 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- Licence, visas, bank and tax support
- Clear written quote before you start
How do you register a company in Dubai?
To register a company in Dubai you choose a jurisdiction (the mainland with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, or a free zone), select the business activity and legal form, reserve a trade name, get initial approval, sign the company documents, arrange office space and pay for the licence. After the licence you can apply for investor and employee visas, open a corporate bank account and register for UAE corporate tax and, where required, VAT. Most foreign investors can hold 100% ownership.
Know your options
Six decisions to make before you register a company in Dubai
Each decision changes the cost, the visa quota and where you can sell. We walk through all six with you first.
Mainland or free zone
A mainland licence lets you trade directly across Dubai and the UAE market. A free zone licence suits export, services, holding and online businesses, with a simpler setup.
Business activity
Your licence lists the exact activities you may perform. Choose activities that match your invoices and contracts, because changes later take time.
Legal form
Most investors choose a limited liability company (LLC) on the mainland, or an FZ-LLC or FZE in a free zone. A branch of a foreign company is also possible.
Office space
Mainland licences need a registered office with a tenancy contract. Free zones offer flexi desks, shared and private offices and warehouses.
Visa needs
The number of visas depends on your office size and package. Plan investor, manager and staff visas at the start.
Tax position
Corporate tax is 9% on profit above AED 375,000 and qualifying free zone income can be taxed at 0%. VAT is 5% where registration applies.
How it works
Company registration in Dubai, step by step
This is the usual sequence from the first call to a company that can trade.
- 1
Free consultation and route choice
Day 1We learn about your product, customers and budget, then compare mainland, free zone and offshore for your case.
- 2
Choose activity and legal form
Day 1 to 2We match your business to the official activity list and check whether the activity needs a special approval.
- 3
Trade name reservation
Day 2 to 3The name must follow UAE naming rules and avoid restricted words. We check availability and reserve it.
- 4
Initial approval
Day 3 to 4The authority gives in-principle approval for the activity and name before you take office space.
- 5
Office space and tenancy
Day 4 to 7Mainland needs a tenancy contract registered on Ejari. Free zones usually bundle the desk or office into the package.
- 6
Company documents and signing
Day 5 to 8The memorandum or articles of association are prepared and signed by the owners. Some steps need notarisation.
- 7
Licence and establishment card
Day 7 to 12After payment and final approval, the trade licence and establishment card are issued.
- 8
Visas, bank account and tax registration
After licenceInvestor visa and Emirates ID, a corporate bank account, UAE corporate tax registration and VAT where required.
Timelines are indicative and depend on the activity, the authority and how quickly documents are provided. Regulated activities need extra approvals that add time.
Compare
Dubai company setup compared: mainland, free zone, offshore and branch
The same business can look very different under each route. Use this table as a starting point.
| Feature | Mainland | Free zone | Offshore | Branch of foreign company |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where you can trade | Across Dubai and the wider UAE market, and abroad | Inside the zone and abroad. UAE market sales need a distributor or special permission | Outside the UAE only, no local trading | Same as the parent’s approved activity in Dubai |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership | Owned by the parent company |
| Office requirement | Registered office with a tenancy contract | Flexi desk, shared or private office from the zone | Registered agent address, no physical office | Registered office in Dubai |
| UAE residence visas | Yes, quota depends on office size | Yes, quota depends on the package | Generally no | Yes, based on the office |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375,000 of taxable income | 0% on qualifying income if conditions are met, 9% on other income | Needs a tax review before use | 9% above the threshold on UAE income |
| Best for | Retail, trading, contracting, local services | Consulting, e-commerce, trading, holding, technology | Holding assets and international contracts | Foreign companies extending an existing business |
Rules vary by activity and authority. Ask us to confirm the current position for your business before you decide.
Why Dubai
Why register a company in Dubai: key benefits
Dubai combines a global location with straightforward company rules.
Global trade hub
Dubai sits between Asia, Europe and Africa with world-class ports, airports and logistics.
100% ownership
Foreign investors can own 100% of most mainland and free zone companies without a local partner.
Competitive taxes
There is no personal income tax. Corporate tax is 9% above AED 375,000, with 0% for qualifying free zone income.
Fast setup
A clean application can move from name approval to licence in about one to two weeks.
Residence visas
Investor, manager and employee visas with Emirates ID let you live and work in the UAE.
Growth network
Banks, investors, talent and customers across the Gulf, with easy access to regional markets.
Documents
What you need to register a company in Dubai
Prepare these and the application moves without back-and-forth.
Shareholders and managers
- Passport copies valid for at least six months
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Emirates ID and visa copy, if already a UAE resident
- Proof of address from your home country
- No-objection certificate if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Company documents for corporate shareholders
Corporate shareholders
A company shareholder provides its certificate of incorporation, constitutional documents and list of directors, usually attested for use in the UAE.
Business and licence
- Two or three proposed trade names
- List of business activities
- Specimen signature
- Tenancy contract or flexi desk agreement
- Initial approvals for regulated activities
- Business plan, if the authority asks for one
Attestation
Foreign documents are normally notarised and attested before use. We tell you exactly what each authority needs.
After the licence
Compliance after Dubai company registration
Registration is the start. These keep the company in good standing.
Licence renewal
The trade licence, tenancy contract and establishment card are renewed each year.
Corporate tax
Register with the Federal Tax Authority and file the corporate tax return within nine months of the period end.
VAT returns
VAT of 5% applies once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. Returns are filed monthly or quarterly.
Accounting and audit
Keep proper books. Some companies, including qualifying free zone persons, need audited financial statements.
Visas, UBO and records
Renew visas and Emirates IDs, keep the beneficial owner register current and hold records for seven years.
Complete guide
Company registration in Dubai: the complete guide
What does company registration in Dubai involve?
Company registration in Dubai means obtaining a trade licence from the authority that governs your chosen jurisdiction. On the mainland that is the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). In a free zone it is the zone authority. The licence names your company, its legal form, its owners and the activities it may carry on.
Registration also covers the practical parts of starting up: an office address, residence visas for the owners and staff, a corporate bank account and registration with the UAE tax authority. A good setup handles these together so that nothing blocks you after the licence arrives.
Mainland, free zone or offshore: which is right?
Choose mainland when you sell to customers in Dubai and the wider UAE, bid for government or large corporate contracts, or run a shop, restaurant, clinic or contracting business. Choose a free zone when your customers are mostly overseas, you provide consulting or digital services, or you want lower setup cost and a fast process. An offshore company holds assets or signs international contracts but cannot trade inside the UAE.
- Selling to UAE customers directly: mainland
- Export, e-commerce, consulting, holding: free zone
- Holding assets or intellectual property: offshore, after a tax review
- A foreign group extending operations: branch or subsidiary
Mainland company registration in Dubai (DET licence)
Mainland companies are licensed by DET. Reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law allow 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and industrial activities, so a local sponsor is no longer needed for them. A small list of strategic activities still needs a UAE national partner or extra approval.
The process covers name reservation, initial approval, a registered office with a tenancy contract on Ejari, the memorandum of association, payment of fees and issue of the licence. Some activities need approval from another body, such as the health, education or municipality authority.
Dubai free zone company registration
Free zones are business areas with their own authority, licence rules and packages. Dubai has dozens of them, each aimed at different industries. A free zone company is 100% foreign owned and can usually be set up with a flexi desk, so you do not need to lease a full office.
The main limit is trading in the local market. A free zone company has traditionally sold to UAE customers through a distributor or a mainland partner. Dubai has been introducing rules that let some free zone companies obtain permission to operate on the mainland, but eligibility depends on the activity, so we check the current position before you choose. BizSetups is also a registered partner of the IFZA Free Zone, the RAK Free Zone (RAKEZ) and the UAQ Free Zone, so we can compare them against a Dubai licence for you.
Legal forms for a Dubai company: LLC, FZ-LLC and branch
The most common forms are the limited liability company (LLC) on the mainland, the free zone company (FZ-LLC for several shareholders, FZE for a single owner), a sole establishment for individuals, and a branch of an overseas company. An LLC limits each owner’s liability to their share capital. A branch is not a separate legal entity, so the parent remains liable.
Dubai licence cost and setup fees: what to plan for
Total cost is made of the licence fee, the registration and approval fees, office or flexi desk rent, visa and Emirates ID costs, and professional fees. The route and the number of visas change the total more than anything else. Mainland costs rise with office size, while free zone packages are usually more predictable.
We do not quote a headline price without knowing your activity, because the same price rarely fits two businesses. You receive a written quote that lists government charges and our fees separately.
UAE corporate tax and VAT for a Dubai company
Every UAE company, including free zone companies, must register for corporate tax. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000, and 0% below that amount. A qualifying free zone person can pay 0% on qualifying income if it meets conditions such as adequate substance and no mainland-sourced income outside permitted categories. Small Business Relief may be available to small companies for certain tax periods, so check the current rules.
VAT is 5%. Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 over twelve months and voluntary from AED 187,500. Filing and record-keeping deadlines apply from the date of registration.
Dubai investor visa and Emirates ID
A licensed company can sponsor an investor visa for the owner, plus visas for managers and employees. The number you can sponsor depends on your office space and package. Each visa holder goes through medical testing, biometrics and Emirates ID issue. Visas are normally valid for two years and renewed with the licence.
Opening a corporate bank account in Dubai
UAE banks run detailed compliance checks on new companies. They look at the activity, the owners, the source of funds and the expected transactions. We prepare the documents, help you explain your business model and introduce suitable banks, but approval is always the bank’s decision and timelines vary. Keep a clear paper trail for your income and funding from the first day.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most of these are easy to prevent with a short planning call before you apply.
- Choosing a free zone and then discovering you cannot sell directly to UAE customers
- Listing too few or the wrong activities on the licence
- Taking a tenancy that does not satisfy the authority’s office requirement
- Forgetting corporate tax registration even when profit is below the threshold
- Leaving annual renewals and audited accounts to the last week
Last reviewed 26 October 2026 by the BizSetups Consulting team. Sources: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, UAE Federal Tax Authority, UAE Government portal. Fees, timelines and rules change, so confirm the current position before you commit.
Why BizSetups
Why choose BizSetups for your Dubai company setup
- Honest route adviceWe compare mainland, free zone and offshore for your situation, not the one that is easiest to sell.
- One expert throughoutA dedicated person handles your licence, visas, bank and tax steps.
- Written quote firstYou see every government charge and service fee before you commit.
- Accounting ready from day oneWe can set up Zoho Books and your bookkeeping so the company stays compliant.
- India and UAE under one roofWe support Indian founders expanding to the UAE and UAE companies that want an Indian presence.
Speak with our experts today
Tell us your plan and we will confirm the right route, timeline and cost on the call.
+91 92788 13303Questions answered
Company registration in Dubai: frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what founders ask us most.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes. Reforms to the UAE Commercial Companies Law allow 100% foreign ownership of most mainland companies, and free zone companies are 100% foreign owned. A few strategic activities still need a UAE national partner or special approval.
How long does company registration take in Dubai?
A typical application takes about one to two weeks once documents are complete. Free zones can be quicker. Regulated activities that need extra approvals take longer.
How much does it cost to register a company in Dubai?
Cost depends on the route, the activity, the office and the number of visas. A free zone flexi desk package is usually cheaper than a mainland licence with a leased office. We give you a written quote with all government fees before you start.
What is the difference between mainland and free zone?
A mainland company is licensed by DET and can trade directly with the UAE market. A free zone company is licensed by the zone, enjoys simpler setup and 100% ownership, and mainly serves overseas customers or customers inside the zone.
Do I need a physical office?
Mainland companies need a registered office with a tenancy contract. Free zones offer flexi desks and shared offices. Offshore companies need only a registered agent address but cannot trade in the UAE.
Can a free zone company sell on the Dubai mainland?
Traditionally through a distributor or mainland partner. Dubai has been introducing rules that allow some free zone companies to get permission to operate on the mainland. Eligibility depends on the activity, so confirm the current position first.
Do I have to pay corporate tax in Dubai?
UAE corporate tax of 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000. Every company, including free zone companies, must register. Qualifying free zone persons can pay 0% on qualifying income if they meet the conditions.
Is VAT applicable to my Dubai company?
VAT is 5%. Registration is mandatory when taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in twelve months and voluntary from AED 187,500.
Can I get a UAE residence visa through my company?
Yes. The company can sponsor an investor visa for the owner and visas for staff. The quota depends on the office space and package.
Can I open a corporate bank account?
Yes, but banks run compliance checks and decide at their discretion. We prepare your documents and introduce suitable banks. Timelines vary.
Can a non-resident own a Dubai company?
Yes. Ownership does not require UAE residence. To live in the UAE you need a residence visa, and some structures require a resident manager, which we confirm for your case.
Can an Indian resident set up a company in Dubai?
Yes, subject to the overseas investment rules under FEMA and RBI reporting. We handle the UAE side and coordinate with your Indian tax adviser.
What is a Dubai trade licence?
A Dubai trade licence is the legal permit that lets your company operate. It names the company, owners, legal form and approved business activities. Mainland licences come from DET, and free zone licences come from the zone authority.
Which is better for business setup in Dubai, mainland or free zone?
Choose mainland to sell directly to UAE customers and bid for local contracts. Choose a free zone for export, services, online business and lower setup cost. We compare both for your activity on a free call.
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Learn moreFree consultation
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Disclaimer
BizSetups Consulting Pvt. Ltd. is an independent business setup and compliance consultancy. We are not a government body. Dubai mainland licences are issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and free zone licences by each zone authority.
All licences, approvals and registrations are issued by the relevant UAE authority or free zone. Our fees are for advisory and consultancy services. Costs, timelines and rules change, so the information on this page is general guidance and does not replace advice on your specific situation.