Business setup in Dubai in 2025 is practical and predictable: choose mainland (DET/DED) for UAE‑wide trade and government tenders—with 100% foreign ownership for most activities—or a free zone such as DMCC or IFZA for 100% ownership, customs advantages, and focused ecosystems for ecommerce, tech, and services; offshore suits holding and asset structures. Entry costs start from AED 14,900 in free zones (no visa) or around AED 23,000 with one visa, while mainland professional packages often begin near AED 18,500; renewals typically start at AED 18,000 (mainland) and AED 5,760 (free zones). Most incorporations complete in 1–3 business weeks, with DMCC averaging about 10 working days and occasional express issuances in 24–48 hours; corporate bank accounts usually take 2–4 weeks. Tax is clear: 9% federal corporate tax applies, while qualified free zone persons may enjoy 0% on qualifying income under the Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree‑Law No. 47 of 2022); there is no personal income tax. The process is direct—select a structure (LLC, branch, or sole proprietorship), reserve a compliant trade name, secure any sector approvals, lease a flexi‑desk or office, and arrange investor and employee visas. Prepare the core documents (passport copy, proof of address, activity list), register for corporate tax on time, and ready your systems for nationwide e‑invoicing by 2026 to stay compliant from day one.
Business setup in Dubai: the 2025 playbook that actually works
Dubai is the rare place where a great idea can become a licensed business in days, not months. The city blends friendly regulation, fast administration, and a tax framework that’s predictable and globally understood. If you’re a foreign investor, a small ecommerce founder, a healthcare professional, or a Web3 builder, you can set up in Dubai today without guesswork—if you follow a clear process and avoid common traps.
The short version: choose your jurisdiction (mainland, free zone, or offshore), match a license to the activity you’ll actually perform, secure office space that fits visa needs, tick the compliance boxes (VAT, corporate tax, ESR, UBO, AML), and open a bank account with a tight narrative and clean documents. The long version—the one that saves you money and penalties—is below.
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore: how to pick the right lane
Choosing between mainland and a free zone in Dubai isn’t about which brochure looks best; it’s about who you sell to, how you invoice, and whether you need specialized regulators. Offshore is different altogether—great for holding and international investment, not for onshore trading.
Mainland (DET/DED)
Mainland companies are overseen by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET, formerly DED). They can trade anywhere in the UAE, bid on government contracts, and open as many branches as strategy demands. For most permitted activities, 100% foreign ownership is now allowed. You’ll still hear about “local sponsors,” but today that’s limited to specific strategic sectors. Mainland is ideal for retail stores, restaurants, real estate brokerage, healthcare clinics, technical services, and businesses with a heavy UAE customer base. Office space is real—flexi-desks exist, but many activities require a physical site. Visa quotas are often linked to your leased area.
Free zones (Dubai’s zones)
Free zones give you 100% ownership, simple immigration, and in many cases a streamlined licensing “one-stop” service. They also come with reputations: DMCC is strong for commodities, gold, diamond, and crypto-native projects; DIFC is the top-tier financial free zone under common law for funds, fintech, and banking; IFZA offers low-cost, flexible packages in Dubai Silicon Oasis; JAFZA links directly to Jebel Ali seaport; DWTC (World Trade Centre) and Dubai South (DWC) are great for logistics and events; Dubai Media City, Internet City, and Knowledge Village (TECOM) serve media, tech, academic and creative firms; DAFZA sits on the airport for high-velocity trade. Many free zones allow ecommerce and consulting “service” activities at low cost. Note: free zones are designed to export services and goods; onshore (mainland) trade is possible, but you’ll need distributors, agents, or customs arrangements.
Offshore (holding and international)
JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC are not for trading in the UAE. Think: holding intellectual property, owning shares, SPVs, international investment, and worldwide asset protection. No visas, no UAE onshore office, and limited banking prospects unless paired with substance (e.g., a mainland or free zone operating company). If you see “offeshore” or “offeshore company” promises online, slow down—cheap isn’t useful if you can’t open a bank account or invoice clients.
Choosing the right zone: a practical map, not a brochure
I’m often asked for a “list of the best free zones.” That’s the wrong question. Ask which authority aligns with your specific activity and banking story.
- DMCC: Top choice for commodities, multi-commodity trading, gold and diamond businesses, proprietary crypto activities under DMCC Crypto Centre, tea, and even jewellery manufacturing. Banking friendliness is strong if your documents and compliance are tight.
- DIFC: Common law court system, DFSA-regulated financial services, fund management, payments, fintech, and family offices. Perfect for global investors comparing DED vs ADGM vs DIFC. If you need a financial services license, DIFC or ADGM is the comparison you actually run.
- IFZA: Cost-effective service and commercial packages, flexible visa quotas, easy onboarding. Great for small consulting firms, web agencies, ecommerce, and new companies seeking low-cost entry.
- JAFZA: Heavyweight for import/export, logistics, and manufacturing with DP World connectivity. If your supply chain touches Jebel Ali and Dragon Mart, this is home.
- DAFZA: High-speed air cargo and electronics traders love it.
- Dubai South (DWC): Logistics, aviation-adjacent, ecommerce fulfillment, studios, and smart warehousing.
- DWTC Free Zone: Events, media, and tech; proximity to World Trade Centre venues and City Walk.
- Dubai Media City, Internet City, Design District (d3), and Knowledge Village: Creative, broadcast, advertising, software, video production, and academic/edtech. Approvals wrap through TECOM and sometimes NMC/KHDA.
- Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC): Clinical activities under a dedicated regulator.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis: Tech and hardware; ties with IFZA packages and startup-friendly ecosystems.
When comparing “DED vs ADGM,” remember ADGM is in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. Pick the jurisdiction that matches your regulator and client base, then price it. “Cheapest” and “low-cost” can be great—but only if banking, visas, and activity approvals align.
Licenses, activities, and approvals: what actually gets you trading
Dubai licensing is activity-led. You don’t pick “LLC” and call it a day; you pick activities that control what you can legally do, how you bill clients, and which approvals apply.
- Commercial: Trading, e.g., readymade garment trading, scrap metal trading (environmental permissions may apply), food stuff trading, online retail, multi-commodity.
- Professional: Consulting, project management, design, software, media, video production, gaming studios, agencies, legal help (for licensed lawyers), auditing firms.
- Industrial: Manufacturing and assembly, including garments, light manufacturing, packaging.
- Regulated verticals:
- Real estate brokerage: RERA certification and DET approvals; holiday homes require DTCM permits.
- Healthcare: DHA or DHCC approvals; strict facility and staffing standards.
- F&B: Restaurant/cafe licenses with Dubai Municipality Food Control clearances; cloud kitchen permits; signage and advertisement banners approved by the right municipality desks.
- Financial services and forex: DFSA (DIFC), SCA, or ADGM FSRA licensing depending on product (brokerage, asset management, payment services). Prop trading in crypto or commodities is different from dealing with client funds.
- Virtual assets and Web3: VARA license in Dubai for exchanges, custody, broker-dealer, or significant marketing; DMCC frameworks for certain proprietary crypto activities.
- Broadcasting and media: NMC approvals for TV, broadcasting, and certain internet media.
Documents required for most applications include passport copies, a clean, compliant trade name, proof of residential address, a UAE entry visa or Emirates ID if available, passport-sized photos, and sometimes a business plan or reference letter for regulated activities. Mainland may add a lease and Ejari early; free zones often allow initial licensing with a flexi-desk lease and upgrade later.
The step-by-step process: from name to bank account
Here’s the process many “top consultancy” sites oversimplify—and where penalties happen if you skip steps.
- Define the business activity. Don’t force-fit. “Any trading” or “start ecommerce online” sounds broad; your license must match your actual goods or services.
- Pick the jurisdiction. Mainland for onshore sales; free zone for cross-border or specialized hubs; offshore for holding only.
- Choose a legal form. LLC, sole proprietorship (limited to certain professional activities), branch of a foreign company, or a free zone establishment/company.
- Reserve the trade name and secure initial approval. Avoid restricted words and keep it short and brandable.
- Lease office space. Flexi-desk or co-working works for many freezone companies; mainland often needs dedicated space for activity approvals and extra visas.
- Submit documents and obtain the license. Some freezones can issue an e-license within days.
- Immigration and visas. Apply for establishment card, entry permits, medicals, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Plan your first 10 visas realistically; quotas depend on space and activity.
- Open the bank account. More on this below.
- Register for VAT (if required), corporate tax, customs code (if importing), and any sector approvals.
- Post-setup compliance. Keep your books, file VAT, prepare financials, meet ESR, report UBO, and renew your license and visas on time.
Turnaround ranges from 2 days to 3 weeks depending on activity and zone. DMCC’s fastest track for straightforward activities can be around 10 working days; DIFC or healthcare can take longer due to regulator reviews.
Costs without surprises: a lawyer’s way to build a price estimate
The headline “low-cost freezone package” rarely includes everything. Your real calculator should include government fees, name reservation, initial approval, license issuance, immigration card, establishment card, office lease (flexi-desk vs dedicated space), visas, medical and Emirates ID, corporate tax registration, and mandatory insurance. For certain activities, add approvals (RERA, DHA, NMC, VARA, KHDA), inspections, and translations. Banking courier/legalization fees and attestations may also apply—especially for founders from India or other countries where the bank asks for source-of-funds evidence.
Indicative ranges in 2025 (your final pricer will depend on activity and zone):
- Low-cost freezone, service license, 0 visas: AED 6,000–12,000
- Freezone, service/trading, 1–3 visas and flexi-desk: AED 12,000–25,000
- Tier-1 freezones (DMCC, DAFZA, JAFZA), trading: AED 20,000–50,000+ depending on footprint
- Mainland LLC, simple activity, small office: AED 15,000–30,000 before visas
- Per investor/employee visa (medical, Emirates ID, stamping): AED 3,000–7,000 per person, depending on zone and insurance
Many agencies and consultants offer installment plans—licenses on installments can ease cash flow, but read the service agreement. Cheap packages can be fine, but only if they include the “boring bits” like immigration cards, MOA drafting, and bank account support.
Sample low-cost freezone budget
- License and registration (service activity): AED 8,000
- Flexi-desk lease: included or AED 3,000
- Establishment card: AED 1,000
- Investor visa package: AED 4,500
- Corporate tax and VAT registrations (if needed): AED 0–1,500
- Contingency for attestations, translations, courier: AED 1,000
Total: roughly AED 14,500–18,000
Mainland LLC budget with first employee
- Trade name, initial approval, MOA notarization: AED 2,500–5,000
- License issuance and municipal fees: AED 10,000–18,000
- Office lease and Ejari (small unit): AED 15,000–30,000+ per year
- Establishment card and labor file: AED 1,500–3,000
- Two visas (investor + employee): AED 7,000–12,000
Total: roughly AED 36,000–68,000+
Banking, tax, and compliance: the post-setup phase few talk about
Bank account opening is about narrative quality. Prepare:
- A clear business plan (who your clients are, how you get paid, expected monthly volumes).
- Clean KYC: passport, UAE visa/Emirates ID, proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement), and CV with real experience.
- Source-of-funds trail: recent personal bank statements, contracts or invoices from prior work.
- Compliance responses: UBO form, sanction screening, and activity justification if you mention crypto, forex, gambling (prohibited), or high-risk geographies.
Timeframes: 2–6 weeks is normal. If you’re a foreigner from India, Europe, Africa, or beyond, expect enhanced KYC but no drama if documents are solid. New companies rarely get loans on day one; build history for 6–12 months.
On taxes:
- Corporate Tax: 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income is no longer the rule; instead, the UAE corporate tax is generally 9% above AED 375,000, with qualified free zone income potentially at 0% if you meet qualifying activity and substance tests. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%.
- VAT: 5% applies if you exceed the mandatory threshold (currently AED 375,000) or you can register voluntarily from AED 187,500.
- ESR: Economic Substance Regulations require certain activities (distribution, HQ, holding, finance, IP) to show adequate substance or face penalties.
- UBO: Ultimate Beneficial Owner reporting is mandatory. Keep your registers up to date.
- AML/CFT: If you’re in “designated non-financial business and professions” (DNFBPs) such as real estate brokerage, corporate service providers, or dealers in precious metals, register with goAML and train staff.
Penalties exist for late filings, missing ESR, non-compliant advertising, and improper use of freezone licenses to trade on the mainland. “Post-setup phase” is where a good PRO service pays for itself.
Visa planning and office space realities
Visa counts aren’t infinite. Mainland quotas depend on leased area and activity. Freezones either tie visas to flexi-desk allocations or the size of your office. Remote first is fine, but immigration is physical: entry permit, medical, biometrics for Emirates ID. Family visas require proof of income and appropriate housing.
If you plan to scale beyond 10 staff, do not lock into an inflexible flexi-desk. Negotiate co-working or serviced offices with growth clauses. And yes, a real office helps with banking, especially for higher-risk industries.
Sector quick takes: ecommerce, web3, restaurants, real estate, healthcare, manufacturing
Ecommerce and online trading
An ecommerce license can be mainland or freezone. For mainland, DET plus e-commerce activity and a payment gateway agreement. For free zones, add a plan for how you’ll deliver on the mainland—use a courier, a distributor, or open a mainland branch later. Keep your websites, banners, and advertisement copy compliant with NMC/DET rules. If you sell on marketplaces like Dubizzle, Amazon, or your own websites, show those merchant agreements to the bank.
Web3, blockchain, and crypto
If you hold client assets, seek VARA approval in Dubai or DFSA in DIFC for regulated products. For proprietary crypto trading or blockchain software development with no client funds, zones like DMCC or IFZA can work with the right activity wording. Avoid the word “forex” casually; FX services are regulated. Never advertise “casino” or “gambling”—prohibited. For “crypto + gaming,” discuss with your consultant early; the license combination is nuanced.
Restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens
Pick a location that can pass Food Control inspections and supports your concept (tea & cafe, fine dining, cloud kitchen). You’ll need Dubai Municipality approvals, layout drawings, grease trap compliance, and signage permits. Cloud kitchen can be a quick “start any food business” route with lower front-of-house costs.
Real estate brokerage and holiday homes
RERA certification is mandatory for brokers. For holiday homes, get DTCM permits; your “homes” need to meet standards, and you must follow platform rules for display and pricing. If you’re an agency serving investors from India, the UK, or elsewhere, factor AML onboarding and client funds handling into your playbook.
Healthcare and health tech
Pure consulting or software qualifies under professional activities; clinical services require DHA or DHCC with strict HR and facility requirements. Telehealth models are possible but regulated—don’t mix “health care” claims into a simple tech license.
Light manufacturing, garments, and scrap metal
Manufacturing needs an industrial license and a site that meets HSE standards. For readymade garment trading, a commercial license plus a modest warehouse may be enough. Scrap metal trading invites environmental oversight; expect due diligence, customs codes, and AML considerations. Tilapia farming in Dubai? Aquaculture licenses exist, but you’ll likely set up in other emirates with suitable land and environmental permits.
Mistakes to avoid and how consultants actually add value
- Picking a license that doesn’t match how you invoice. It will bite you at the bank, in audits, and with customs.
- Underestimating office space. Visa math and inspections are not negotiable.
- Ignoring compliance. ESR, UBO, VAT, and corporate tax are not “later problems.” Penalties are expensive.
- Overpromising to banks. “One click” merchant accounts and “instant loans” aren’t real for new companies.
- Buying readymade companies. You inherit history and risk; formation is usually cleaner.
Good consultants and PRO agencies earn their fee by mapping activities to regulators, structuring your group (main company, branch, and offshore SPV if needed), scheduling approvals, and prepping a bankable file. In a market full of agencies—Virtuzone, Commitbiz, Shuraa, Clever Corp, RadiantBiz, Kiltons, Itqan, Flying Colour, and many others—don’t chase “cheapest.” Read reviews, request a transparent scope, and ask who will attend inspections. If they offer all-in-one packages, confirm that immigration, tax registrations, and post-setup services are truly included. If you prefer to pay on installments, check what happens at renewal.
FAQs in plain English
- How long does it take? Simple freezone setups take 2–10 working days; mainland can be 1–3 weeks. Regulated activities take longer.
- What documents are required for company formation? Passport, proof of address, photos, entry visa (if any), activity list, and sometimes a business plan or NOC. Branches need parent documents, legalized.
- Can foreigners own 100%? Yes, in all free zones and for most mainland activities.
- Do I need a local sponsor? Only for restricted mainland activities. Most LLCs don’t need one in 2025.
- Do I need a bank account in Dubai? Yes, practically. Plan for 2–6 weeks and prepare your narrative.
- What are the main costs? License, office/flexi-desk, immigration files, visas, and sector approvals. Use a cost calculator and add 15% buffer.
- Which is the cheapest freezone? “Cheapest” changes with promotions. IFZA and other zones often have low-cost packages; DMCC, DAFZA, and JAFZA are premium for good reasons.
- Mainland vs freezone for ecommerce? Mainland if your core is UAE consumers and you want unlimited onshore flexibility. Free zone if you’re cross-border first and use local partners for last-mile.
- DIFC vs ADGM vs DED? DIFC/ADGM for financial services under common law; DED for onshore trading and services; pick based on regulator and clients.
- What about penalties? Late VAT filings, missing ESR/UBO, and non-compliant advertising attract fines. Keep a compliance calendar.
- Can I set up from India or overseas? Yes. Many steps are online. Notarizations and attestations may be needed; a Dubai-based agent or PRO can represent you.
If you remember one thing, let it be this: set up to match reality. The right zone, the right activity, the right approvals, and the right office will save you ten times their cost in avoided friction. Whether you base in DMCC, IFZA, DIFC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai South, Media City, Internet City, Knowledge Village, or mainland, align your license with your business model—and the rest of the process becomes straightforward.
| Segment | Option or example | What it is / core use | Pros in Dubai | Watch-outs | Starting price (AED) and ongoing | Visa and office | Special approvals / regulators | Timeline | Notes/2025 and keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Why Dubai | Fast facts | Business hub linking Europe, Asia, Africa | Strategic location, strong logistics, stable rules, skilled expats, low personal taxes | Choose the right zone and activity from day one | — | — | — | — | business setup in dubai, uae, best, top, experts, blog, news |
| Jurisdiction choice | Mainland vs free zone vs offshore | Mainland trades across UAE; free zone for international or zone-to-zone; offshore for holding | 100% foreign ownership across most activities; free zones offer simplified packages | Some activities need local approvals; offshore gets no visas and no UAE trading | Mainland renewals often 18,000+; free zone renewals from about 5,760; offshore from ~7,000–10,000 | Mainland needs Ejari office; free zones allow flexi-desk; offshore: no office | DET/DED for mainland; each free zone authority; offshore registries (JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC) | 1–3 weeks typical | mainland, mailand, mainaland, freezone, offshore, comparison, ded vs adgm |
| Legal structures | LLC, sole proprietorship, civil company, branch | Choice depends on risk, partners, activity | LLC limits liability; branch keeps parent control | Sole prop for professionals may need local service agent; regulated sectors have fit-and-proper tests | License from ~12,000–25,000+ depending on activity | Visa quota linked to office size and zone policy | Courts: Dubai Courts; free zones have their own registries; DIFC has own courts | 5–15 working days | llc, sole proprietorship, branch, set up, formation, requirements |
| Free zone snapshot | DMCC (JLT/Uptown) | Trade, commodities, crypto/web3, services, tech | 100% ownership; strong reputation; 100% digital setup; office variety; networking | Audit and substance rules apply; activity must match | Setup packages vary; SMEs often 20,000–35,000+ first year | Flexi, service office, fitted units; visas per package | DMCC Authority; for virtual assets, VARA where applicable | ~10 working days for standard cases | Qualified Free Zone for UAE Corporate Tax; 0% on qualifying income; gold, diamond, tea; dmcc, multi commodity centre |
| Free zone snapshot | IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis area) | Cost-effective general trading, consulting, e-commerce | Fast issuance, flexible packages, multi-year options | Bank onboarding needs clean KYC and clear activity | Low-cost packages often 7,000–15,000+ license-only | Flexi-desk available; visas as per package | IFZA Authority | 3–7 working days | ifza, low-cost, cheap, packages, installments |
| Free zone snapshot | DAFZA (Dubai Airport Freezone) | High-value trade, aviation-adjacent logistics | Near DXB; strong customs interface | Higher price point | Often 35,000–60,000+ | Physical office/warehouse typical | DAFZA Authority | 1–3 weeks | dafza, airport, trade |
| Free zone snapshot | JAFZA (Jebel Ali) | Logistics, manufacturing, large trading | Seaport access; warehouses; free zone + onshore options | Larger space, higher minimums | Company setup often 30,000–60,000+ | Warehouses and land; large visa quotas | JAFZA | 2–4 weeks | jafza, world trade, investment park |
| Free zone snapshot | Dubai South (DWC) | Aviation, e-commerce fulfillment, logistics | Proximity to DWC airport and Expo City | Activity-specific requirements | ~15,000–30,000+ | Offices/warehouses; visas per space | Dubai South | 1–3 weeks | dwc, south |
| Free zone snapshot | Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | Tech, software, hardware | Tech ecosystem; labs | Office needed for many activities | ~15,000–35,000+ | Flexi and offices | DSO Authority | 1–3 weeks | silicon oasis, tech |
| Free zone snapshot | Dubai Internet City (DIC) | IT, SaaS, web services | Strong tech cluster | Higher rents | License ~20,000–40,000+ plus office | Office required | TECOM/DIC | 2–4 weeks | internet city |
| Free zone snapshot | Dubai Media City (DMC) | Media, production, broadcasting | Sector events, studios | Content approvals | License ~20,000–40,000+ plus office | Office/studio space | TECOM/DMC, media regulators | 2–4 weeks | media city, video production, broadcasting |
| Free zone snapshot | Knowledge Village (DKV) | Training, academic services | Education cluster | Activity vetting | ~15,000–30,000+ plus office | Office required | TECOM/DKV | 2–4 weeks | knowledge village, academic |
| Regulated sector | Web3/crypto (Dubai) | Exchanges, brokers, custody, NFT marketplaces | Growing ecosystem (VARA; DMCC Crypto Centre) | Licensing is mandatory; strict AML | Advisory license cost varies by scope; VARA fees apply | Office required; senior staff fit-and-proper | VARA (Dubai), FSRA/DIFC for financial; AML/CFT | 2–6+ months | web3, crypto, blockchain, gaming, forex (if permitted), var, dmcc crypto |
| Regulated sector | Fintech (DIFC) | Payments, wealth-tech, crowdfunding | DIFC courts, English law base; FinTech Hive | Regulatory capital, audits | Licensing and ongoing fees vary | Office in DIFC; visas per office | DFSA (DIFC regulator) | 3–9+ months | difc, fintech, merchant, software, tech |
| Regulated sector | Healthcare | Clinics, telehealth, health tech | High demand | DHA/DOH approvals, facility standards | License + approvals can reach 50,000–200,000+ | Clinical premises needed | DHA (Dubai) | 2–6+ months | healthcare, health care |
| Regulated sector | Real estate brokerage | Brokerage, property management | Active market | RERA approvals, broker cards, exams | License + RERA fees 20,000–50,000+ | Office with Ejari | RERA (Dubai Land Department) | 1–2 months | real estate, rera |
| Regulated sector | Restaurant/food stuff | Cafes, cloud kitchens, F&B trading | Strong demand areas | Food safety, menu and layout approvals | Fit-out drives total; licenses from ~15,000–40,000+ | Kitchen/restaurant lease | Dubai Municipality, Food Control | 1–3 months | restaurant, food stuff, tea, cafe, cloud kitchen |
| Activity focus | E-commerce | Online retail/marketplace | Free zones friendly; low overhead | Customs registration if importing; VAT | Free zone packages from ~7,000–20,000 | Flexi-desk ok; storage if needed | Customs, VAT | 1–2 weeks | ecommerce, online, trading |
| Activity focus | Jewellery/gold/diamond | Trading and manufacturing | DMCC ecosystem | AML for precious metals and stones | Higher compliance cost | Secure office/showroom | Ministry of Economy AML Unit; DMCC | 2–8 weeks | jewellery, gold, diamond |
| Activity focus | Scrap metal | Trading, recycling | Industrial zones support | Environmental permits | Licenses often 20,000–50,000+ | Yard/warehouse | Municipality/Env permits | 3–8 weeks | scrap, metal |
| Activity focus | Manufacturing/light industrial | Garments, packaging | JAFZA/Dubai Industrial City | EHS permits, power load | Setup varies widely | Industrial unit needed | EHS, Municipality | 1–3 months | manufacturing, readymade garment |
| Mainland setup | DET (formerly DED) | Onshore company trading across UAE | Access to government tenders; no zone limits | Office lease needed; sector approvals | New setups often 12,000–30,000+; renewals from ~18,000 | Ejari office; visas via MOHRE quota | DET/DED; Municipality; sector regulators | 1–3 weeks | mainland business setup, pro services |
| Offshore holding | RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore | Holding, IP, SPV (no UAE trading) | Low cost, privacy | No visas; bank onboarding case-by-case | ~7,000–12,000+ | No office | RAK ICC/JAFZA Offshore | 3–10 days | offshore, offeshore |
| Steps to set up | Simple roadmap | Name, activity, structure, initial approval, MoA, lease, license, visas, bank | Many steps online | Sequence matters for banks and visas | Gov fees + office + service fees | Visa after license and establishment card | — | License 1–10 working days; bank 2–4 weeks | step by step, process, how to, guide, explainer, videos |
| Documents required | Checklist | Passport, photo, UAE entry stamp/visa (if any), Emirates ID (if any), proof of address, CV for regulated roles, NOC for residents, business plan (some zones) | Keep scans ready | Consistency across forms is key | — | — | Notarization/legalization for foreign corporate shareholders | — | documents required for, list, articles, templates |
| Bank account | Corporate banking | Choose bank after license; prepare KYC pack and contracts | Strong banking sector | 2–4 weeks typical; enhanced due diligence for high-risk | Monthly balance requirements vary | In-person signatories usually required | Central Bank rules; AML/KYC | 2–4 weeks | bank account, estimate, calculator, pricer |
| Visas | Investor, partner, employee, dependents | Residence to live and work | Multi-year options | Quotas tied to office; medical and Emirates ID needed | Per visa often 3,500–6,000+ | Medical test, biometrics, stamping | GDRFA, MOHRE | 1–3 weeks each | visa, golden, jobs, careers |
| Taxes and accounting | Corporate tax, VAT, ESR | Corporate tax 9% standard; free zones 0% on qualifying income; VAT 5% | Low headline rates | Register when required; file on time | Accounting and audit fees vary | — | FTA (tax), ESR notifications | Corporate tax registration is mandatory; e-invoicing by 2026 | tax, corporate tax, vat, esr, e-invoicing |
| Compliance | UBO, AML, sector rules | Declare real owners, keep AML policies | Clear frameworks | Penalties for late/false filings | — | — | Ministry of Economy AML; goAML | Keep KYC up to date | ubo, aml, penalties, law, legal |
| Cost calculator | What drives cost | License type, free zone vs mainland, visas, office, name reservation, external approvals, bank KYC complexity, audit | Control scope to control cost | Beware “too-cheap” misfit licenses | Low-cost free zone from ~7,000; realistic totals with one visa 14,000–30,000+ | Flexi-desk reduces rent | — | Build a simple spreadsheet | low cost, cheapest, lowcost, price, calculator |
| Common mistakes | What to avoid | Wrong activity/zone, no substance, ignoring VAT/CT, weak KYC, delayed renewals | Saves money later | Bank rejections, fines | — | — | — | — | mistakes to avoid, reviews, faqs |
| Sector extras | Media and broadcasting | Production, studios, influencers | DMC/Digital Media Zone options | Content permits, censorship rules | License + permits vary | Studio or office | NMC, DMC | 2–8 weeks | media, tv, broadcasting, video production |
| Sector extras | Hospitality/holiday homes | Holiday homes, boutique hotels | Tourism demand | DTCM permits; unit classifications | License + unit permits | Premises required | DTCM | 3–8 weeks | hospitality, holiday homes |
| Sector extras | Retail/grocery | Mini-mart, specialty food | Community demand | Food safety and signage | License + shop fit-out | Shop lease | Municipality | 3–8 weeks | grocery, retail |
| Locations and ecosystems | Districts to know | JLT/DMCC, DIFC, DSO, Media City, Internet City, Knowledge Village, Dubai South, World Trade Centre, Design District, Dragon Mart area, Karama | Each cluster has target audience | Rents vary widely | — | — | — | — | jlt, design district, world trade, dragon mart, karama |
| Consultants and agencies | Shortlist (check reviews) | Virtuzone, Shuraa, Commitbiz, SPC, RadiantBiz, Flying Colour, Kiltons, Clever Corp, Itqan, IBL, Ascent Partners, Black Swan, Alghaf, QuickPlus | Save time; PRO handling; installment plans | Compare scope, hidden fees, bank support | Service bundles from ~2,000–10,000+ | Add-ons: visas, bank, accounting | — | License 24–72h in simple cases | consultants, consultancy, agencies, firm, agency, pro, assistance, reviews |
| Online and installments | Remote setup | Many zones allow e-sign and courier; pay in installments | Fast and convenient | Identity verification still required | Initial payment to issue license | — | — | Same-day to 1 week | online, on installments, today, one-click, one stop, all-in-one |
| Post-setup phase | Keep compliant | Renew license, lease, visas; file VAT/CT; maintain books; audits if required | Predictable operations | Missed renewals cause fines and blocks | Renewals: free zone from ~5,760; mainland from ~18,000 | — | — | Annual cycle | post-setup phase, solutions, auditing, firms |
| Trade and logistics | Import/export | Register importer code; choose customs broker | Free zones ease re-export | Duties, product approvals | Customs fees vary | Warehouse may be needed | Dubai Customs, ESMA | 1–3 weeks | trading, commerce, documents for import |
| Special notes | DIFC vs ADGM vs DET | DIFC/ADGM for financial; DET for general onshore | Clear court systems in DIFC/ADGM | Higher regulatory load | Costs and capital depend on license | Office in centre needed | DFSA vs FSRA; DET for onshore | Months for regulated | adgm, difc, comparison |
| Banking readiness | What banks expect | Clear activity, contracts, website, invoices, supplier/buyer list, CVs | Improves approval odds | High-risk sectors may need extra docs | — | — | — | 2–4 weeks | websites, banner, banners, advertisement, display |
| Niche ideas | Examples | Cloud kitchen, readymade garment, jewellery studio, gaming studio, web3 tools, media agency, project management, technical services, smart software | Fast to start | Match activity precisely | Varies | Flexi-desk ok for many | Some need external approvals | 1–3 weeks | some ideas, idea, project management, technical |
| Foreign founders | From India and elsewhere | Remote setup possible; attestation for corporate shareholders | 100% ownership allowed | Visa and bank checks | — | — | Embassy/legalization may apply | 2–6 weeks | foreigners, foreign investor, from india, delhi, gurgaon, expats, assistance |
| Where to begin | Official portals | DET Smart Services (mainland); chosen free zone official site; VARA portal for virtual assets | Reliable requirements | Beware outdated blogs | — | — | — | — | official site, businessesindubai, com, contact, email, link, info, updates (september, october, november) |