BUSINESS SETUP & COMPANY FORMATION IN DUBAI
Start Your Business in Dubai the Right Way
Why Dubai
Why Set Up a Business in Dubai
Dubai sits between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and a company here can bill clients on three continents from a single time zone. There is no personal income tax, profits repatriate in full, and most activities allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner. Add a currency pegged to the US dollar, world-class logistics, and a government that has spent two decades making company formation fast, and you have one of the easiest places in the world to start trading.
Not sure if this is for you? Tell HA Group your business activity and receive a free direct response.
The first decision
Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore: Which One Fits You
This is the first decision, and it shapes your cost, your tax, and who you can sell to. Here is the honest version, side by side, so you can see where you fit before we talk.
| Setup Element | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership on most activities | 100% foreign ownership, always | 100% foreign ownership |
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE, plus government contracts | Inside the zone and abroad; needs a distributor to sell to the UAE market | Outside the UAE only; no local trade |
| Office | Physical office with Ejari required | Flexi-desk or shared desk is enough | No UAE office; registered address only |
| Residence visas | Yes, tied to office size | Yes, based on your package | No visas |
| Corporate tax | 9% on profit over AED 375,000 | 0% on qualifying income, 9% on the rest | 0%, but cannot earn UAE income |
| Best for | Selling to UAE customers, retail, services, contracts | Startups, consultants, traders, global businesses | Holding assets, IP, international billing |
Haven’t decided yet? HA Group will point you to the right one.
Choosing a free zone
Which Free Zone: IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, JAFZA, or DIFC
If a free zone is your route, the next question is which one. Dubai has more than thirty, and they are not interchangeable. Each sets its own fees, visa quota, activity list, and standing with the banks. Here are the five founders actually shortlist, and what each one is genuinely best at.
| Free Zone | Best For | What Sets It Apart |
|---|---|---|
| IFZA | Low-cost SME and consultancy setups | Fast, fully online, 1,500+ activities under one licence, and strong bank relationships. The default for most service businesses. |
| DMCC | Trading, commodities, and credibility | A JLT address, Tier-1 banking, and the widest activity list. Costs more and needs an annual audit, but banks and partners recognise the name. |
| Meydan | Digital, e-commerce, and lean teams | No physical office required, same-day licensing, and a central Dubai base. A popular first company for founders who work online. |
| JAFZA | Logistics, import/export, and industry | Port access and designated-zone status for duty-free goods movement. Scales to 50+ visas with a warehouse; only JAFZA Offshore can hold Dubai freehold property. |
| DIFC | Finance, fintech, and funds | An English common-law framework and real weight for regulated firms. Approvals for regulated activity can take 4 to 8 weeks and cost more. |
HA Group compares two free zones matched to your activity.
Licensing
Which Trade Licence You Need
Your licence has to match what you actually do. Choose the wrong activity and you either stall at approval or pay to amend it later. There are officially recognised six types of licenses in the UAE: commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, agricultural, and crafts. However, most founders only need one of these four:
If you are not sure which one is best for you, our company formation experts will guide you.
Transparent pricing
What Business Setup in Dubai Costs in 2026
There is no single price, because your licence type, jurisdiction, office, and visa count all move the number. What matters is the all-in year-one figure, not the headline licence fee that most price lists advertise. Here is a realistic breakdown.
| Cost Item | Free Zone (Typical) | Mainland (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Licence | AED 5,750 – 30,000 | AED 12,500 – 38,000 |
| Registration & Name Reservation | Usually in the package | AED 2,000 – 5,000 |
| Office (Flexi-Desk or Ejari) | AED 0 – 15,000 (flexi-desk) | AED 12,000 – 50,000+ (Ejari) |
| Establishment Card | AED 2,000 – 2,500 | AED 2,000 – 2,500 |
| One Residence Visa (All-In) | AED 4,000 – 6,500 | AED 4,000 – 6,500 |
| Realistic Year-One Total* | AED 12,000 – 20,000 (1 visa) | AED 30,000 – 55,000 (1 visa) |
*All-in totals include the licence, registration, a flexi-desk or basic office, the establishment card, and one residence visa. Trading and industrial activities, extra visas, and a dedicated office push these higher.
The fees others quietly leave off the list are the establishment card, medical test, Emirates ID, health insurance, and the office deposit. HA Group gives you the full number upfront, so nothing lands on you in month four.
Want your exact cost in two minutes? Try HA Group’s Cost Calculator
Packages
HA Group Setup Packages
Three straightforward packages cover most needs. Every one includes the licence, government registration, and a bank account introduction, with no surprise add-ons.
Free Zone Starter
- ✓ Free zone trade licence
- ✓ Company registration
- ✓ Establishment card
- ✓ 1 residence visa
- ✓ Bank account introduction
- ✓ Corporate tax registration
Mainland Business
- ✓ Mainland trade licence (DET)
- ✓ Ejari-ready office guidance
- ✓ Establishment card
- ✓ 1 investor visa
- ✓ Bank account introduction
- ✓ PRO & document clearing
Growth & Visas
- ✓ Mainland or premium free zone
- ✓ Up to 4 residence visas
- ✓ Office / flexi-desk setup
- ✓ Corporate bank account help
- ✓ VAT & corporate tax setup
- ✓ Dedicated account manager
Prices are indicative starting points for 2026 and depend on your activity and visa count. Ask us for a fixed, itemised quote.
Haven’t decided yet? HA Group will point you to the right one.
How it works
How HA Group Set Up Your Company
A clear, done-for-you process. Most free zone setups run 3 to 7 working days; mainland with a physical office usually takes 7 to 15.
It’s not just setting up a business. The goal is to grow together.
What to bring
The Documents You Need
The paperwork is light next to most countries, and for a straightforward free zone company the list is genuinely short. Here is the standard set. Corporate shareholders and regulated activities add a few items, which we flag at the start.
Passport copies for every shareholder and the appointed manager, valid for at least six months.
Passport-size photos on a white background, to the UAE specification, one or two per person.
Proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement from your home country.
UAE entry stamp or visa copy if you are already in the country, plus your Emirates ID if you are a resident.
Trade name options two or three choices, so we can reserve the first available one.
A no-objection certificate from your current sponsor if you already hold a UAE residence visa through an employer.
For companies with partners, we draft and notarise the Memorandum of Association; for corporate shareholders, we handle the attested company documents and board resolution. If your home-country papers need legalising, HA Group’s PRO Services manages the attestation chain so your bank accepts them later.
Send HA Group your documents for an Send HA Group your documents for an Eligibility Check
TAX
Corporate Tax in Dubai: What Actually Applies
Corporate tax has been in force across the UAE since June 2023, and every new founder asks about it, so here is the plain version.
Profit up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%. Above that, mainland companies pay 9%. | Free zone companies can keep 0% on qualifying income if they meet the conditions and keep real substance in the zone. Income from mainland UAE customers is usually taxed at 9%. |
Small Business Relief can bring your tax to zero if revenue stays at or under AED 3 million, for eligible resident businesses, for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026 — the final year of the relief, with no extension announced. It’s not automatic; you have to actively choose it on your tax return. Qualifying Free Zone Persons are not eligible. | Large multinational groups (consolidated global revenue above €750 million) are subject to a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax under the OECD framework, effective January 2025. |
Registration is separate from your licence. Every company must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, and VAT registration is required once taxable turnover passes AED 375,000. | |
HA Group registers you for corporate tax and VAT and sets up bookkeeping that keeps you compliant from day one. If you want the official rules, the
The Federal Tax Authority publishes the full corporate tax detail on the FTA corporate tax page
HA Group handles your corporate tax and VAT registration end-to-end.
Banking
Opening a Corporate Bank Account
This is the step that trips people up. A UAE corporate account is free to open in fees, but banks run real checks, ask for a minimum balance (often AED 25,000 to AED 100,000), and can take 3 to 8 weeks. Weak paperwork is the usual reason applications stall.
We match you to a bank that actually works with your business type and nationality, prepare your file the way the bank wants it, and stay with you through the compliance questions, so you are not left guessing. Opening the account early, before you collect the licence where possible, saves weeks of lost trading.
We don’t just register companies and open bank accounts — we build long-term business partnerships.
Full service
HA Group's Business Setup Services
Everything you need to launch and run a Dubai company, under one roof:
Company Formation
across the mainland, all major free zones, and offshore.
Trade Licensing
for commercial, professional, industrial, and e-commerce activities.
Visa and PRO Services
for investors, staff, and family, plus document clearing and government liaison.
Corporate Banking Support
with introductions to the right UAE banks.
Tax and Accounting
including corporate tax and VAT registration, bookkeeping, and audit.
Golden Visa Assistance
for the 10-year residence route, where you qualify.
One Partner. All Essential Services.
You work with a single team from incorporation to compliance — no need to manage multiple providers.
Why us
Why Work With HA Group
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? We are here to answer.
How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?
A free zone company with one visa typically runs AED 12,000 to 20,000 in year one. A mainland company with an office and one visa usually lands between AED 30,000 and 55,000. Your activity and visa count set the final figure.
How long does company formation in Dubai take?
Most free zone companies are ready in 3 to 7 working days. Mainland setups with a physical office usually take 7 to 15 working days, depending on approvals and how quickly documents come together.
Can I own 100% of my company as a foreigner?
Yes. Free zones always allow full foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now do too. A few strategic sectors still need a local partner, and we will flag it if yours is one of them.
Do I need to be in Dubai to set up my company?
Much of the setup can be done remotely, and some free zones allow the whole registration without a visit. You will usually need to come once for visa stamping, Emirates ID biometrics, and to open your bank account.
Do I need a physical office?
Not for a free zone company, where a flexi-desk is enough. Mainland companies do need a real office with a registered Ejari tenancy contract, sized to the number of visas you want.
Which is better, mainland or free zone?
Mainland suits businesses selling to UAE customers or bidding for government work. Free zones are cheaper and faster for service firms, consultants, and businesses trading abroad. We help you pick based on your activity.
Which free zone is best for a startup?
For most early-stage founders, IFZA or Meydan hit the sweet spot: low cost, fast online setup, no physical office, and enough visas for a small team. If you trade commodities or want the strongest banking credibility, DMCC earns its higher fee. We match the zone to your activity and your five-year plan, not just the headline price.
Do I have to register for VAT?
Can I get the Golden Visa through my company?
In some cases, yes. Owners who meet the investment thresholds can qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa, with separate routes for skilled professionals and high earners. The standard investor route requires a qualifying investment of AED 2 million, typically in UAE real estate. However, 2026 regulations also recognise an AED 2 million approved-fund investment, ownership in a UAE company that generates at least AED 2.5 million in revenue annually, or AED 250,000+ in tax contributions. It is not automatic with every licence, so HA Group’s Golden Visa team checks whether your setup qualifies and handles the application when it does.
Can a free zone company sell to customers inside the UAE?
Not directly to the mainland market. A free zone company trades freely inside its own zone and abroad, but to reach mainland UAE customers it needs a local distributor, a dual licence, or a mainland branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, we usually point you to the mainland from the start.
What does it cost to renew each year?
Renewal is typically 60 to 85% of your first-year cost, because one-time fees like the establishment card do not repeat. The licence, your office or flexi-desk, and visa renewals make up most of it, plus an audit in the zones that require one. Miss the renewal date and the DET starts adding fines, so we track it for you.
Still confuse? no need to worry, just contact us