Business setup in Dubai. Made simple.

Yes — that is the normal starting point. Begin with what your business actually does and where your customers will be, and the jurisdiction follows from that. Choosing a free zone first, then working backwards to see whether your activity fits it, is how people end up in the wrong structure. We are a partnered CSP across almost every UAE free zone, so the recommendation is based on your business rather than on whose license we are trying to sell.

Ask three things and insist on the answers in writing. First, what is actually included — whether government fees, name reservation and initial approval sit inside the quoted figure or get added later. Second, how many residence visas the package really allows and what each extra one costs. Third, what renews annually and at what price, because the first-year number and the running cost are rarely the same. Beyond that, ask whether the firm is tied to particular free zones. A consultant partnered with only two or three zones will recommend from those two or three. We are a partnered CSP across almost every zone in the UAE, which is why we can tell you when the cheapest option is the right one. If you are comparing business set up companies in Dubai on price alone, you are comparing numbers that were built differently.

Yes, and for most activities you can own it outright. UAE law now permits 100% foreign ownership across the large majority of commercial activities on mainland, and free zones have always allowed it. You do not need to be resident before you begin — most free zone setups complete remotely and the license is often issued before you arrive. What you cannot do remotely is the residence visa itself: the medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics require you to be in the UAE in person. The practical sequence for someone starting a business in Dubai as a foreigner is to license the company first, then travel once for the visa stages.

Free zone licenses start from AED 12,500 in Dubai and AED 9,999 in other emirates, and e-commerce licenses from AED 5,999. Your final figure depends on your activity, how many residence visas you need and whether you require physical premises. Mainland is quoted individually because premises costs vary widely. Payment plans are available, so the cost can be spread rather than paid up front.

2–5 working days for most licenses once your documentation is complete, subject to setup type and approvals. Mainland takes longer, largely because of premises and Ejari. Residence visas add a further 1–2 weeks after the license is issued.

Not for free zone companies, and not for most mainland activities either — UAE law now permits 100% foreign ownership across the large majority of commercial activities. A small number of strategic activities still require an Emirati partner. We confirm which applies to your activity on the first call.

It depends on who you sell to. If you need to trade directly with the UAE market, that points to mainland. If you are serving international clients or operating online, a free zone is usually the better economics. Offshore is for holding and structuring rather than trading. We make that recommendation before you spend anything.

Yes. Most free zone setups complete remotely and the license can be issued before you arrive. You need to be in the UAE in person for the medical and Emirates ID stages of your residence visa.

Bank onboarding is where most new companies stall, and it depends on your activity, your structure and how the file is presented. We prepare the application to the standard UAE banks expect and introduce you to banks that accept your profile. No consultant can guarantee a bank’s decision, and you should be wary of any who claims otherwise.

Passport copies for all shareholders, a business activity description, three proposed company names, and for LLC structures an MoA or shareholder agreement. An NOC is occasionally required. We tell you exactly what applies to your case on the first call.

Your license renews annually, and depending on activity and turnover you may have corporate tax and VAT obligations. Your account manager stays with you through renewals, and tax and accounting sits with CZTA inside the same group.