3 Jurisdiction Options
Business Setup in Dubai: Choose Your Jurisdiction
Business setup in Dubai is conducted in 3 separate legal jurisdictions. The ownership rules, trading rights, and cost structures differ between business setup in Dubai in the mainland, free zone, and offshore. The selection of the wrong jurisdiction at the time of company formation Dubai restricts your business activities and requires you to pay to change.
Mainland
Business Setup in Dubai Mainland
Trading: Full UAE market access, government contracts
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: Trading, retail, services, food & beverage
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: Trading, retail, services, food & beverage
For a business setup in Dubai mainland, a trade license from the Dubai Economic Development (DED) and a registered UAE address are required. Specific sectors like healthcare, financial services, and real estate require additional approvals from the DED.
Free Zone
Free Zone Business Setup Dubai
Trading: Free zone and international markets only
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: E-commerce, consultancy, import/export, IT
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: E-commerce, consultancy, import/export, IT
The UAE free zone is the best option for business setup in UAE as it offers quick registration, reduced initial investment, and 0% import/export tax on eligible activities. Ideal for businesses not focused on the UAE domestic market.
Offshore
Offshore Business Setup in Dubai
Trading: International operations only, no UAE trading
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: Holding structures, asset protection, global trade
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
Best for: Holding structures, asset protection, global trade
Ideal for investors with international investments or who need a UAE legal entity for asset protection, but do not need to have an operating office in the UAE.
Our Process
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Small Business in Dubai
If you are wondering how to start a small business in Dubai, note that it is a well-defined legal process. Business setup in Dubai via Skyways Corporate Services Provider encompasses all the steps, where owners don't have to chase government departments, but can make decisions. A typical free zone company is set up in Dubai in 4–7 working days via Skyways. The time required for a business setup in Dubai mainland is 7–14 working days. All timelines and costs are confirmed in writing before the process starts.
1
Business Activity Selection
Business setup consultants in Dubai confirm the correct DED or free zone activity code. If the wrong code is used, it will limit the rights to invoice and will need an amendment, which will cost money.
2
Jurisdiction and Structure Selection
Based on business activity, target market, and ownership structure, it is decided to go for either a mainland LLC, free zone company, or offshore business setup in Dubai.
3
Trade Name Registration
Company name registered with DED or the relevant free zone authority. UAE naming rules do not allow offensive terms, religious references, or names that have already been taken.
4
Initial Approval and MOA
Initial approval is granted by the Department of Economic Development or the free zone authority. Memorandum of Association prepared and signed.
5
Issuing of Trade License
Commercial trade license, professional trade license, or industrial trade license issued by DED or free zone authority. UAE registered address confirmed, Ejari registered, Establishment Card obtained.
6
Investor Visa, Emirates ID and Corporate Bank Account
Investor visa, UAE residence visa, and Emirates ID issued for owners and shareholders. Skyway will prepare the complete banking dossier and submit it to the chosen UAE bank on your behalf.
For Foreign Investors
Starting a Business in Dubai as a Foreigner
The process of starting a business in Dubai as a foreigner involves obtaining ownership and a visa. The UAE Commercial Companies Law has been amended to allow foreigners to start a business in Dubai. In 2021, the requirement for a UAE national sponsor to hold 51% of the business's shares was lifted for most business activities in Dubai, with 100% foreign ownership now permitted for the majority of business activities in Dubai. Before the company formation process begins, the business setup consultants in Dubai confirm the current rules of ownership for your activity. There are a few activities on the UAE Strategic Activities list that still need to be done by UAE nationals.
When starting a business in Dubai as a foreigner, you will also be able to access:
Investor visa Dubai: 2–3 year UAE residence visa based on the company, renewable as long as the company continues to operate.
UAE Golden Visa: A 10-year UAE residency for investors who invest in the UAE and fulfill the criteria of AED 2 million.
Work Permits UAE: Work permits UAE and residence visas are issued along with the company formation.
Emirates ID: An identity document that is required after visa stamping and is mandatory for opening a corporate bank account.
Countries We Serve
The process of starting a business in Dubai for Indians, Pakistanis, UK nationals, USA nationals, Germans, Nigerians, Kenyans, Egyptians, Saudi nationals, and Jordon nationals is similar to the standard documentation process. During the free consultation, our business setup consultants in Dubai confirm the banking or document attestation requirements of the country.
Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi provide the same comprehensive services for Abu Dhabi mainland and ADGM free zone formations. Skyways also assists with business setup in UAE outside Dubai, including Sharjah and Ajman free zones.
Full Service Coverage
What Skyway Covers: Business Setup Consultants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Business setup consultants in Dubai offer a comprehensive range of services for the entire company formation process and the financial and operational support required for a business to function. Business setup in UAE doesn't stop at the issuance of the license; banking, VAT, accounting, and financing are all necessary before the business can run.
Formation
Company Formation Dubai
LLC Formation, Free Zone Company Registration, Offshore Company Setup in Dubai, MOA Drafting, Shareholder Agreement, Certificate of Incorporation.
License
Trade License Dubai
Assistance for all types of trade licenses, including commercial, professional, and industrial trade licenses, DED license, free zone license, and trade license renewal.
PRO
PRO Services Dubai
Government document processing, Ejari registration, Establishment Card, document attestation, and translation services.
Banking
Corporate Bank Account Dubai
From preparation of documentation and choosing the bank to complete application submission to Emirates NBD, RAKBank, Dubai Islamic Bank, ADCB, or Wio Bank.
Visa
Investor Visa Dubai
Assistance offered for investor visa, partner visa, work permit UAE, UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and UAE Golden Visa processing.
Tax, Accounting & Finance
VAT, Accounting and SME Financing
VAT registration and return filing, corporate tax UAE compliance, bookkeeping, financial statements, management accounts, payroll, SME working capital, trade finance, leasing, bank guarantees, mortgage finance, and payment gateway setup.
The business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi provide the same comprehensive services when setting up businesses in the Abu Dhabi mainland and the ADGM free zone. Our Skyways team also assists with business setup in UAE outside Dubai, such as Sharjah and Ajman free zone formations.
Why Skyways
Best Business Setup Company in Dubai
There are many options for business setup company in Dubai. The difference at Skyways is that the setup of your business and the post-setup services are done by the same team, and not handed over to a third-party bank agent, tax adviser, or separate accounting firm.
All Under One Roof
Business setup consultants in Dubai that provide business setup under one roof, including mainland, free zone, and offshore business setup in Dubai.
Ownership Confirmed First
No hidden costs or delays for 100% foreign ownership confirmed before company formation, not found after.
Bank Account as Part of Setup
Corporate bank account Dubai preparation and submission as part of the setup, not left to the client after the issuance of the license.
VAT from Day One
VAT registration and initial corporate tax UAE advisory for full package clients from day one.
No Hidden Fees
No hidden fees; all fees are clearly outlined in writing prior to the process.
Abu Dhabi and All 7 Emirates
Business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi are available for Abu Dhabi mainland and ADGM business formation. In-house investor visa Dubai and UAE Golden Visa processing along with company formation.
The best business setup company in Dubai is not the cheapest; it's the one that takes care of the entire process without leaving gaps. The business setup in UAE at Skyways involves the license, bank account, VAT registration, and investor visa, all from the same consultants who set up the business.
Costs and Timelines
Business Setup in Dubai: Packages and Pricing
The cost of business setup in Dubai is dependent on the jurisdiction, business activity, number of visas, and office space requirements. All costs are finalized before any work is done.
Free Zone
Free Zone Company
AED 5,999
Starting from 4–7 working days
- Trade license
- 1 investor visa
- Emirates ID
Mainland
Business Setup Dubai Mainland
AED 11,999
Starting from 7–14 working days
- DED license and MOA
- Investor visa, Emirates ID
- Ejari, Establishment Card
Full Package
Full Setup Package
Custom Quote
Contact Skyway for a written breakdown
- Company formation
- Corporate bank account
- VAT registration + PRO services
The costs for a business setup in UAE are finalized before any work is done. At the initial consultation, Skyway Dubai business setup consultants will give you a written breakdown of costs, with no hidden charges, once the process begins.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lowest-cost business setup in Dubai?+
The cost of business setup in Dubai via a free zone begins at AED 5,999. For businesses with export, e-commerce, or professional services as their primary focus, free zone business setup in UAE is the most cost-effective choice. The cost of setting up a business in the Dubai mainland begins at AED 11,999.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?+
Yes. The UAE Commercial Companies Law (UAE FCL) has been amended to allow 100% foreign ownership in most activities in the Dubai mainland and free zones. Business setup consultants in Dubai confirm the ownership rules for your activity before the business formation process begins.
What is the time required for a complete business setup in Dubai?+
The time required to set up a business in Dubai for a free zone company is 4–7 working days. The process of business setup in Dubai mainland takes 7–14 working days. The timeline is subject to the document preparation and DED/free zone authority approval.
Is it necessary to have an office space for business registration in Dubai?+
For a business setup in Dubai mainland, one must have a registered UAE address and Ejari. Most of the time, business setup in UAE can be done through a free zone, and flexi-desk or shared office options are available, which helps in reducing the cost. Skyways CSP provides office space in a complete business setup package in Dubai.
What are the documents required for business registration in Dubai?+
Passport copies of all shareholders, proof of residential address, trade name options, business activity description, and a business plan are required for business setup in Dubai. During the business setup process, business setup consultants in Dubai at Skyways CSP prepare and translate all documents.
Do you also provide services of business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi?+
Yes. Skyway's business setup consultants in Abu Dhabi deal with the formation of businesses on the Abu Dhabi mainland and the formation of businesses in the ADGM free zone. Business setup in UAE outside Dubai is covered in all 7 emirates.
Is there a difference between the mainland and offshore business setup in Dubai?+
The difference is that the mainland offers a wide range of options, including onshore and offshore, while the offshore business setup is limited to just onshore. Business setup in Dubai mainland provides full access to the UAE market and trading with local businesses and government bodies. Offshore business setup in Dubai is international only; no trading in the UAE is allowed. After evaluating your business activity and target market, the business setup consultants in Dubai at Skyways recommend the appropriate structure.
Start Your Business Setup in Dubai Today
Business Setup in Dubai and UAE by Skyways CSP
Business setup in Dubai and business setup in UAE (mainland, free zone, or offshore) managed end-to-end by Skyway Corporate Services Provider. Business setup consultants in Dubai offer a comprehensive package of services that includes company formation, trade license, corporate bank account, investor visa, VAT registration, and post-setup financial services, all in one.
All 3 jurisdictions covered
100% foreign ownership confirmed
Transparent pricing in writing
From AED 5,999
Contact
+971 50 164 7168
+971 54 291 7134
+971 54 291 7134
Email
info@skywaycsp.com