Company formation in Dubai,
with the right structure for your activity.

• 

  Most common · 45+ zones

  Free Zone

  FromAED 4,888

  /year · license + visa eligibility

  • 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor
  • 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on Qualifying Free Zone income
  • Sells inside the zone and abroad
  • Residency Visas for owners, employees and dependents

  Best for: Investors, consultants, E-commerce, tech, holding structures

  See Free Zone setupPrice this
• 

  Sells anywhere in the UAE

  Mainland

  FromAED 18,500

  /year · DED license + visa eligibility

  • 100% foreign ownership on most activities (post-2021 reform)
  • Trade with UAE government and local market
  • Physical office anywhere in the emirate of incorporation
  • 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of net profit

  Best for: Retail, F&B, professional services, government contracting

  See Mainland setupPrice this
• 

  Holding & asset protection

  Offshore

  FromAED 9,800

  /year · license only, no residency

  • No physical office, no UAE residency visa
  • Hold shares, intellectual property and real estate (per zone rules)
  • Confidential ownership register
  • Cannot trade inside the UAE

  Best for: Holding companies, family offices, asset segregation

  See Offshore setupPrice this

Prices are indicative starting points. Final quote depends on activity code, visa count and shareholders' nationalities. We send the itemised breakdown in writing before you sign anything.

• What is the cheapest way to set up a business in Dubai?+

  The cheapest license currently runs from AED 12,500 / year in a Free Zone such as IFZA, Meydan or RAKEZ for a commercial or services activity with no visa. A single residency visa adds roughly AED 4,500. Any quote below AED 11,000 typically excludes government fees, the establishment card or the medical. Ask for a line-item breakdown before you sign.
• Can a foreigner own 100% of a UAE company?+

  Yes. In every Free Zone, 100% foreign ownership has been the standard since inception, with no local sponsor or partner. On the Mainland, the November 2020 amendment to the Commercial Companies Law removed the 51% local-sponsor rule on most activities, so a foreigner can now own 100% of a Mainland LLC. A short negative list of strategic activities still requires a UAE national partner.
• How long does business setup in Dubai actually take?+

  The trade license itself is issued in 3 to 7 working days from the moment we have the signed application and clean ID documents. Add 10 to 14 days for the residency visa (entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID), and 14 to 35 days for the bank account depending on the bank and your nationality. We share a written calendar at signing so there are no surprises.
• What is the difference between Free Zone, Mainland and Offshore?+

  Free Zone: license valid only inside the Free Zone and abroad, and cannot invoice UAE-mainland clients directly without a distributor. Mainland: DED license, sells anywhere in the UAE, eligible for government contracts. Offshore: holding-only, no residency, cannot trade inside the UAE; used for shares, intellectual property and real estate ownership.
• Do I need to live in the UAE to keep my company active?+

  No, but if you hold a residency visa you must enter the UAE at least once every 180 days, otherwise the visa lapses. If you do not need residency, you can hold a free-zone license remotely and renew it annually with a power of attorney. For a UAE tax residency certificate (TRC), a physical presence of 183 days per year is required.
• Will I be taxed in the UAE?+

  Personal income tax is 0%. Corporate tax came into force in 2023 at 9% above AED 375,000 of net profit. Free-zone companies that qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and earn only qualifying income remain at 0% on that income. VAT is 5% above AED 375,000 of taxable turnover. Customs duty is 5% at import (waived for free-zone trade staying outside the Mainland).
• Can FZM Solutions help open a corporate bank account?+

  Yes. Bank introduction is included in every package. We work with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, WIO Bank and RAKBank, and we pre-vet your file before the compliance call so the bank does not come back with surprise questions. Account-opening timelines depend on the bank and the shareholders' nationalities, typically 14 to 35 days.