Business Setup Consultants in Dubai and the UAE

Our packages start from AED 5,750 for an e-commerce licence, AED 13,500 for a free zone licence with one investor visa and AED 15,000 for a mainland licence. Offshore companies start from AED 10,500. The final cost depends on your business activity, the jurisdiction, the number of visas and the type of office, and most setups fall between AED 5,750 and AED 40,000. We give you a written quote with every fee before you start.

Most free zone licences are issued in 5 to 7 working days once your documents are complete. Mainland licences usually take longer because they need initial approval and a registered office lease. Visas, Emirates ID and the corporate bank account come after the licence.

Yes. Since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of a mainland company for most business activities; a short list of strategic activities still needs a UAE partner. Free zone and offshore companies allow 100% foreign ownership.

A mainland company can trade anywhere in the UAE and needs an office lease in the emirate. A free zone company trades inside its free zone and internationally, with lower setup costs and flexi-desk options. An offshore company is for holding assets and doing business outside the UAE, and cannot sponsor residence visas. The comparison table above shows the details.

Not for most activities. Most mainland companies can now be fully foreign owned without a UAE national shareholder. Some professional licences and strategic activities still need a local service agent or partner, and we confirm this for your activity before you apply. Free zone and offshore companies do not need one.

For individual shareholders: a passport copy, a passport-size photo, and your UAE visa or Emirates ID if you already live here. Some authorities also ask for proof of address or a CV. For a corporate shareholder: the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association and a board resolution, usually attested. We send you the exact list for your chosen authority.

Not directly. A free zone company can sell to mainland customers through a mainland distributor or agent, or by opening a mainland branch. Dubai also offers a permit that lets some free zone companies operate on the mainland. We can advise which route fits your activity.

Yes. Every UAE company, including free zone companies, must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority, even if it pays 0%. The standard rate is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, and Qualifying Free Zone Persons pay 0% on qualifying income. Our group's tax agency can handle registration and filing.

Yes. As a shareholder you can apply for an investor visa, and your company can sponsor visas for employees and, in many cases, your family. The number of visas depends on your licence and office space. Offshore companies cannot sponsor residence visas.

After your licence is issued, you apply to a UAE bank with the licence, company documents and shareholder passports. Each bank runs its own compliance checks and makes the final decision. We prepare the file and introduce you to our partner banks.

Yes. Many free zones let you complete the licence remotely, with documents signed online or by courier. You will usually need to visit the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, and some banks ask to meet you in person.

We have set up companies in the UAE since 2001 as part of Jitendra Consulting Group, which also handles audit, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. You get published package prices with 0% instalment plans, offices in Dubai and Sharjah, and advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.