Company Setup
Set Up a Company in Dubai
Mainland (DED-licensed, trade anywhere in the UAE) or free zone (100% foreign ownership, export-focused). Both routes covered with exact fees.
Find My Setup Route
Mainland, free zone, or bank account →
Mainland Company Setup
→Retail, services, B2B, government contracts — any business selling to UAE customers. DED-licensed. Physical office required.
DED-licensed · Trade anywhere in the UAE
Free Zone Company Setup
→Export, digital, or remote businesses. 100% foreign ownership. Most common: IFZA, DMCC, JAFZA.
Zone-licensed · 100% foreign ownership
Business Bank Account
→Required after company formation. Expect 2–6 weeks and a monthly balance requirement of AED 25,000–50,000.
Required after licensing · Step 2 of setup
Mainland or free zone?
Mainland
Free zone
Sell to UAE customers
Yes — directly
No — needs a local agent
Foreign ownership
100% (since 2021)
100%
Office requirement
Physical address required
Flexi-desk available
Typical setup cost
AED 12,000–25,000+
AED 6,000–18,000+
Government contracts
Yes
Generally no
UAE customers → mainland. International, digital, or remote → free zone.
What the process looks like
- 1Choose your legal structure and business activity
- 2Reserve your trade name
- 3Submit your application and get initial approval
- 4Sign and register your office lease
- 5Pay government fees and receive your trade license
- 6Open a business bank account
- 7Apply for investor and employee visas
Bank account (step 6) is the same process for mainland and free zone companies.
Have questions about your setup?
Contact us →