Three primary types: Mainland (operates within the UAE and internationally), Free Zone (100% foreign ownership within a designated zone), and Offshore (international business activities and asset protection).

Choose your business activity, select a legal structure, reserve a trade name, obtain initial approval, prepare legal documents, arrange office space, complete business registration, and open a corporate bank account.

Timeline varies by company type: Mainland typically 1–4 weeks, Free Zone a few days to a week, Offshore within days.

Passport copies, proof of address, a business plan, Memorandum of Association, trade name reservation, tenancy contract, a bank reference letter, and a No Objection Certificate where required.

A designated economic zone where businesses can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, simplified business regulations, and tax or customs advantages.

100% foreign ownership, a streamlined setup process, profit and capital repatriation, and customs benefits for international trade.

Consider your business activity, location and market access, available facilities, office requirements, and total setup and operating costs.

Yes; non-residents can establish a Free Zone business with 100% foreign ownership, with no UAE national partner required.

A company structured to operate across the UAE, able to engage in local and international trade without the geographic restrictions of a Free Zone.

Access to the UAE local market, the ability to operate across the UAE, flexibility across a wide range of business activities, and greater flexibility for employee visas.

Choose your business activity, select a compliant business name, arrange the appropriate ownership or sponsorship structure, secure office space, and complete registration.

Depends on the business activity and legal structure. Many setups require a UAE national sponsor; certain professional services allow 100% foreign ownership.

An Offshore Company in Dubai is a company registered in an offshore jurisdiction with its primary operations outside the UAE, commonly used for international business, asset holding, investment structures, and asset protection.

100% foreign ownership, privacy, asset protection, international business flexibility, and a streamlined setup process.

Choose an offshore jurisdiction, prepare documents such as a passport and proof of address, select a compliant company name, submit your application, and open a corporate bank account after registration.

No; an offshore company can't directly conduct business in the UAE domestic market, but it can be used for international business activities, investments, and holding assets.

Trade and retail, professional services, manufacturing, technology and innovation, media and entertainment, tourism and hospitality, finance, and real estate.

Mainland suits businesses targeting the UAE market and a wide range of activities; Free Zone suits international trade, technology, and media; Offshore suits asset protection, international trading, and holding structures.

Common categories include Commercial (trading), Professional (service businesses), Industrial (manufacturing), and Tourism (hospitality). We help you identify which category fits your activity and prepare the documentation; the license itself is issued by the relevant government authority.

In some cases, yes. General Trading and Commercial Licenses can cover multiple related activities; Mainland and some Free Zone categories may allow several activities under one license.

Typically AED 15,000 to AED 50,000, depending on license type, office space, sponsorship fees, and other requirements.

Generally AED 9,000 to AED 30,000+, depending on the Free Zone and business activity; e.g. IFZA from AED 12,000, RAKEZ from AED 5,699, DMCC from AED 9,000, Ajman Free Zone from AED 5,555.

Generally AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 for registration and licensing, plus annual renewal, nominee director or shareholder services, banking, and legal costs where applicable.

Office rent, investor and employee visas, document drafting and notarization, accounting and audit services, and bank account requirements.