Company setup in Dubai and the UAE: the right structure from day one
Mainland or free zone, one activity or several, a visa for you or for a whole team. We compare your options in plain language, show every cost in three parts and handle the licence, visas, office and bank file with one team.
Where you can set up
Each option suits a different way of doing business. We help you pick the one that fits your activity, clients and budget.
Trade anywhere in the UAE, open shops and offices, and work with government clients.
Good value with a Dubai address, for international and online business.
A central Dubai address and fast digital setup for trading and services.
Free zone options suited to media, creative and service businesses.
All-inclusive free zone packages with room for several activities.
A low-cost start for small businesses and new founders.
How to choose
The main question is where your customers are. A mainland company can sell directly to customers anywhere in the UAE. A free zone company is designed for international trade, online business and services, and usually needs a distributor, permit or branch to sell goods directly on the mainland.
Other factors matter too: the number of activities you need, how many visas you plan, whether you need a physical office, and your budget for the first year and for renewals.
- Where your clients are: UAE-wide, international or online
- Which activities you need and whether they require approvals
- How many visas you need now and later
- Office needs: flexi-desk, shared office or full office
- Setup and renewal budget
With Tajnes
- Side-by-side comparison of suitable options
- Activity selection checked against your real business
- Every cost split into government, third-party and Tajnes fees
- Licence, visas, Emirates IDs and bank file handled together
- Renewal reminders after setup
- Scope confirmed in your quotation and agreement
How a company setup works
We understand your activity, clients, visa plans and budget.
We recommend mainland or a free zone and send a written, line-by-line quotation.
We reserve the trade name, select activities and obtain initial approvals.
After documents and payments, your trade licence and company documents are issued.
We process establishment cards, visas and Emirates IDs, and prepare your bank file.
What makes up the cost of a company
We always show these three parts separately.
| Part | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Government and authority fees | Licence, registration, establishment card and visa fees, charged at cost with receipts |
| Third-party services | Office or flexi-desk, medical tests, insurance, translation and similar items from approved providers |
| Tajnes service fee | Our fixed fee for the plan you choose, agreed in writing. VAT applies to this fee only. |
Use our cost calculator for an estimate. Your final figures are confirmed in your quotation after the consultation.
Questions clients ask us
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
For most activities, yes, on both the mainland and in free zones. Some strategic activities have specific rules, which we check during the consultation.
How long does company setup take?
Simple activities can often be licensed within one to two weeks after documents are ready. Activities that need approvals from other authorities take longer.
Do I need to live in the UAE to own a company?
No. You can own a UAE company from abroad. If you want to live here, you can apply for an investor or partner visa through your company.
Which is cheaper, mainland or free zone?
It depends on your activities, visas and office needs. Some free zones have lower starting costs, while mainland can be better value if you sell across the UAE. We compare both for you.
Can I add activities or partners later?
Yes. Licences can be amended to add activities, partners or a new trade name, subject to authority approval.
Is VAT charged on the whole setup cost?
No. Government and authority fees are passed through at cost. VAT applies to the Tajnes service fee only.
Start your company with a clear plan
See your costs line by line, then let one team handle every step.