Business Setup in Dubai: Complete Guide & Cost Calculator
Setting up a business in Dubai starts with choosing the right jurisdiction. Free zone, mainland, and offshore each carry different costs, ownership rules, and market access rights. Not sure which one fits? That is exactly what our consultants are here for.
How much would you save in tax?
A 30-second comparison vs your current country. Real numbers based on Dubai's QFZP regime and your country's effective rate on extracted profits.
Types of business setup in Dubai
There are three main types of business setup in the UAE: free zone, mainland and offshore. Each has distinct advantages, regulations and requirements.
Free Zone Company
Industry focused. Fast and seamless setup.
Free zones are special economic areas designed for specific industries. The UAE is home to over 40 of them, each with its own authority, regulations, and perks. 100% foreign ownership, zero customs duties, and a streamlined registration process.
Best for
- Startups & freelancers
- E-commerce businesses
- International trade
- Tech companies
Mainland Company
Operate anywhere in the UAE and beyond.
A mainland company, also known as an onshore company, gives you the freedom to trade across the entire UAE and internationally. Licensed by the Department of Economic Development. Most chosen path for serious operators.
Best for
- Businesses selling to UAE clients
- Companies needing unlimited visas
- Government contractors
- Retail & F&B operations
Offshore Company
A lean holding structure for international activities.
An offshore company is a non-operational entity, typically used for holding assets, managing investments, or serving as a special purpose vehicle. Registered within certain UAE free zones for tax planning and asset protection.
Best for
- Holding companies
- International SPVs
- Asset protection
- Investment vehicles
The same senior expert from day one to year two.
When you sign with BML, you get Mariam or one of three other senior advisors — never a junior, never an SDR, never a callbase. Each of our advisors has structured at least 300 UAE companies and speaks directly to free zone authorities, banks, and PROs every working day.
Available now — most clients get a response within 90 minutes during UAE business hours (GMT+4).
WhatsApp Mariam directlyHow Much Does Business Setup in Dubai Cost?
A clear, transparent view of how business setup in the UAE is priced. Figures below are indicative and vary by activity, shareholder structure, visa count and jurisdiction. For a precise, itemised total, use our business setup cost calculator.
Free Zone Business Setup Cost
A simple free zone company with no visas typically starts from AED 5,565. The final amount varies with your chosen activities, the number of visas, the type of office and the rules of the selected authority. For an itemised estimate and next steps, calculate your cost using the tool on the right.
Mainland Business Setup Cost
A straightforward mainland licence with no visas typically starts from AED 12,500. The final amount varies with the emirate, your activities and any external approvals, the number of visas and your office lease.
Offshore Business Setup Cost
An offshore company structure typically starts from AED 8,000. Annual renewal fees apply. Used primarily for holding assets, not operational trading. Bank account opening is offshore-jurisdiction only.
One email, full breakdown. Senior advisor calls within 2h.
On its way.
Your detailed quote is being sent to . A senior advisor calls within 2 hours.
WhatsApp now →Choose the right free zone
We match your activity, revenue, and visa needs to the right structure — not the most expensive one.
Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore
To help you choose the most suitable setup for your business, here is a side-by-side comparison of the three main UAE company setup options.
| Feature | Free Zone | Mainland | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100% ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% (non-residents) |
| Income Tax | 0% tax | 0% tax | 0% personal tax |
| Corporate Tax | Exempt (subject to criteria) | Applicable above AED 375k | Generally exempt |
| Customs Duties | No duties in zone | Duties on local trade | Not applicable |
| Share Capital Requirement | Usually not required | Varies by activity | Not required |
| Residence Visa Eligibility | ✓ Available | ✓ Available | ✗ Not available |
| Office Space Requirement | Often optional | Mandatory | Not required |
| Cost | Cost-effective | Moderate to high | Low-cost |
| Number of Visas | Limited by package | Unlimited | Not applicable |
| Business Activities | Restricted by zone | 3,000+ activities | Limited (non-operational) |
| Government Tenders | ✗ Not permitted | ✓ Permitted | ✗ Not permitted |
| Bank Account Opening | UAE banks | UAE banks | Offshore accounts |
| Audit Requirement | Usually audit-free | Required | Audit-free |
How to Set Up a Business in Dubai
Work with a BML consultant from the first call. We advise on the route, prepare the documents and manage each stage until you are ready to trade.
Consult & plan
We align goals and activities, recommend free zone or mainland and outline costs and timelines.
Structure & documents
We set the legal structure and shareholding and prepare forms, MOA and all papers.
Name & approvals
We reserve the trade name and secure the initial approvals from the authority.
Licence & immigration
We file the application, issue the trade licence and create immigration records.
Visas, banking & compliance
We process visas, support bank account opening and register VAT and corporate tax.
Three starter packages
All-in setup, in writing, no hidden fees. Pick by what you actually need.
- Free zone license (Ajman / SHAMS)
- Setup in 3–5 days
- Virtual address included
- Bank introduction
- Same senior advisor
- Visas (add-on: AED 4,500 / visa)
- Tax structuring
- Dubai license (IFZA / Meydan)
- Setup in 5–10 days
- 1 UAE residency visa included
- Flexi-desk in Dubai
- Premium bank intro
- QFZP eligibility review
- Same senior advisor
- Premium license (DMCC / DIFC)
- Setup in 10–21 days
- Up to 3 UAE visas included
- Dedicated office option
- Premium + private banking
- Full tax structuring
- Dedicated senior partner
All prices in AED and exclude VAT. Government fees set by each free zone authority may change. Visa costs vary by emirate, dependents, and medical requirements. A binding quote in writing is provided after the initial consultation.
Why Choose BML for Business Setup in Dubai
Proven track record
Since 2014, we have helped 1,847 entrepreneurs set up and scale all over the world.
End-to-end services
Company formation, visas, bank account opening, PRO services, accounting, VAT and corporate tax.
Senior advisor
The same senior advisor from kickoff to your second renewal. Direct WhatsApp line.
Speed & clarity
Fast approvals, clear timelines and transparent costs. Quote matches invoice to the dirham.
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14-day license guarantee, or full refund.
If your trade license is not issued within 14 working days of contract signature — for any reason caused by us — we refund our advisory fee in full. No questions, no negotiation.
Book a business setup consultation
Leave your details and one of our specialists will review your requirements and advise on the right setup, expected costs, and next steps.
- 15-minute call with a senior advisor
- Written quote within 30 minutes after
- English, French & Arabic spoken
- Zero follow-up sequence — we won't chase you
Three founders, three setups, real numbers.
Anonymized client cases. Same advisor, same fixed-price approach, very different setups.
License issued in 9 days, bank account on first try
UK SaaS founder needed UAE entity for the DIFC FinTech Hive accelerator. We pre-validated everything for the Mashreq application — approved week one.
Switched her from DMCC to SHAMS — same outcome, 4× cheaper
Another firm had quoted AED 48k for DMCC for a remote consulting practice. SHAMS Sharjah covered the same activities at AED 12k all-in with no operational compromise.
Mainland license + Emirates NBD account, fully remote
Bahrain-based ecommerce founder wanted UAE mainland for retail distribution. Set up fully remote — only flew in for biometrics. Bank approved first try.
Join 1,847+ happy founders
Make sure you hire the best in the business for your business setup in Dubai. With BML Business Set Up, you fast-track your path to business success.
"They told me the truth: we didn't need DMCC. Saved me AED 12,000 in the first year on a setup another firm wanted to charge me 4× for."
"License in 9 days, bank account in 3 weeks. No surprises, no hidden fees. Senior advisor still picks up the phone two years in."
"Bank account approval came through on the first try. They prepared every line of the application. Most firms outsource you after year 1."
BML Business Set Up vs DIY vs other firms.
Where your money actually goes. The questions most setup firms hope you don't ask.
| What you get | DIY | BML Business Set Up | Other firms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior advisor from day one | ✗You're the advisor | ✓Same person to year 2 | ~SDR then juniors |
| Fixed price in writing before signature | ~Gov fees only, no advisory | ✓Quote = invoice, to the dirham | ✗Often revised up at signature |
| 14-day license guarantee | ✗No accountability | ✓Full refund if missed | ✗No written commitment |
| Bank approval rate | ~30%First-try rejections common | 96%Pre-validated full file | ~65%Generic submissions |
| Government fee passthrough at cost | ✓You pay direct | ✓No markup, line-itemized | ✗Often marked up 20-40% |
| Same advisor at year-2 renewal | ✗ | ✓Continuity guaranteed | ✗Renewal = profit center |
| Tax & QFZP structuring guidance | ✗Hire separate advisor | ✓Included in Dubai+ plans | ~Charged separately |
| Hidden fees at signature | N/A | Zero | CommonMOA, share cert, etc. |
| Direct WhatsApp line to advisor | ✗ | ✓90-min avg response | ~Routed via callcenter |
| Time to operational (license + bank) | 8-16 weeksLots of trial & error | 4-6 weeksPre-validated docs | 6-10 weeksGeneric process |
What founders say on Trustpilot.
"They told me exactly what to expect — and hit every timeline. Bank account approved on the first try. Will recommend to all my founder friends moving to Dubai."
"Two other firms tried to upsell me on DMCC. Mariam took 20 minutes to explain why SHAMS was the right call for my consulting practice. 4x cheaper, same outcome."
"Two years in and I still get Mariam directly when something comes up. Most firms shuffle you to a junior after year 1. That's why I'm still here."
"I had quotes from 4 firms. Two revised upward at signature. BML's was the same number, line-itemized. No nasty surprises, exactly as promised."
Common questions about Dubai business setup
Our team of experts fields common questions from people all over the globe about company formation in the UAE.
The trade license, all free zone fees, name reservation, MOA preparation, share certificates, and our advisory work — itemized line by line. Government fees set by the free zone authority are passed through at cost. If those change between quote and signature, we re-issue the quote.
Visas, office upgrades, premium banking — all priced separately and only if you opt in.
Yes, but it depends on your business activity, source of funds documentation, and which bank we approach. Our 2025 approval rate was 96% — we are selective about which clients we bring to which bank, and we prepare your full file before the introduction.
Realistic timeline: 2–4 weeks for major banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq), 1–2 weeks for digital banks (WIO, Ruya).
It applies above AED 375,000 in taxable income. Free zone companies with qualifying activities (QFZP) can still benefit from 0% on qualifying income if they meet substance requirements, audit obligations, and don't trade with the UAE mainland (with exceptions).
We walk you through whether your activity qualifies and what the practical compliance looks like.
For the company setup itself: usually no. We can handle most free zone applications remotely with notarized documents.
For UAE residency: yes, one short visit (typically 3–5 days) for Emirates ID biometrics and the medical fitness test. We coordinate everything so it can be done in one trip.
A few reasons we see often:
(1) They quote for a free zone that won't actually fit your activity — and you pay for migration later. (2) They omit name reservation, MOA, share certificates from the quote — billed later. (3) They use a fresh agent who isn't on the file at renewal — you become a renewal-fee profit center.
Our number is what the work actually costs done properly. We would rather quote accurately and lose the deal than win it dishonestly.
Use the calculator above for an instant suggestion, or book a 15-minute call. We will ask 6–8 questions about your activity, revenue model, visa needs, and 12-month plan — then recommend the right structure. No charge, no obligation.
Standard timeline:
Days 0–14: License issued.
Weeks 3–5: Residency visas, Emirates ID, bank account.
Total: 4–6 weeks for everything operational.
We hit these timelines because we pre-validate every document before submission — meaning fewer reworks and faster government approvals.
Need Assistance? We're Here to Help!
Reach out anytime for quick and friendly assistance.
Our office in Business Bay.
Iris Bay tower — 5 minutes from Burj Khalifa, 12 minutes from DIFC, 25 minutes from DXB airport.
BML Business Set Up HQ
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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