Company formation across all 7 emirates
Business Setup in the UAE
From choosing the right jurisdiction to collecting your trade licence and residence visas, DocTrust manages the whole company formation process for you and keeps the costs clear.
Quick answer
To set up a business in the UAE you choose a jurisdiction (mainland, free zone or offshore), select your licensed activities, reserve a trade name, get initial approval, sign the incorporation documents, secure an office or flexi-desk, and then receive your trade licence. Most companies are licensed within 1–3 weeks. Visas and a corporate bank account follow afterwards.
Why entrepreneurs choose the UAE
The UAE combines a strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa with modern infrastructure, a stable currency pegged to the US dollar and a tax regime that stays competitive. There is no personal income tax, and corporate tax is charged at 9% only on taxable profit above AED 375,000.
Since 2021, foreign investors can own 100% of a mainland company for most commercial and industrial activities, and more than 40 free zones offer purpose-built ecosystems for trading, technology, media, logistics and manufacturing.
- Access to over 2 billion consumers within a 4-hour flight
- World-class ports, airports and free trade agreements
- Long-term residency options, including the 10-year Golden Visa
- Digital government services that cut paperwork and waiting time
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore: which is right for you?
Your jurisdiction decides where you can trade, how many visas you can sponsor and what office you need. This table summarises the practical differences.
| Decision point | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade inside the UAE market | Yes, without restriction | Within the free zone and internationally; mainland trade needs a distributor or extra permit | No, international and holding activity only |
| Ownership | 100% for most activities | 100% foreign ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Residence visas | Yes, based on office size | Yes, based on package and office type | Not available |
| Physical office | Registered lease required | Flexi-desk to warehouse options | Registered agent address only |
| Government contracts | Eligible | Generally limited | Not eligible |
| Best for | Retail, contracting, local services | Trading, consulting, e-commerce, startups | Holding assets, international trade, IP |
Not sure yet? Ask a consultant for a side-by-side quote of all three options.
What does it cost to start a company in the UAE?
The total cost depends on the emirate, the jurisdiction, the number of activities, the office type and how many visas you need. Licence packages in some free zones start in the low thousands of dirhams. A mainland company with a physical office and several visas is a larger investment.
With DocTrust, every quote lists government fees, third-party costs (such as office rent, medicals and insurance) and our service fee separately, so you can compare options properly. Try our cost calculator for a tailored estimate.
Choosing the right structure: 8 questions we ask every client
- Who are your customers: UAE consumers, UAE businesses or international clients?
- Which activities do you need, and do any require external approvals?
- How many residence visas do you need now and over the next two years?
- Do you need a shop, warehouse, clinic or other physical premises?
- Will you bid for government or semi-government contracts?
- What will the annual renewal cost be, not just the first-year price?
- How quickly do you need a corporate bank account?
- Do you plan to expand to other emirates or GCC countries later?
Choose your jurisdiction
Mainland Company Setup
Trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government projects and sponsor unlimited visas based on office space.
Learn moreFree Zone Company Setup
100% ownership, flexible packages and fast incorporation in 40+ UAE free zones.
Learn moreOffshore Company Formation
Hold assets, own property and trade internationally through a UAE offshore company.
Learn moreKey benefits of Business Setup in UAE
Zero personal income tax
Keep more of what you earn. Corporate tax is 9% only on profit above AED 375,000.
100% ownership
Most mainland and all free zone companies can be fully foreign-owned.
Full profit repatriation
There are no currency controls, so you can move capital and profits freely.
Residency for you & family
Your company can sponsor your visa and your family's.
Global connectivity
Two of the world's busiest airports and major seaports are a short drive from our office.
Business-friendly government
Digital licensing platforms and fast approvals for most activities.
How the process works
Consultation
We discuss your activity, budget and visa needs and recommend a jurisdiction.
Name & approvals
We reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval.
Documentation
We prepare the MOA, lease and shareholder documents for signing.
Licence
Your trade licence is issued and registered with the authorities.
Visas & bank
We process residence visas and support your corporate bank account application.
Documents usually required
- Passport copies of shareholders and managers
- Passport photographs
- UAE visa / Emirates ID (if resident)
- Proposed trade names
- Office lease or flexi-desk agreement
- Attested corporate documents for company shareholders
Requirements can vary by authority, nationality and activity. We confirm the exact list for your case before anything is submitted.
Why clients choose DocTrust
Transparent pricing
Every quote separates government fees from our service fee. No surprise add-ons.
Fast turnaround
We prepare, type and submit applications correctly the first time, so files are not rejected and delayed.
One point of contact
One consultant handles your file from the first call until the licence, visa or certificate is in your hands.
All 7 emirates
We are based in Sharjah and work with mainland, free zone and federal authorities across the UAE.
Business Setup in UAE: common questions
How long does business setup in the UAE take?
Most free zone licences are issued in 3–7 working days once documents are complete. Mainland licences usually take 1–3 weeks, longer if external approvals are needed. Residence visas typically take another 2–4 weeks.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in the UAE?
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed full foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland activities can also be 100% foreign-owned. A small number of strategic activities still have ownership conditions.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?
Not always. Many free zones allow remote incorporation with digital signatures. You will need to visit for your medical test and Emirates ID biometrics if you apply for a residence visa.
Which emirate is cheapest for company formation?
Free zones in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain often have lower entry prices than Dubai. Cheapest is not always best, so compare renewal costs, visa limits and banking acceptance too.
Do I need a physical office?
Mainland companies need a registered lease (Ejari in Dubai, a municipality-attested lease in Sharjah). Many free zones accept a flexi-desk or shared office, but visa allocations depend on the office type.
Speak to a Business Setup in UAE specialist
Share a few details and a DocTrust consultant will reply with the right approach, a list of documents and a written quote, usually within one business day.
- +971 50 515 2636
- +971 50 501 2460
- Chat on WhatsApp
- info@doctrust.ae
- Office 03, Ground Floor, Building 1371, Muwaileh Commercial, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Talk to a DocTrust consultant today
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