Mainland company
Licensed by the emirate's economic department. Trade anywhere in the UAE, open retail outlets and work with government clients.
- Sell directly to UAE customers
- Most activities 100% foreign-owned
- Office lease (Ejari) required
Business setup · Dubai & UAE
Set up your UAE company the right way, the first time.
Mainland, free zone and offshore company formation in Dubai and across the UAE. We help you choose the right structure, get licensed, arrange residence visas, prepare your bank account file, then keep your books and tax filings in order.
- Mainland, free zone & offshore
- Visas & bank account support
- Accounting & tax after setup
Choose your route into the UAE
The licence you pick decides where you can trade, how many visas you can hold and how you are taxed. We start with your plans, then recommend the structure.
Free zone company
Fast, flexible setup in zones such as IFZA, DMCC, Meydan, RAKEZ, DIFC and ADGM — ideal for international and B2B work.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Flexi-desk and virtual office options
- Possible 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
Offshore company
A non-trading UAE entity for holding shares, property in permitted areas or international business — RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman Offshore.
- No physical office needed
- Holding and asset structures
- Cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas
One team from licence to first tax return
Most founders need more than a licence. Everything below can be handled by the same team, so nothing falls between providers.
UAE Golden Visa
Eligibility check, documents and application for 5- or 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Learn more →Bank account opening
Bank selection matched to your profile, a complete KYC file and follow-up with relationship managers until the account is live.
Learn more →Asset protection
Holding companies and UAE foundations to organise ownership, plan succession and keep family and business assets structured.
Learn more →Foundations
DIFC, ADGM and RAK ICC foundations for family wealth, succession and holding structures.
Learn more →Crypto & virtual assets
Licensing route planning for blockchain and virtual-asset businesses under VARA, ADGM, DIFC and free zone rules.
Learn more →Accounting & tax
Bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax from day one, with fixed-fee packages from our tax & accounting team at pbz.ae.
Learn more →How does setting up a UAE company with ProBiz Setup work?
Advice first, paperwork second. You always know the next step and what it costs.
Online consultation
A short video call about your activity, clients, visas and timeline — at a time that suits you in UAE hours.
Structure & written quote
We recommend the jurisdiction and licence, then send an itemised quote with government fees shown separately.
Licence & registration
We handle name and activity approval, licence application, establishment card and Corporate Tax registration.
Visas, bank & compliance
Residence visas, your bank account file, and bookkeeping and VAT set up so you start compliant.
UAE business rules at a glance
The numbers every new company owner in the UAE should know.
100%foreign ownership in every free zone and for most mainland activities
9%Corporate Tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 — 0% possible for qualifying free zone income
AED 375ktaxable supplies in 12 months — the mandatory VAT registration threshold
5–10 yrsGolden Visa residency, depending on the category you qualify under
IFZA company formation in Dubai
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is one of the most popular Dubai free zones for consultants, traders, agencies and tech founders. It offers 100% foreign ownership, a wide list of activities on one licence, flexible visa allocations and the option to set up remotely.
The detail that matters most is the business activity. A licence that doesn't match what you actually do can hold up your bank account later. We check your activity list against your real business before anything is filed, then manage name approval, licence issue, establishment card and visa applications with IFZA.
Not sure IFZA is right? We compare it honestly with DMCC, Meydan, RAKEZ, SHAMS and mainland options for your case. Read our IFZA company setup guide or compare all free zones.
Why founders choose ProBiz Setup
Advice before paperwork
We ask about your clients, banking needs and growth plans first. The cheapest licence is not always the right one.
Clear, itemised quotes
Government fees, visa costs and our fee shown separately, in writing, before you commit.
Remote-friendly
Most steps can be completed online, wherever you are. We plan your UAE visit around the visa and bank appointments.
Support after setup
Bookkeeping, VAT, Corporate Tax and renewals with our tax & accounting team, so compliance starts on day one.
Guides from our blog
Practical guides on setting up and running a company in the UAE.
Company Setup Cost in Dubai Explained: What You Pay For and What Changes the Total
What makes up the cost of setting up a company in Dubai and the UAE — licence, office, visas, approvals and ongoing costs — and the choices that change the total. No sales figures, just the components.
Mainland vs Free Zone in the UAE: Which Do You Need?
A plain-English comparison of UAE mainland and free zone companies: where you can trade, ownership, office, visas, Corporate Tax and the 2025 Dubai rule for free zone companies working on the mainland.
UAE Visa Quota Explained: How Many Visas Can Your Company Get?
How visa allocations work for UAE mainland and free zone companies: what decides your quota, which visas count, how to plan for growth and what to check before choosing an office.
Not sure which free zone fits?
Answer five quick questions in our free zone finder for an indicative starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases. All UAE free zones allow full foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland activities can also be 100% foreign-owned. A short list of strategic activities still needs UAE national participation, and some professional licences use a local service agent. We check your exact activity before you apply.
Should I choose a mainland or a free zone company?
Choose mainland if you will sell directly to customers anywhere in the UAE, open a shop or bid for government work. Choose a free zone if your clients are mainly outside the UAE or other businesses, and you want a simpler, often cheaper setup. Our business setup guide compares the options side by side.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?
Not for most free zone companies — documents can be signed and submitted remotely. You will normally need to visit for the residence visa medical, Emirates ID biometrics and, usually, for the bank account meeting.
How long does company formation take?
A free zone licence such as IFZA can often be issued within a few working days once documents are complete. Mainland setups usually take a few weeks because of activity approvals and the office lease. Visas and the bank account follow after the licence.
Does my new company need to register for Corporate Tax?
Yes. Every UAE company — mainland, free zone and offshore — must register for Corporate Tax, even if no tax ends up being payable. The standard rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. We register you as part of setup and our sister team at pbz.ae can handle the annual return.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
It depends on the jurisdiction, the activity, the number of visas and the office you need. Rather than quote a headline number that changes later, we agree the route with you in an online consultation and then send a written, itemised quote.
Ready to plan your UAE company?
Tell us a little about your business. We'll reply within one business day to arrange a short online meeting at a time that suits you.
Important: This page is provided for general information and knowledge purposes only, as at 10 October 2026. It is not legal, tax, immigration, financial or other professional advice, and it is not a recommendation or suggestion to take, or not take, any action. UAE laws, government requirements, fees and processes change frequently and can depend on your specific facts, so verify the current position with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser before making any decision. Any service from ProBiz Setup is provided only under a written engagement. See our full disclaimer.