Mainland
Full access to the UAE market, retail, and government contracts.
Mainland company setup →
Company formation · UAE
Business setup in Dubai and the UAE
Mainland, free zone, offshore and crypto company formation — with the structure chosen around how you'll actually trade, bank and grow.
Four ways to set up
Each route has different rules on where you can trade, visas, office and tax. Start here, then read the detailed guide for the one that fits.
Free zone
100% ownership, fast setup and flexible office options in 40+ zones.
Free zone company setup →Offshore
Non-trading holding and international structures in RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman.
Offshore company setup →Crypto business
Virtual-asset and blockchain companies under VARA, ADGM, DIFC or free zone rules.
Crypto business setup →Choosing a licence? See trade licence types in Dubai and the e-commerce licence guide. Outside Dubai: company setup in Abu Dhabi · company setup in Sharjah · RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah). Planning costs? Read company setup cost explained and mainland vs free zone.
Mainland vs free zone vs offshore
A quick comparison of the points that decide most cases.
| Mainland | Free zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE and abroad | Inside the free zone and internationally; mainland via a distributor or branch | Outside the UAE only |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Office | Physical office lease (Ejari) | Flexi-desk, shared or private office | Registered agent address |
| Residence visas | Yes — based on office size | Yes — based on package / office | No |
| Corporate Tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 0% on qualifying income for a Qualifying Free Zone Person; 9% otherwise | Must register; taxed like other UAE companies |
| Typical use | Retail, contracting, local services, government work | Consulting, trading, tech, media, e-commerce | Holding company, asset and IP holding |
Summary only — rules vary by emirate, free zone and activity. We confirm current requirements for your case before you apply.
What we handle for you
Structure & activity
Choosing the jurisdiction, legal form and licence activities that match your real business and banking needs.
Licensing & registration
Trade name, initial approval, MoA, licence issue, establishment card and Corporate Tax registration.
Residence visas
Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and visa stamping for you, partners, staff and family.
Bank account file
Matching you with suitable banks and preparing a complete KYC file to reduce delays.
Accounting & VAT
Bookkeeping, VAT registration and Corporate Tax from day one with our tax & accounting team.
Renewals & changes
Licence renewals, activity changes, new shareholders and visa renewals as you grow.
How does our business setup process work?
Consultation
We discuss your activity, clients, visas, budget and timeline online.
Recommendation
You get a recommended structure and an itemised written quote.
Formation
We prepare and file documents and keep you updated at each approval.
Go live
Visas, bank account, tax registrations and bookkeeping set up.
Not sure which free zone fits?
Answer five quick questions in our free zone finder for an indicative starting point.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mainland, free zone and offshore?
A mainland company is licensed by the emirate's economic department and can trade anywhere in the UAE. A free zone company is licensed by a free zone authority and mainly trades internationally or with other businesses. An offshore company is a non-trading entity used for holding assets and international business; it cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas.
Can a free zone company work with UAE mainland clients?
Free zone companies can usually provide services to mainland businesses and import or export through the free zone. Selling directly to mainland customers normally needs a mainland route: a distributor, a mainland branch or licence, or — for Dubai free zone companies — a mainland permit or branch licence from DET under Executive Council Resolution No. 11 of 2025. We check your model before you choose.
Which is the cheapest way to set up a company in the UAE?
Free zone licences with no or one visa and a flexi-desk are usually the lowest upfront cost. But the cheapest option can cost more later if the activity, banking or visa needs don't fit, so we compare total cost over the first two years.
Do I need a physical office?
Mainland companies generally need an office lease registered with Ejari. Free zones offer flexi-desks and shared offices, and the number of visas you can hold usually depends on the office size. Offshore companies only need a registered agent address.
How many visas can my company get?
It depends on the jurisdiction, your licence package and office space. Many free zone packages include one to six visas, with more available as you grow. Offshore companies cannot sponsor residence visas.
Not sure which structure fits?
Tell us what you plan to do and where your clients are. We'll set up a short online meeting and recommend the right route — before you spend anything.
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.