Dubai — IFZA, Meydan, DMCC & DED
Business Setup in Dubai
Dubai company formation from AED 12,500 — a global brand address with world-class ports, airports and talent.
Why Choose Us for DUBAI Business Setups?
Businesssetups.ae handles business setup in Dubai across mainland DED and top free zones — IFZA, Meydan and DMCC. Company formation in Dubai starts from about AED 12,500 in 2026, giving founders a globally recognised address with world-class ports, airports and access to finance, talent and markets.
Why Set Up Your Business in Dubai?
Leading free zones
IFZA, Meydan and DMCC offer flexible packages for trading, services, commodities and professional activities with 100% ownership.
Mainland DED reach
A Dubai DED mainland license lets you trade directly across the UAE and bid for government contracts.
Global connectivity
Jebel Ali Port and two international airports make Dubai a genuine hub between Asia, Europe and Africa for trade and logistics.
Brand & talent
A Dubai address carries international credibility and access to a deep, multilingual talent pool for scaling teams.
Mainland vs Free Zone in Dubai
| Factor | Free Zone (IFZA / DMCC) | Dubai Mainland (DED) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% (most activities) |
| Where you can trade | Internationally & in-zone | Directly across the UAE |
| Government tenders | Usually not | Eligible |
| Starting license cost | ~AED 12,500 | ~AED 15,000 |
| Best for | Trading, services, commodities | Local market & contracts |
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai — Step by Step
Dubai Business Setup Cost in 2026
These are realistic 2026 AED ranges. Final pricing depends on free zone vs mainland, activity, workspace and visas. We confirm exact figures in writing.
| Component | Low range | High range |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone license (IFZA / Meydan) | 12,500 | 22,000 |
| Mainland DED license | 15,000 | 28,000 |
| Office / flexi-desk | 5,500 | 25,000 |
| Investor / employee visa (each) | 3,800 | 6,000 |
Typical starter package: a Dubai free zone license with a workspace and one visa usually lands between AED 18,000 and AED 30,000 for year one.
Documents Required for Dubai Company Formation
- Passport copy of each shareholder
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Visa page / entry stamp copy (if in the UAE)
- Completed application & activity form
- Proposed company names (2–3 options)
- Business plan (for some regulated activities)
- No-objection certificate (if on a UAE visa)
- Proof of address / recent utility bill
Manufacturing & Industrial License in Dubai
While Dubai is best known for trade and services, it also supports industry through zones such as Dubai Industrial City and the Jebel Ali area. An industrial license in Dubai gives you warehousing and land for manufacturing, assembly and logistics, with direct access to Jebel Ali Port for export.
Industrial packages are quoted per project because they depend on facility size, power and civil-defence and environmental approvals. Haqguru Advisory scopes these early and arranges the labour and investor visas your operation needs. For lower-cost manufacturing, we also compare northern-emirate options so you choose the most efficient base.
- Manufacturing, assembly & logistics activities
- Warehousing and land via Dubai industrial areas
- Jebel Ali Port access for export
Frequently Asked Questions.
IFZA and Meydan are among Dubai’s more affordable free zones, with packages often starting around AED 12,500 to AED 16,000 including a license and shared workspace. The best value depends on your activity and how many visas you need.
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is a leading Dubai free zone in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, popular for trading, commodities, crypto and professional services. It offers a strong business community, though packages typically sit at the premium end of the market.
Yes. All Dubai free zones grant 100% foreign ownership, and most Dubai mainland (DED) commercial and professional activities now allow full foreign ownership under current UAE rules, without a mandatory local partner.
Dubai free zone licenses are often issued within 3 to 7 working days once documents are ready. Mainland DED setups can take a little longer for approvals. Visa processing adds around 7 to 15 days per applicant for medical, Emirates ID and stamping.
Not always. Many Dubai free zones offer flexi-desk or shared-workspace packages that satisfy licensing affordably. A physical office is required for larger visa quotas, and mainland licenses generally need a tenancy contract (Ejari).