Business Setup in the UAE, across all seven emirates
Businesssetups.ae is a UAE business setup consultancy that forms companies in all seven emirates — Umm Al Quwain, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Setup costs range from roughly AED 5,500 in the northern emirates to AED 30,000+ in Dubai, covering your trade license, visa allocation and office solution. Compare emirates, estimate your cost, and message us for an exact quote.
Choose Your Emirate
Every emirate has its own authority, free zones and price point. Explore the guides for 2026 costs, the step-by-step process and the licenses available in each location.
From ~AED 5,500
Umm Al Quwain
The UAE’s most budget-friendly free zone — ideal for small trading, freelance and light industrial setups.
From ~AED 5,900
Ajman
Fast digital licensing and popular visa packages, minutes from Sharjah and Dubai.
From ~AED 6,200
Fujairah
East-coast gateway with its own port — strong for import, export and creative licenses.
From ~AED 6,500
Ras Al Khaimah
Industrial powerhouse with RAKEZ and Al Hamra zones — great for manufacturing.
From ~AED 6,900
Sharjah
Industrial and services hub with Hamriyah and SPC free zones and dual-port access.
From ~AED 12,000
Abu Dhabi
The capital — home to KEZAD, twofour54 and ADGM for larger, regulated ventures.
From ~AED 12,500
Dubai
The global brand address — IFZA, Meydan, DMCC and mainland DED options.
Why Start a Business in the UAE?
Global connectivity
Two world-class hubs — Dubai and Abu Dhabi — plus seaports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman put your business within hours of Asia, Africa and Europe.
100% ownership
Own your company outright in every free zone and in most mainland activities — no mandatory local partner for standard commercial and industrial licenses.
Tax-efficient
0% personal income tax and a 9% corporate tax that only applies to profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying free zone income can remain at 0% under current rules.
Fast, digital setup
Northern-emirate free zones issue many licenses in 3–7 working days through online portals, with residence visas processed shortly after.
Mainland or Free Zone — Which Should You Pick?
The right structure depends on where you sell and whether you need government contracts. Here is the short version; our dedicated guide goes deeper.
| Factor | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Trade inside UAE market | Direct, anywhere | Via distributor / agent |
| Foreign ownership | 100% (most activities) | 100% always |
| Government tenders | Eligible | Usually not |
| Typical starting cost | AED 12,000+ | AED 5,500+ |
| Office requirement | Physical space | Flexi-desk accepted |
Frequently Asked Questions.
A mainland license lets you trade directly across the UAE market and bid for government work. A free zone license offers 100% ownership, tax incentives and simpler setup, but usually needs a distributor or local service agent to trade inside the mainland.
The UAE applies 9% federal corporate tax on annual profits above AED 375,000. Qualifying free zone businesses meeting the required conditions can still benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income. Small business relief may also apply to lower turnovers.
Yes. All UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland commercial and industrial activities also permit full foreign ownership without a local partner. A few strategic-impact activities still require an Emirati shareholder or agent.
Yes. All UAE free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland commercial and industrial activities also permit full foreign ownership without a local partner. A few strategic-impact activities still require an Emirati shareholder or agent.