Business Setup Services in Dubai & UAE
Why Set Up a Company in Dubai?
Dubai offers a strategic location, a business-friendly environment and access to fast-growing regional and global markets. Ownership, taxation and regulatory requirements depend on your business activity and chosen jurisdiction.
Strategic Global Location
A gateway between Europe, Asia and Africa, with world-class ports and airports connecting you to global markets.
Business-Friendly Environment
Streamlined licensing processes and a government focused on supporting entrepreneurs and investors.
Foreign Ownership Opportunities
100% foreign ownership is available for many mainland and Free Zone activities, subject to activity and jurisdiction.
Modern Infrastructure
Reliable logistics, telecoms and office infrastructure that supports businesses of every size.
Visa and Residency Options
Investor and employee visa routes that support your team and your own long-term residency plans.
A Growing Startup and SME Ecosystem
Opportunities across technology, trade, consulting, tourism, e-commerce and professional services.
Company Structures
Choose the Right UAE Company Structure
Every UAE company falls under one of four structures. The right one depends on your business activity, target market and visa needs.
Mainland or Free Zone: Which One Is Right for You?
Here is how the two most common structures compare across the areas that matter most when you are deciding where to set up.
| Area | Mainland | Free Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Operation | Anywhere in the UAE and internationally | Within the Free Zone and internationally; UAE mainland trade may need a distributor or extra approval |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership for many permitted activities | 100% foreign ownership in eligible Free Zones |
| Office Requirements | Depends on the business activity and authority | Flexi-desk, shared or dedicated office options, depending on the zone |
| Visa Options | Based on office size and activity | Based on the selected package and facility |
| Business Activities | Wide range, including activities open to the local market | Wide range, often tailored to specific industries per zone |
| Government-Contract Eligibility | Eligible for many government and private contracts | Generally not applicable |
| Setup Flexibility | Broader market access, more approvals in some cases | Faster setup process for many activities |
| Suitable For | Businesses trading directly with the local UAE market | Startups, consultants, digital businesses and international entrepreneurs |
| Regulatory Authority | Department of Economy and Tourism (or relevant Emirate authority) | The specific Free Zone authority |
The right option depends on your business activity, target market, number of visas, office requirement and budget. DigiMac One Solution can help you compare suitable jurisdictions.
Types of Business Licences in the UAE
Your trade licence category depends on your business activity. Here are the main licence types issued across the UAE.
Commercial Licence
For trading, retail, import, export, logistics and commercial activities.
Professional Licence
For consulting, marketing, IT, accounting, design and other professional services.
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, processing and industrial activities.
E-commerce Licence
For online stores, digital selling and selected internet-based activities.
General Trading Licence
For businesses planning to trade across multiple approved product categories.
Tourism Licence
For eligible travel, tourism and hospitality-related activities, subject to additional approvals.
Not Sure Which Licence You Need?
Speak with our business setup team and we will help you identify the right licence category for your activity.
How to Set Up a Company in Dubai
Our team guides you through each stage of company formation. Processing time varies according to the business activity, jurisdiction, documentation and authority approval.
1. Business Consultation
We discuss your activity, ownership, budget, target market and visa requirements.
2. Select Business Activity
We help identify the correct business activity and licence category.
3. Choose Mainland or Free Zone
We compare jurisdictions based on your business model and goals.
4. Reserve the Trade Name
We submit suitable company name options for authority approval.
5. Prepare the Documents
We help organise passport copies, applications and supporting documents.
6. Obtain Initial Approvals
We submit your application to the relevant licensing authority.
7. Receive the Trade Licence
We complete the required payments and licensing formalities with you.
8. Process Visa and Emirates ID
We coordinate establishment, immigration, medical and Emirates ID procedures where applicable.
9. Apply for a Corporate Bank Account
We help prepare your banking application and compliance documents.
10. Complete Tax Registration
We assist with corporate tax or VAT registration where applicable.
Documents Required for Company Formation
The final document list depends on the selected company structure, activity and authority. As a starting point, you will typically need:
Passport Copy of Each Shareholder
A clear colour copy of a valid passport for every shareholder.
Passport-Size Photograph
A recent passport-size photograph for each applicant.
UAE Visa or Entry Stamp Copy
Where applicable, a copy of your existing UAE visa or entry stamp.
Emirates ID
Where applicable, a copy of your Emirates ID.
No Objection Certificate
Where required by your current sponsor or employer.
Proof of Residential Address
Where requested by the licensing authority or bank.
Business Plan
Required for selected activities and jurisdictions.
Parent Company Documents
For corporate shareholders or branch office applications.
Additional Authority Documents
Any further documents requested by the licensing authority.
Get a Business Setup Package That Fits Your Needs
Every business is different, so we do not offer one fixed price. Your package and its inclusions depend on the selected jurisdiction, business activity, visa requirements, office requirements and authority fees. Tell us about your plans and we will prepare a custom quote.
Licence Type
Commercial, professional, industrial, e-commerce, general trading or tourism.
Business Activity
Your specific activity determines the eligible jurisdictions and requirements.
Number of Shareholders
The number of partners involved in the company.
Number of Visas
How many employee and investor visas you plan to apply for.
Shared Desk or Office Requirement
Your facility needs, from a flexi-desk to a dedicated office.
Immigration and Establishment Services
Setting up your immigration and establishment card.
Bank-Account Assistance
Support preparing your corporate bank account application.
Tax-Registration Assistance
Corporate tax and VAT registration where applicable.
Request a Custom Business Setup Quote
Share a few details about your plans and our team will put together a tailored quotation for your UAE company formation.
Business Setup Support from Start to Finish
From your first consultation to renewals down the line, our team supports every part of the process.
Jurisdiction Comparison
Business Activity Guidance
Trade Name Reservation
Initial Approval Assistance
Trade Licence Application
MOA and Document Support
Visa Process Coordination
Emirates ID Assistance
Medical and Biometric Coordination
Shared Desk and Office Assistance
Bank Account Opening Assistance
Corporate Tax Registration Assistance
VAT Registration Assistance
PRO Services
Licence Amendments and Renewals
Attestation and Translation Coordination
Why Work with DigiMac One Solution?
We keep company formation straightforward, with one team supporting you across the process.
Personalised Business-Setup Guidance
Advice tailored to your activity, budget and goals, not a one-size-fits-all package.
Mainland and Free Zone Options
We help you compare jurisdictions rather than pushing a single option.
Clear Explanation of Costs and Requirements
You will know what is included and what depends on your specific setup.
Support with Documents and Applications
We help you prepare and organise what each authority asks for.
Visa and Emirates ID Coordination
We coordinate the immigration and Emirates ID steps with you.
Banking and Tax-Registration Assistance
Practical support preparing your bank and tax registration applications.
One Point of Contact
A single team for multiple setup requirements, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Let's Find the Right UAE Business Setup for You
Tell us about your business activity, preferred location and visa requirements. Our team will help you compare suitable company formation options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about UAE company formation.
How much does company formation in Dubai cost?
There is no single fixed cost. It depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, licence type, number of visas and office requirement. We provide a custom quotation once we understand your plans.
How long does it take to obtain a UAE trade licence?
Timelines depend on documentation and the selected authority. Some Free Zone licences can be processed relatively quickly, while mainland or activity-specific approvals may take longer.
Should I choose a Mainland or Free Zone company?
It depends on your business activity, target market, visa needs and budget. Mainland suits businesses trading directly in the local UAE market, while Free Zones suit many startups, consultants and international entrepreneurs. We can help you compare both.
Can a foreign investor own 100% of a UAE company?
100% foreign ownership is available for many mainland activities and for eligible Free Zone companies. Eligibility depends on the specific business activity and jurisdiction, subject to authority approval.
Do I need a local partner?
Not for most activities, since UAE law now permits full foreign ownership for many mainland and Free Zone businesses. A small number of strategic activities may still have different requirements, which we can confirm for your case.
Can I obtain an investor visa through my company?
Investor visa eligibility depends on your company structure, licence type and the relevant authority’s requirements. We assist with the application; approval is subject to immigration authority decision.
Do I need an office or shared desk?
Most licences require some form of physical presence, ranging from a flexi-desk to a dedicated office, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
What documents are required?
Typically a passport copy for each shareholder, passport-size photographs, and any UAE visa, Emirates ID or supporting documents that apply to your case. The exact list depends on your structure, activity and authority.
Can DigiMac assist with Emirates ID processing?
Yes. We coordinate the Emirates ID application alongside your visa process, including medical and biometric appointment coordination where applicable.
Can DigiMac assist with corporate bank-account opening?
Yes, we help prepare your banking application and documentation. Bank-account approval is subject to the bank’s own compliance process, and we cannot guarantee approval.
Is corporate tax registration required?
Most UAE businesses are required to register for corporate tax. We assist with registration; specific obligations depend on your business activity and structure.
Can I establish a UAE company while living overseas?
Yes, many company formation steps can be completed remotely. Some stages, such as certain visa or banking procedures, may require your presence in the UAE.
What happens after the trade licence is issued?
We help you move into visa processing, Emirates ID, corporate bank account opening and tax registration, so your company is fully operational.
Ready to Launch Your Business in the UAE?
Tell us about your proposed business activity, preferred location and visa requirements. We will help you understand the suitable company-formation options. Subject to authority approval and eligibility.
Email Us
info@digimaconesolution.com