UAE business setup
Choose the Right Structure.
Set Up Correctly.
Operate With Confidence.
Free zone, mainland or branch: we recommend the structure that fits your activities, customers and visas, then manage your setup from licence to bank account.
Licence packages from AED 4,900
* Indicative starting price for a licence package. Visas, workspace, renewals and government fees vary, and we show government fees at cost. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
Structure before setup
One licence.
Many decisions behind it.
Your structure decides where you can trade, how many visas you can sponsor, how banks see your company and how it's taxed. We look at these together before you apply, so the licence you get is the one your business actually needs.
See How It Works →Decide.
Register.
Activate.
Grow.
Your setup options
Four ways to establish in the UAE.
Not sure which fits? The Setup Planner recommends one in two minutes.
Free Zone Company
100% ownership, many activities, from AED 4,900
Mainland Company
Trade directly across the UAE
Branch of a Foreign Company
Extend your existing business
Holding & International
Group structures and companies abroad
Our setup solutions
From your first licence
to a fully operating company.
- 01
UAE Business Launch
For founders and entrepreneurs ready to establish their UAE business.
- Structure recommendation
- Licence and incorporation
- Establishment card
- Investor visa
- Bank account preparation
- Corporate tax registration
- 02
UAE Business Plus
For business owners who want ongoing support after establishment.
- Everything in Launch
- Family and employee visas
- PRO services
- Accounting & tax coordination
- Renewals & amendments
- 03
UAE Market Entry
For international businesses, investors and established entrepreneurs.
- Market-entry planning
- Branch or subsidiary review
- Group structuring
- Banking coordination
- Team residency
Compare structures
Free zone, mainland or branch, side by side.
| Free Zone Company (this zone) | Mainland Company | Branch of a Foreign Company | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Up to 100% foreign | Up to 100% foreign for most activities | 100% owned by the parent |
| Where you can trade | Inside the zone and internationally; mainland trade depends on activity | Anywhere in the UAE | Depends on whether it's registered in a free zone or on the mainland |
| Office | Flexi-desk to warehouses | Physical office with a registered tenancy | Depends on location |
| Visas | Set by package and workspace | Set by office size | Set by office and location |
| Licensed by | The free zone authority | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) | Free zone or DET |
| Starting from (indicative) | AED 4,900 | AED 14,999 | [NEED: CTG price] |
Starting prices are indicative licence package prices. Visas, workspace, renewals and approvals change the total, and government fees are charged at cost.
What decides your cost
What will your setup cost?It depends on six things.
A "starting from" price is rarely the final figure. Your total depends on your activity, number of visas, workspace, the authority you choose, renewal rates and any external approvals. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure, with government fees shown at cost.
Get Your Setup Plan →- Licence Activity
- Number of Visas
- Workspace Type
- Free Zone or Mainland
- Renewal Rates
- External Approvals
- Shareholders
- Banking Fit
What you'll need
Documents to prepare.
Exact requirements vary by authority and activity. We send you a checklist for your setup.
- Passport copies for all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of residential address
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if you're already in the UAE
- No-objection letter from your current sponsor, if you're employed in the UAE
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
One relationship
Your licence
is the start of the journey.
Visas, banking, tax registration, renewals and amendments follow. CTG manages each step with one team.
The CTG approach
A structured path to your UAE company.
Step 1: Understand
Your activities, shareholders, customers, visas and plans.
Step 2: Advise
A written recommendation on structure, authority and all-in costs.
Step 3: Establish
Name, activities, documents, approvals and licence issuance.
Step 4: Activate
Establishment card, visas, Emirates ID, bank file and tax registration.
Step 5: Support
Renewals, amendments and compliance as your company grows.
Common questions
Business setup,
answered.
How much does it cost to set up a company in the UAE?
Free zone licence packages start from AED 4,900 and mainland setups from around AED 14,999. Your total depends on activity, visas, workspace and approvals, and your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
Can foreigners own 100% of a UAE company?
Yes, in free zones and, since 2021, on the mainland for most activities. A short list of strategic activities still has conditions.
Should I choose a free zone or mainland?
It depends mainly on where your customers are. Free zones often suit international business. Mainland suits companies serving UAE customers directly.
How long does setup take?
The licence is often quick. Visas, Emirates ID and banking take longer and depend on third parties. You'll get a step-by-step timeline with your recommendation. [NEED: typical ranges]
Can I set up a company without visiting the UAE?
Many steps can be done remotely. You'll need to be in the UAE for visa medicals and biometrics, and banks may ask to meet you.
Do I need to register for corporate tax?
Yes. Every UAE company must register, even if no tax is due. We coordinate it with our accounting partner.
Can you help with a bank account?
Yes. We prepare a bank-ready file and coordinate applications. No one can guarantee approval, because banks make their own decisions.
Business setup insights
Make informed decisions before you establish.
Begin your UAE strategy
Ready to choose your structure?
Answer six questions and get a recommended structure, service level and setup checklist.
PrivateStructuredAdvisor-Led