How much does it cost to set up a business in Dubai?

The cost of setting up a business in Dubai starts from AED 5,750 for free zone setup and AED 12,000 for mainland. All-inclusive packages with visa and bank account range from AED 15,000-25,000. Entityz offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in UAE?

Yes, foreigners can own 100% of a company in UAE. Free zones have always allowed full foreign ownership. Since 2021, mainland companies also permit 100% foreign ownership for most business activities under the Commercial Companies Law amendments.

How long does it take to set up a company in UAE?

Free zone company registration takes 1-5 business days. Mainland license takes 5-10 days. Visa processing requires 7-14 days. Bank account setup takes 2-4 weeks. Complete business setup typically takes 2-4 weeks total.

What is the difference between free zone and mainland in UAE?

Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax up to AED 375,000, and duty-free imports but limit trading to free zone or exports. Mainland licenses allow trading anywhere in UAE, working with government clients, and have no local market restrictions.

What is the best free zone in Dubai for ecommerce?

The best free zones for ecommerce are: IFZA (most affordable, fast processing), Meydan (good for startups), Shams in Sharjah (budget-friendly), DMCC (premium, commodities), and Dubai CommerCity (dedicated ecommerce zone). IFZA and Meydan are most popular for online businesses.

Do I need to be in Dubai to start a company?

No, you can start a UAE company remotely. Most free zones offer complete online registration. Physical presence is only required for Emirates ID biometrics, visa stamping, and some bank account openings. Many entrepreneurs complete the initial setup without traveling to Dubai.

What documents are needed to start a business in UAE?

Required documents include: passport copy (valid 6+ months), passport-sized photos with white background, proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), NOC from current employer if UAE resident, and business plan for certain activities. Entityz assists with all documentation.

What is a UAE Golden Visa?

UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residence visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. Eligibility includes: AED 2 million+ investment in property or business, successful entrepreneurs, or exceptional professionals in science, art, or sports.

How much is VAT in UAE?

UAE VAT is 5% on most goods and services. Businesses with taxable supplies exceeding AED 375,000 annually must register for VAT. Some items are zero-rated (exports, international transport) or exempt (residential property, local transport, financial services).

Can I get a visa for my family with a UAE business?

Yes, UAE business owners can sponsor family visas including: spouse, children (unlimited), parents (with salary requirement), and domestic helpers. Family visa costs approximately AED 3,500-5,000 per person and is valid for 2-3 years, renewable.

All UAE activities

IFZA free zone business activities

Business activities licensable through IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) in Dubai, with activity codes and licence categories. Search and download the complete list.

823 activities · updated 2026-06-15

CSV Excel Export PDF

823 activities in IFZA · showing 100

Code	Activity	Source	Category
8299009	Customer Care Center	IFZA	Professional
8130004	Residential Property Care Services	IFZA	Professional
7710010	Garbage Trucks Rental	IFZA	Professional
7710004	Driving Test Vehicles Rental	IFZA	Professional
8020101	Technical Survey Services	IFZA	Professional
512103	Flowers & Ornamental Plants Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7710006	Liquid Gas Tanks Rental	IFZA	Professional
4773303	Aquatic & live Animals Trading	IFZA	Commercial
712203	Pumps, Engines and generators Rental	IFZA	Commercial
7710013	Hourly Car Rental	IFZA	Professional
6619029	Introduction to Financial Services	IFZA	Professional
4773305	Animal & Birds Feed Trading	IFZA	Commercial
514926	Organic Fertilizer & Plant Feed Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4773306	Seeds Trading	IFZA	Commercial
515929	Printing equipment and instruments trading	IFZA	Commercial
7810002	Employment Brokerage Office Services	IFZA	Professional
7810001	Labor Recruitment Brokerage Office Services	IFZA	Professional
7820001	On Demand Labors Supply (Temporary Employment)	IFZA	Professional
5221001	Vehicles Recovery	IFZA	Professional
651904	Credit Card Issuing Services	IFZA	Professional
4669112	Glass Waste Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4721002	Dairy Products Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4923006	Transport by Refrigerator Trucks	IFZA	Professional
5911002	T.V Programs, Commercials & Visual Materials Production	IFZA	Professional
7310006	Advertisement Designing & Producing	IFZA	Professional
4773921	Schools, Hospitals & Laboratories Furniture Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4690013	Vehicles Numbers Trading	IFZA	Commercial
5811005	Culture & Arts Publishing	IFZA	Professional
4773904	Ignition Materials Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4923015	Animals Transport	IFZA	Commercial
4774019	Used Medical & Surgical Equipment Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7490018	Agricultural Research & Consultancy	IFZA	Professional
4773946	Green Houses & Equipment Trading	IFZA	Commercial
6399006	News Services via Websites	IFZA	Professional
6110001	Wired Telecommunications Services	IFZA	Professional
6202101	Marketing Services Via Social Media	IFZA	Professional
4761006	Newspapers & Magazines Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4669209	Industrial Solvents Trading	IFZA	Commercial
809026	Hospitality & Tourism Training Services	IFZA	Professional
7730029	Accounting & Office Machinery Rental	IFZA	Commercial
4721003	Egg Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7730014	Converting Industries Equipements & Machinery Rental	IFZA	Commercial
7730005	Extracting & Drilling Equipment & Machinery Rental	IFZA	Commercial
525106	Equipment E-Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4771105	Arabwear Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7310026	Advertising Services via Websites	IFZA	Professional
112005	Onshore & Offshore Oil & Gas Fields Services Abroad	IFZA	Professional
4741008	Electronic Games & Amusement Centre Equipment Trading	IFZA	Commercial
8541011	Gaming Academy	IFZA	Professional
6311012	E-sports Data & Analytics Services	IFZA	Professional
5813004	E-sports Online Publication	IFZA	Professional
9319007	E-sports Tournament Platform	IFZA	Professional
9319008	E-sports Event Management	IFZA	Professional
9311018	E-sports League Operator	IFZA	Professional
6920014	Virtual Assets Management Investment Services	IFZA	Commercial
6920010	Virtual Assets Advisory Services	IFZA	Commercial
6920013	Virtual Assets Lending Borrowing Services	IFZA	Commercial
6920012	Virtual Assets Exchange Services	IFZA	Commercial
6920016	Transfer And Settlement Services For Virtual Assets	IFZA	Commercial
6920017	VA Proprietary Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4669109	Aircraft Scrap & Used Spare Parts Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7730035	Electric Bikes Rental	IFZA	Commercial
6312007	Services Provision Brokerage Via Electronic Media	IFZA	Professional
5811001	Publishing of Books & Other Publications Services	IFZA	Professional
4322008	Electromechanical Equipment Installation and Maintenance	IFZA	Professional
4510110	Racing Cars Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4771113	Military Cloth Ware & requisites Trading	IFZA	General
4773948	Aquarium & Display Cases Trading	IFZA	Commercial
6619001	Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis	IFZA	Professional
4752063	Gas Cylinders Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7729001	Costumes, Shoes & Personal Items Rental	IFZA	Commercial
4762003	Visual Recorded Media Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4510111	Caravans & Motorhomes Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4799002	Selling Products by Automatic Vending Machines	IFZA	Commercial
4764002	Kids Rides & Games Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7010003	Representative Office	IFZA	Professional
4753005	Metal Blinds Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4751015	Threads & Yarns Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4669217	Non Edible Oil Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7320002	Marketing Management	IFZA	Professional
4773604	Painting Equipment Trading	IFZA	Commercial
8230001	Exhibition Organizing	IFZA	Professional
4759011	Musical Instruments & Accessories Trading	IFZA	Commercial
6910003	Patent & Industrial Property Agent	IFZA	Professional
4752039	Metal Cans & Containers Trading	IFZA	Commercial
7020034	Fire Safety Consultancy	IFZA	Professional
4772005	Medical, Surgical Articles & Requisites Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4752043	Metal Ropes Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4669215	Fire Extinguishing Materials Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4721020	Dried Vegetables & Fruit Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4781005	Dates seller	IFZA	Professional
7210001	Research on Natural Science	IFZA	Professional
4661101	Offshore Crude Oil Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4730002	Lubricants & Grease Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4773404	Paintings & Frames Trade	IFZA	Commercial
7020036	Health Consultancies	IFZA	Professional
4773707	Ports & Marine Guide Equipment Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4781008	Meat Seller	IFZA	Professional
4721016	Food Supplements Trading	IFZA	Commercial
4630211	Foodstuff Supply Services	IFZA	Commercial

Ready to license one of these activities?

We confirm the exact code, bundle compatible activities and handle the IFZA application end to end.