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.

HomeServicesAML Policy and goAML Registration

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AML Policy and goAML Registration

If you are a DNFBP, an AML policy and an active goAML registration are legal obligations. The ministry has suspended firms for three months over the registration alone.

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Four kinds of business have carried anti money laundering obligations in the UAE for years, being real estate firms, auditors and accountants, dealers in precious metals and stones, and trust or company service providers, and commercial gaming operators have since been added. If you are one of them you are a designated non financial business or profession, a DNFBP, supervised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. You are required to hold a written AML policy, assess your risk, run customer due diligence, keep records, appoint a compliance officer and register on goAML and keep that registration active. The fine is not the sharpest risk. In a published announcement the ministry suspended fifty DNFBP establishments for three months purely for failing to register on goAML, with the suspension in force until they registered. Three months of suspended trading costs most small firms more than any fine on the schedule.

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Key Features

Status established first, because a firm that is not a DNFBP does not need any of this, and a firm that is has been obliged since before it asked the question
A written AML policy built to what the supervisor expects, covering risk assessment, customer due diligence, ongoing monitoring, and the reporting of suspicious transactions
goAML registration completed and kept active, with the compliance officer registered as the system user, which is how the ministry guidance requires it to be held
Record keeping set up to the statutory period, since the obligation is to hold complete records of transactions and to produce them on request
You supply your trade licence, your activity, your customer types and your transaction volumes, which is what sets the risk assessment the policy is built on

Benefits for Your Business

Registered and active on goAML, which is the single point the ministry has suspended firms over.
A policy that reflects your actual business rather than a downloaded template with another name on it.
A compliance officer appointed and registered properly, rather than named on paper only.
An honest answer on whether you are a DNFBP at all, which for many firms is the end of the matter.

General information, not legal or compliance advice. UAE anti money laundering obligations sit in Federal Decree-Law 10 of 2025 and the administrative penalty schedule annexed to Cabinet Resolution 71 of 2024, with DNFBPs supervised by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. DIFC and ADGM operate their own regimes under their own regulators and are outside this service. Requirements were read on 16 September 2026 and change.