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.

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Corporate Tax Registration

Corporate tax registration is a deadline, not a choice, and it applies to free zone companies too. We register you with the Federal Tax Authority inside the statutory window.

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UAE corporate tax runs at 0 percent on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9 percent above that, under Article 3 of Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022. The part founders miss is that 0 percent is a rate, not an exemption from registering. A free zone company pays nothing on qualifying income and still has to register, and so does a company that has not yet earned a dirham. The deadline runs from your own dates, not from a general date in the calendar. For a resident company incorporated on or after 1 March 2024, Federal Tax Authority Decision 3 of 2024 gives three months from the date of incorporation, establishment or recognition, and it says in terms that this includes a Free Zone Person. Miss it and an administrative penalty applies under Cabinet Decision 75 of 2023.

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Key Features

Your own deadline worked out first: three months from incorporation for a UAE resident company formed on or after 1 March 2024, free zone companies included, under Article 3 of FTA Decision 3 of 2024
Foreign companies assessed separately, because a non-resident with a permanent establishment in the UAE has six months from the date that establishment exists, and a non-resident with a nexus has three months from the date the nexus is established, under Article 4 of the same decision
Natural persons carrying on a business assessed under Article 5, where a resident registers by 31 March of the following calendar year once turnover passes the threshold in the tax legislation
Registration filed on EmaraTax with the trade licence, the ownership documents and the financial year end, and the tax registration number issued to you rather than held by an agent
You supply the trade licence, the shareholder documents, the Emirates ID and passport of the authorised signatory, and your financial year end, which is what sets every date after this one

Benefits for Your Business

Registered inside the statutory window, so the AED 10,000 late registration penalty does not arise.
A clear answer on whether your free zone company must register, which it almost always must.
The registration done once and correctly, rather than corrected later when a bank or an auditor asks for the number.
Your first return date set on a calendar at the same time, so registration is not the end of the thought.

General information, not tax advice. The rate, the threshold and the registration deadlines above were read in Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022 and Federal Tax Authority Decision 3 of 2024 on 16 September 2026. What applies to your company depends on its own facts, its residence and its financial year, and we confirm your position before filing.