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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Document Attestation

The UAE is not an Apostille Convention country, so an apostille alone will not do. We run the full consular chain, ending at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The United Arab Emirates is not a party to the 1961 Apostille Convention, confirmed against the HCCH status table on 31 July 2026. An apostille on its own will not make a foreign document usable here, which is the single most common and most expensive mistake founders arriving from Europe and Asia make. The document needs the full consular chain instead, ending at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We run that chain for corporate documents, degree certificates, and personal status papers used in company formation, visa files, and bank onboarding.

Abstract geometric line drawing: four upright rectangles in a row, each slightly overlapping the next and joined by one clean horizontal path, the final rectangle in teal, gold hairlines on dark navy.

Key Features

Step 1, the notary or the issuing authority in the country of origin certifies the document, then that country's foreign ministry legalises it
Step 2, the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country attests it
Step 3, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives the final attestation inside the UAE, certifying the signatures and seals on the document
You supply the original physical document, in Arabic or English, or with a legally certified translation, which is what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires
MoFA's published attestation fee at the time of writing is AED 150 per personal status document and AED 2,000 per commercial document, checked 31 July 2026, and MoFA warns that one commercial contract may count as more than one document

Benefits for Your Business

Documents that arrive in the form UAE authorities, free zones, and banks actually accept.
No wasted spend on an apostille route the UAE does not recognise.
One point of contact across the country of origin and the UAE, instead of four separate desks.
Commercial documents costed before you commit, since the fee turns on how the content is counted.

General information, not legal advice. The attestation chain and the fees above were checked against the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the HCCH Apostille Convention status table on 31 July 2026. Requirements and final cost vary by document type and country of origin, and typing centre or service charges can apply on top.