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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KSA General Manager Visa

To put a General Manager on the ground in Saudi Arabia, the company registers first and the person follows. We take the file from MISA registration through to the iqama.

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To put a General Manager on the ground in Saudi Arabia, the company registers first and the person follows. The Investment Law, Council of Ministers Resolution 40 of 16 July 2024, repealed the old Foreign Investment Law and replaced licensing with registration at the Ministry of Investment, so the current term is investment registration, not investment licence, even though many sources still use the older wording. This is for foreign companies opening a Saudi entity and needing their General Manager, CEO, or Chairman resident and able to sign. We take the file from MISA registration through to the iqama.

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Key Features

Step 1, investment registration with MISA. The Investor Guide states 10 working days, with fees payable within 15 business days of notification or the registration is treated as void
Step 2, commercial registration with the Ministry of Commerce under that investment registration, with the General Manager's name shown on the commercial register
Step 3, the visa for senior professions and then the work permit, both from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, with the electronic work permit issued through Qiwa
Step 4, the iqama from the General Directorate of Passports through Absher and Muqeem, with a comprehensive medical report and an electronic health insurance certificate submitted electronically
You supply the parent company's commercial register and its last fiscal year financial statements, both authenticated by the Saudi Embassy, plus the General Manager's passport, the founding contract, and the border number

Benefits for Your Business

Company registration and the visa run as one sequence, so the second does not stall waiting on the first.
Corporate documents legalised the way MISA actually asks for them, by Saudi Embassy authentication, which its 2026 guide still requires even though Saudi Arabia joined the Apostille Convention in December 2022.
The General Manager's name lands on the commercial register, which the Passports Directorate requires before it will issue the iqama.
Premium Residency reviewed as an alternative, since holders are exempted from the foreign commercial register and financial statement requirements at MISA registration.

General information, not legal or immigration advice. The steps, documents and processing times above come from the MISA Investor Guide, 13th Edition 02, 2026, and the Saudi Investment Law, checked 31 July 2026. Requirements depend on the activity and the applicant, and Premium Residency does not remove the company's need to register and hold a commercial registration in order to trade.