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.

HomeServicesProduct Registration and Certification

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Product Registration and Certification

Regulated goods need a certificate of conformity before they clear customs or reach a shelf. We take the technical file through MoIAT and its notified bodies.

Check If Yours Is Regulated WhatsApp

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A trade licence lets you import. It does not let you sell a regulated product. The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme, run by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology under Federal Law 28 of 2001, requires a certificate of conformity for products covered by a technical regulation, and the certificate is issued by a notified body recognised by the ministry after it reviews the technical file and the test reports. Separately, the Emirates Quality Mark is a licence to use the national conformity marks, granted for three years and covering the Emirates Quality Mark, the Halal National Mark, the Environmental Mark and the Made in UAE Mark. It is mandatory for some categories including bottled drinking water, natural mineral water, most juices and beverages and certain milk and dairy products. Foreign manufacturers need a local representative before any of this starts.

Abstract geometric line drawing: three stacked product outlines passing beneath a horizontal inspection rail, the middle outline marked in teal, gold hairlines on dark navy.

Key Features

Regulated status confirmed first, because the whole file depends on whether a technical regulation covers your product, and a product outside the scheme needs none of it
Technical file assembled to what the notified body will review, being the specifications, the test reports, the labelling and the declaration of conformity
Testing arranged at an accredited laboratory where the reports you hold do not meet the scheme, which is the most common reason a first submission is returned
Application filed through the ministry conformity system and taken through the notified body to the certificate of conformity
Emirates Quality Mark handled where your category requires it, and the local representative appointed where the manufacturer sits outside the UAE, since a foreign manufacturer cannot hold the file alone

Benefits for Your Business

Goods that clear customs and reach a shelf, instead of stock held at a port against a certificate you did not know you needed.
A technical file built to the reviewer standard the first time, rather than resubmitted.
The three year quality mark licence obtained where the category is mandatory, not discovered during an inspection.
One file covering the registration and the representative, so a foreign manufacturer has a route in.

General information, not regulatory advice. The scheme, the certifying route and the mandatory categories above were read on Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology publications on 16 September 2026. Which technical regulation covers a product, which body may certify it and what the file must contain are set by the ministry and change, and we confirm the current position for your product before you commit.