To start a business in Dubai or the UAE (United Arab Emirates), you need to choose a suitable location in the Mainland or a Free Zone of the UAE, determine the legal structure, register a trade name, apply for necessary licenses, and open a corporate bank account. The process can differ depending on the choice of your emirate and the type of business activity. Choosing between a Mainland business setup in Dubai or a Free Zone company setup in UAE depends on your specific business goals.
Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
There are several benefits for a Mainland business set up in Dubai. These include 100% foreign ownership with complete control over your business operations and much broader access to the UAE market.
Holding a Mainland License in the UAE opens the door to government contracts—an opportunity reserved only for approved entities. These contracts often involve large-scale, high-value projects that require specialised expertise. If you’re ready to take on high-risk, high-reward ventures, this is your chance to compete for major government tenders. Dubai Mainland companies can freely repatriate funds from both onshore and offshore accounts in the UAE.
Mainland businesses can expand their visa quota without strict limits—just add office space as needed. Enjoy tax benefits similar to those of Free Zones, with no minimum capital required for setup.
To establish a mainland company in Dubai, you’ll need to undertake the following steps:
- Choose Business Activity & Legal Structure – Decide your business type and the legal form it will operate under.
- Register the Company Name with DED – Reserve your trade name with Dubai’s Department of Economic Development.
- Apply for the Mainland Trade License – Submit your application to obtain the necessary business license.
- Secure Office or Coworking Space – Lease a physical space to meet the location requirement.
- Prepare Company Documents – Draft and notarise required legal and incorporation documents.
- Pay the Required Fees – Complete payment for registration, license, and other government charges.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account – Set up a business bank account to begin operations.
Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE
Setting up a Freezone company in the UAE offers numerous benefits, including 100% foreign ownership regardless of nationality, full repatriation of capital and profits, and exemption from corporate, personal, and income taxes.
The setup process is fast and straightforward, making it ideal for startups and small businesses. Companies enjoy simplified licensing procedures, no restrictions on hiring expatriates, and eligibility for a 3-year UAE residence visa. Free Zones also support 24/7 operations, providing a flexible and business-friendly environment.
Steps for Free Zone Company Setup UAE
To proceed, please follow the steps below.
- Choose zone & activity – Select the suitable free zone and your business activity.
- Select entity type – Decide whether it’s an FZE, FZCO, or a branch office.
- Reserve trade name – Register your company name with the Free Zone Authority.
- Apply with documents – Submit required documents for initial approvals.
- Lease office space – Choose and lease an office or flexi-desk as per zone rules.
- Draft AoA/MoA – Prepare and sign the Articles/Memorandum of Association.
- Pay fees and get your license – Make a payment and receive your business license.
- Bank account opening – Start a corporate bank account in the UAE.
It is advisable to hire the services of a professional consulting agency, such as Helpline Group, to establish your business in the UAE mainland or a free zone in Dubai.
How can the Helpline Group assist you in starting a free zone or mainland business in the UAE?
Helpline Group, based in Dubai, has 25 years of experience in facilitating business setup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We take pride in owning an experienced and competent team who are well aware of the latest rules and regulations. Helpline Group provides hassle-free business setup services in the UAE for both foreign and local clients.
With a global presence and a tailored approach, we ensure that your dream of setting up your dream business in Dubai becomes a reality.
To start a business in Dubai or the UAE (United Arab Emirates), you need to choose a suitable location in the Mainland or a Free Zone of the UAE, determine the legal structure, register a trade name, apply for necessary licenses, and open a corporate bank account. The process can differ depending on the choice of your emirate and the type of business activity. Choosing between a Mainland business setup in Dubai or a Free Zone company setup in UAE depends on your specific business goals.
Mainland Business Setup in Dubai
There are several benefits for a Mainland business set up in Dubai. These include 100% foreign ownership with complete control over your business operations and much broader access to the UAE market.
Holding a Mainland License in the UAE opens the door to government contracts—an opportunity reserved only for approved entities. These contracts often involve large-scale, high-value projects that require specialised expertise. If you’re ready to take on high-risk, high-reward ventures, this is your chance to compete for major government tenders. Dubai Mainland companies can freely repatriate funds from both onshore and offshore accounts in the UAE.
Mainland businesses can expand their visa quota without strict limits—just add office space as needed. Enjoy tax benefits similar to those of Free Zones, with no minimum capital required for setup.
To establish a mainland company in Dubai, you’ll need to undertake the following steps:
- Choose Business Activity & Legal Structure – Decide your business type and the legal form it will operate under.
- Register the Company Name with DED – Reserve your trade name with Dubai’s Department of Economic Development.
- Apply for the Mainland Trade License – Submit your application to obtain the necessary business license.
- Secure Office or Coworking Space – Lease a physical space to meet the location requirement.
- Prepare Company Documents – Draft and notarise required legal and incorporation documents.
- Pay the Required Fees – Complete payment for registration, license, and other government charges.
- Open a Corporate Bank Account – Set up a business bank account to begin operations.
Free Zone Company Setup in the UAE
Setting up a Freezone company in the UAE offers numerous benefits, including 100% foreign ownership regardless of nationality, full repatriation of capital and profits, and exemption from corporate, personal, and income taxes.
The setup process is fast and straightforward, making it ideal for startups and small businesses. Companies enjoy simplified licensing procedures, no restrictions on hiring expatriates, and eligibility for a 3-year UAE residence visa. Free Zones also support 24/7 operations, providing a flexible and business-friendly environment.
Steps for Free Zone Company Setup UAE
To proceed, please follow the steps below.
- Choose zone & activity – Select the suitable free zone and your business activity.
- Select entity type – Decide whether it’s an FZE, FZCO, or a branch office.
- Reserve trade name – Register your company name with the Free Zone Authority.
- Apply with documents – Submit required documents for initial approvals.
- Lease office space – Choose and lease an office or flexi-desk as per zone rules.
- Draft AoA/MoA – Prepare and sign the Articles/Memorandum of Association.
- Pay fees and get your license – Make a payment and receive your business license.
- Bank account opening – Start a corporate bank account in the UAE.
It is advisable to hire the services of a professional consulting agency, such as Helpline Group, to establish your business in the UAE mainland or a free zone in Dubai.
How can the Helpline Group assist you in starting a free zone or mainland business in the UAE?
Helpline Group, based in Dubai, has 25 years of experience in facilitating business setup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We take pride in owning an experienced and competent team who are well aware of the latest rules and regulations. Helpline Group provides hassle-free business setup services in the UAE for both foreign and local clients.
With a global presence and a tailored approach, we ensure that your dream of setting up your dream business in Dubai becomes a reality.
