Business Setup in the UAE
Mainland, free zone or offshore: we choose the structure that fits and handle every step.
Starting from
AED 12,500
Starting estimate
- Typical timeline
- 3-10 working days
- Best for
- New founders and companies expanding into the UAE
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign
- Starting estimate
- From AED 12,500
About Business Setup in the UAE
The UAE lets foreign founders own their companies outright in most sectors, with no personal income tax and a strong regional network. The hard part is choosing between mainland, free zone and offshore, then dealing with each authority in the right order.
Brightlink compares the options against your activity, budget, visa needs and banking plans, then runs the application from name reservation to your first licence.
Right structure first time
We match your activity to the jurisdiction so you don't pay for a licence you can't use.
One team, every authority
Approvals, lease, licence, immigration and bank introduction are coordinated for you.
Clear costs up front
A written quote shows government fees and ours before you commit.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Structures
3 main options
Mainland, free zone and offshore structures serve different business purposes.
Ownership
Up to 100%
Foreign ownership is available for many UAE business activities, subject to applicable rules.
Banking
Profile-led
The business activity, ownership and expected transactions influence bank selection.
Visas
Optional
Residence visas can be arranged separately where the chosen structure and eligibility allow.
Is this right for you?
Who is this setup for?
First-time founders entering the UAE
Foreign investors establishing a UAE presence
Existing companies expanding into the UAE
Consultants, traders and service businesses
Owners comparing mainland, free zone and offshore structures
Mainland, free zone or offshore?
The best UAE structure depends on what you sell, where your customers are located, whether you need UAE residence visas and how you plan to use banking and office facilities.
Mainland companies are generally suited to businesses serving the UAE market, while free zones can provide specialised ecosystems and flexible setup options. Offshore structures are generally designed for holding and international structuring rather than operating inside the UAE.
- Review your business activity
- Compare licensing jurisdictions
- Consider office and visa requirements
- Review banking requirements
- Compare setup and ongoing costs
A company licence is only the beginning
Once the company is incorporated, owners may still need immigration, banking, tax registration, accounting and other compliance services.
We coordinate these next steps so the company is ready for its intended operations rather than simply holding a licence.
Which structure fits you?
Mainland
Trade anywhere in the UAE and with government clients.
- Licence from the Department of Economy and Tourism
- Physical office usually required
- Best for local customers and large contracts
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Business activity
A clear description of what the company will sell, provide or operate is needed to select the appropriate licence activity.
Ownership information
- Passport copies
- Shareholder details
- Manager details
- Proposed ownership structure
Business details
- Proposed company names
- Business activity
- Expected customer markets
- Office or workspace requirements
Additional approvals
Certain regulated activities may require qualifications, external approvals or additional authority requirements.
What is included
- Structure and jurisdiction advice
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Memorandum of Association and shareholder paperwork
- Office or flexi-desk arrangement
- Licence issuance and establishment card
- Corporate bank account introduction
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
Consultation
We learn your activity, ownership, visa and banking needs.
- 2
Choose the structure
Mainland, free zone or offshore, with a comparison in writing.
- 3
Approvals and documents
Name, initial approval, MOA and lease are prepared and signed.
- 4
Licence and next steps
Licence issued, then visas, bank account and compliance set up.
Important to know
Before you proceed
The cheapest licence is not always the right licence
A low-cost setup can become expensive if the activity, visa quota, office requirement or banking profile does not match your business.
Bank approval is separate
A company licence does not guarantee that a bank will open an account. Banks conduct their own compliance and risk assessment.
Regulated activities need extra review
Financial, healthcare, education, tourism and other regulated activities may require additional approvals.
Tax and accounting follow incorporation
Company formation should be planned alongside Corporate Tax, VAT where applicable, bookkeeping and recordkeeping requirements.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppIn most commercial and professional activities, yes, on the mainland and in free zones. A small number of strategic activities have restrictions, which we check for your activity.
Free zone setups can take a few working days and mainland setups about one to two weeks, depending on approvals and how quickly documents are signed.
No. You can set up as a non-resident. Getting a residence visa through the company is a separate step we can handle.
Related services
Ready to start with Business Setup in the UAE?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
All our services
Company Formation
- Business Setup in the UAE
- Establishing a Business on the Mainland
- Creating a Business in Free Zone
- Establishment of Offshore Company
- UAE Trade License: Issuance & Renewal
- UAE E-Commerce License
- UAE Industrial License
- Professional License Dubai
- Commercial License Dubai
- General Trading License
- Tourism License Dubai
- Holding Company License
- License Renewals in Dubai
- Nominee Services
- Flexi Desk & Virtual Office UAE
- Company Liquidation UAE
Banking, Taxation & Compliance
Visas & PRO Services
Leave Your Contact Details
Our legal and corporate advisors will analyze your request and provide a tailored proposal within 24 hours.
