01
Business-Model Review
We review your activities, target customers, ownership, staffing, visa needs and banking profile before recommending a route.
ASEAN+ Business Gateway · UAE Business Setup
Dubai Company Formation: Mainland & Free Zone
Set up a Dubai company through one coordinated team. We help you compare the right jurisdiction, secure the appropriate business licence, arrange eligible workspace, process an investor residence application and prepare your corporate bank-account application.
Information updated: 26 August 2026
Why Dubai
Why International Founders Set Up Companies in Dubai
Competitive Federal Tax Framework
For ordinary taxable businesses, corporate tax is generally 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that threshold.
Free Zone 0% treatment is conditional and applies only to qualifying persons and qualifying income.
Mainland or Free Zone Choice
Select a structure around where you will trade, the activities you need on the licence, office and visa requirements, customer profile and expected tax position.
Regional Operating Base
Use Dubai as a platform for UAE and international business, supported by established logistics, professional services and banking infrastructure. Transfers remain subject to law, tax compliance and bank KYC.
The Journey
Dubai Company Setup in Five Coordinated Stages
Licence issuance, residence processing and bank onboarding are separate stages with different approval requirements.
Straightforward Licence Stage
From 5–10 Business Days
After complete documents and required approvals; visa and banking follow separately
100%
Foreign-Owned for Eligible Activities
1
Investor Residence Application Included
Structure Selection
Dubai Mainland vs. Free Zone: Which Structure Fits?
The best option depends on what the company will do, where its customers are located and what facilities, visas and tax position it requires.
| Decision Factor | Dubai Mainland Company | Dubai Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fit | Direct UAE-market operations, local contracting, retail or activities requiring Mainland licensing | International services, selected trading, holding or sector-specific ecosystems |
| Licensing authority | Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and any sector regulator | The selected Free Zone authority and any sector regulator |
| UAE-market access | Generally permitted within the approved licence scope | Depends on the zone, activity and route used to serve the Mainland market |
| Workspace | Premises and Ejari requirements depend on the activity and licence | Flexi-desk or office options depend on the zone, activity and visa quota |
| Corporate tax | Standard UAE corporate tax rules generally apply | 0% applies only to a Qualifying Free Zone Person's Qualifying Income when all conditions are met |
Packages
Dubai Mainland vs. Free Zone Packages
Choose based on activity, where you will trade, workspace needs and long-term compliance—not price alone.
Dubai Mainland LLC
Designed for businesses that need broad access to the UAE market under approved activities, subject to sector licensing and any additional approvals.
Total Cost
THB
482,500
Mainland Incorporation
- Business Name Reservation
- Drafting of Memorandum of Association
- Notary Service Fee
- Submission to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
- Eligible premises and Ejari arrangement — 1 year
- Investor residence application for 1 person — expected 2-year validity, subject to approval
Timeline
From 10 business days
Licence stage estimate
Residency Visa
Application Included
Expected 2-year validity, subject to approval
Package Capital Assumption
AED 50,000
Final requirement depends on activity and authority
Dubai Free Zone Company
Often suitable for international services, regional holding or selected trading models. The correct zone depends on the activity, customer location, facilities, visa quota and tax requirements.
Total Cost
THB
397,500
Dubai Free Zone Incorporation
- Business Name Reservation
- Drafting of Memorandum of Association
- Notary Service Fee
- Submission to the selected Free Zone authority
- Flexi-desk service within the Free Zone — 1 year
- Investor residence application for 1 person — expected 2-year validity, subject to approval
Timeline
From 7 business days
Licence stage estimate
Residency Visa
Application Included
Expected 2-year validity, subject to approval
Package Capital Assumption
AED 50,000
Final requirement depends on zone and activity
Download the Dubai company formation brochure (PDF) for the detailed scope, assumptions and document checklist.
All-Inclusive
What the Dubai Setup Service Covers
The precise scope is confirmed against the selected authority, activity and applicant profile before engagement.
Company Formation
Business-name reservation, constitutional documents, licence application and authority coordination for the selected structure.
Emirates ID Card
Coordination of the required medical examination, biometrics appointment and Emirates ID process for the included applicant.
Residency Visa
Investor residence application for one eligible person, including the stated medical, Emirates ID and health-insurance support. Approval and final validity are determined by the authorities.
Banking Assistance
Bank-file preparation and introductions for a corporate account application. Account approval, timing and any minimum-balance requirement are determined solely by the bank.
FAQ
Dubai / UAE Company Setup FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about setting up a company in Dubai (UAE).
Many Dubai Mainland and Free Zone activities permit 100% foreign ownership. Eligibility depends on the licensed activity, legal form and approval of the relevant authority; strategically important or regulated activities may have additional conditions.
Requirements vary by legal form and authority. A straightforward setup commonly requires at least one shareholder, an approved business activity and name, constitutional and KYC documents, an appointed manager, and an eligible address or workspace. Regulated activities may need additional approvals, qualifications, facilities or capital.
For most activities, no local UAE partner is required. Some regulated activities may have special requirements depending on the sector and authority.
Mainland companies can generally operate across the UAE market (subject to licensing). Free Zone companies are licensed within a specific zone and may have operational limitations depending on the activity and zone rules.
Yes. Many setups can be initiated and completed remotely, depending on the structure, authority requirements, and documentation.
Often yes. Many clients need to be in the UAE for medical test, Emirates ID biometrics, and especially corporate bank account opening (requirements vary by bank).
For an ordinary taxable business, the general rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Special rules can apply, including to Qualifying Free Zone Persons and multinational groups.
The standard UAE VAT rate is 5%. A UAE business generally must register when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000; voluntary registration may be available above AED 187,500. Different rules can apply to non-resident businesses and particular supplies.
The UAE does not generally impose federal personal income tax on an individual's salary or employment income. Separate corporate-tax rules can apply where a natural person conducts a UAE business and meets the relevant conditions and turnover threshold.
Taxable persons generally file a corporate tax return within nine months after the end of the relevant tax period. Registration, filing and record-keeping obligations can apply even where no corporate tax is payable or a Free Zone business seeks the 0% rate.
Yes. Businesses typically must register with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) within the prescribed deadlines.
Yes. Both Mainland and Free Zone companies must renew their trade license annually to remain active and compliant.
Audited financial statements may be required depending on Free Zone authority rules, tax compliance expectations, company size/revenue, or banking requirements.
There is no single capital figure that applies to every Dubai company. The required or stated capital depends on the legal form, activity and licensing authority. The capital shown in our package is a planning assumption and will be confirmed before filing.
The licence stage may take approximately 5–10 business days for a straightforward activity after all documents and approvals are ready. Residence processing, Emirates ID and bank onboarding are separate stages and can extend the total timeline.
No. Banks conduct independent KYC, source-of-funds and business-model reviews. UnionSPACE can prepare the application and coordinate introductions, but the bank decides whether to approve the account, what documents are required and how long onboarding takes.
To Start
Requirements to Get Started
Identification
Clear passport copies of all shareholders.
Min. 6 months validity
Address Proof
Complete residential address + proof.
Utility bill or bank statement
Personal Details
Parents’ names & nationalities, plus highest academic qualification.
Company Details
3 preferred names + clear description of business activities.
Official UAE Sources & Important Qualification
Our guidance is informed by the UAE Government's information on foreign ownership, the Ministry of Finance's corporate-tax threshold, and Federal Tax Authority guidance on Free Zone Persons and VAT registration.
Information on this page is general and does not constitute legal, tax, immigration or investment advice. Licence, residence and bank applications are subject to the relevant authority's or institution's approval.
Choose the Right Dubai Company Before You Apply
Tell us your activity, target customers, shareholder nationality, visa requirements, preferred workspace and expected banking transactions. We will map the suitable authority, likely costs, documents and approval risks.
Our multilingual team speaks: English, Chinese, Russian, Burmese, Thai, Tagalog, Bahasa, and Kazakh.
Contact our Company Formation Team
Our professional & multilingual team is ready to assist you with your post operating concerns.
Fill out the form
How can we reach you
Location
29, Sukhumvit Soi 39, Phrom Phong, 10110, Bangkok
sales@unionspace.com
Call
(+66) 02 0360 600
Open Hours
Monday-Friday: 9AM - 6PM
