Complete 2025 Guide to Costs, Company Types & Process Set Hub

Lucas Montgomery
6 Min Read

Introduction

In search of Business setup in Dubai? You are not the only one. With tax -free inome, investor -friendly laws and a thriving world economy, Dubai is now one of the world’s top destination for entrepreneurs and startups.

This guide treats EvenThing that you should know – from Business arrangement of Rules for business types, free zone versus mainland options, estimated costs and visa paths.

Why do business in Dubai?

When Consido Business setup in DubaiEntrepreneurs are Dageraad for his thriving economy and infrastructure of world class from all over the world. This is why Mash chooses Business arrangement in Dubai:

  • 100% foreign ownership (Free zones + many mainland sectors)
  • 0% Personnel Tax
  • Strategic global location Between Europe, Asia and Africa
  • Safe, modern city With an excellent infrastructure
  • Fast-growing digital and service economy

Whether you scourge your startup or launch a new company, Business arrangement of Offers an unparalleled potential in the long term.

Mainland versus free zone company setup

Important differences when Set up to the company in Dubai

Function Mainland Free zone
Property 100% foreign property allowed 100% foreign ownership
Market access VAE + International Only international
Office space Required Optional (many allow flexi-blanket)
Cost range AED 15,000 – 30,000+ AED 5,750-25,000
Licensing body Ded (Department of Economic Development) Different free zone authorities

Compare Dubai Free Zone -License Costs

Business formation in Dubai step for step

Think of Setting up things in Dubai? Here is a simplified 8-step process:

  1. Choose your business activity
    Choose from more than 2,000 amits activities (advice, trade, technology, etc.)
  2. Select Jurisdiction
    Mainland versus free zone – based on your ownership and target market
  3. Choose a company name
    Must meet the guidelines of the VAE (no religious/political names)
  4. Request a first approval
    Provisional approval of the chosen authority
  5. Draft Moa / Laa
    Specially required in mainland setups – outlines structure, ownership
  6. Lease office space
    Required for license issue (Flexi-Desk Offen acceptable for free zones)
  7. Submit a license application
    Serve all documents in + license costs pay
  8. Relevant trading permit
    Once approved, your company is officially legal and operational

More about Business formation in Dubai

Business setup in Dubai: cost drop at 2025

Use this expensive to estimate your costs:

Setup -Type Approach the costs (AED) Notes
Free zone – no visa 5,750–9,000 Basic license only
Free Zone – With Visa 10,000-15,000 1–2 Visa -Allocation
Mainland – standard 15,000-25,000+ Office space + license -trade
E-commerce of consultancy Amended Varies per reach; Ask the Sethub Team

Looking for one Cheap business setup in Dubai? We guide you to the right zone and license type based on your goals.

See Dubai Free Zone Company Setup Cost Breakdown

Sethub easily makes business arrangement in Dubai with transparent prices and for each other.

Our packages:

  • Starter package: License + 1 Visa + Flexi-Desk (ideal for freelancers)
  • Growth package: Multi-visa + premium free zone + office support
  • Premium package: Business institutions, multiple visas, pro -support, business sofa assistance

US Business Setup Consultants in Dubai Will will go through every step – from smuggling the jurisdiction to submitting final paperwork.

Talk to a consultant now

Visa & Residency via Business Setup in Dub

Starting a company in Dubai can also help you protect the residence of the VAE. Options include:

  • Partner/Investor Vision – 2-3 years of residence permit for business owners
  • Freelance visa – For independent professionals
  • Golden visa – 5-10 years for investors, founders and top professionals

Explore our Golden Visa blog of the VAE

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ❌ Choose the wrong license type
  • ❌ Not budgeting for extensions or office lease
  • ❌ Local view of timelines for banking institutions

Sethub helps you to avoid the pitfalls with pre-launch consultation and support, while your business arrangement in Dubai.

Why work with Sethub

  • 10,000+ companies launched
  • Fast, multilingual support team
  • Transparent prices – No hidden costs
  • Corporate Bank Setup and Visa Services

Ready to start Business setup in Dubai? Please contact Sethub for a free consultation

FAQ

How much does it cost to set up things in Dubai?
Free zone costs start at AED 5,750; The preparation of the mainland varies from AED 15,000 – 30,000+.

Can foreigners 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes – 100% ownership is now allowed in most sectors and free zones.

Is Dubai a good place for startups?
Absolute. Tax -free inome, global access and strong infrastructure make it ideal.

How long does the setup process take?
With Sethub you can have a full license in 5-10 business days.

Do I have to live in the UAE to own a company here?
No, but it helps if you request a visa and open a local bank accounts.