Business Setup in Dubai
Mainland, free zone and offshore formation — from name approval to licence in hand.
Dubai & all Emirates
Business setup in Dubai and the UAE
AL HUDHUD provides complete business setup in Dubai and across the UAE. We start with the right business idea and activities for your interests and experience, and finish with your trade licence in hand. We handle the documents and procedures for you, so your business setup is done under one roof.
We set up all three company types: Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore. We work with Dubai mainland (Department of Economy and Tourism), Dubai free zones, and free zones across the other emirates, including Ajman Free Zone, Dubai South Free Zone, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, RAKEZ and SPC Free Zone.
After setup we stay with you for the next steps: establishment card, immigration card, labour file, bank account, and Corporate tax & VAT registration. For ongoing licence work, see our Trade licence service.
What our business setup service includes
- Business idea and activity selection, based on your interests and experience
- Advice on mainland, free zone or offshore, and the right free zone for your activity
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Trade licence application and issuance
- External approvals, where your activity needs them
- Office solution: physical office, Ejari, flexi desk or virtual office
- Visa package planning to match your licence type
- Bank account opening consultancy and application support
- Post-setup: establishment card, immigration card and labour file registration
- VAT and Corporate Tax registration after setup
- One named advisor from your first message to completion
- WhatsApp support in English, Urdu, Hindi and Arabic
- Every document checked before it goes to the authority
- Status updates at every stage
- A written quote before any work starts
Mainland, free zone or offshore: who each suits
- Mainland (Dubai): businesses that want to trade directly across the UAE market, including government and retail customers. An LLC licence generally starts with a quota of up to 7 visas, and a Professional licence with up to 3 visas.
- Free Zone: entrepreneurs, consultants, e-commerce and trading businesses that want a fast, cost-controlled setup. Visa quotas vary by free zone and package, with options for 10, 12 or more visas.
- Offshore: international holding and asset-owning structures that don't trade inside the UAE market.
- UAE residents and overseas investors starting a new business
- Existing business owners opening a new branch or a second company
Some activities need extra approvals from other authorities, which can add time. We check this before you commit.
Documents required for business setup
For a new licence:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photograph
- Valid UAE visa copy (if you are a UAE resident)
- Emirates ID copy, front and back (if you are a UAE resident)
- Active mobile number
- Active email address
Depending on the company type, activity and authority, we may also ask for:
- Proposed trade names (2–3 options)
- Shareholder details and ownership percentages
- NOC from your current sponsor or employer (if the authority requires it)
- Business plan or activity description (for some activities)
- Corporate documents, if a company is a shareholder
How business setup works
- Consultation: we discuss your business idea, activities, budget, visa needs and office requirements.
- Structure and activity: we recommend mainland, free zone or offshore, the right authority, and the licence activities.
- Name and approvals: trade name reservation, initial approval and any external approvals.
- Office and licence: office solution (Ejari, flexi desk, virtual or physical office), then licence issuance.
- Post-setup: establishment card, immigration card, labour file and visa processing.
- Bank and tax: bank account opening support and VAT / Corporate Tax registration.
Business setup timeline and fees
- Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore company setup: generally 4–5 working days
- Activities that need extra authority approvals can take longer. We confirm your timeline before you start.
- Visa processing, bank account opening and tax registration follow after the licence is issued.
Fees: Quote on request. Your service fee is quoted in writing after a short consultation. Government, authority, FTA, free zone, medical, typing, translation and attestation charges are separate, listed in your quote. Nothing starts until you approve it.
Business setup FAQs
How long does business setup in Dubai take?
Generally 4–5 working days for mainland, free zone and offshore companies. Activities that need external approvals can take longer.
Mainland or free zone: which is better?
Mainland suits businesses that want to trade directly across the UAE market. Free zones suit consultants, e-commerce and international trading with fast, cost-controlled setup. We recommend the right option for your activity.
How many visas can I get with my licence?
It depends on the licence type. A Dubai mainland LLC generally starts with up to 7 visas and a Professional licence with up to 3. Free zone quotas vary by free zone and package, with options for 10, 12 or more.
Do I need an office?
Yes, every licence needs an address. We arrange the right option for your licence: a physical office, Ejari, flexi desk or virtual office.
Can you help me open a business bank account?
Yes. We provide bank account opening consultancy and help with the application and documents. The final decision rests with the bank.
Do I need to register for VAT and Corporate Tax?
Most UAE businesses have Corporate Tax registration obligations, and VAT registration depends on your turnover. We handle both after setup. See our Corporate tax & VAT service.
Which free zones do you work with?
Ajman Free Zone, Dubai South Free Zone, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, RAKEZ and SPC Free Zone, plus other Dubai free zones.
Last updated: September 2026. Government rules, fees and processing times are set by the relevant UAE authorities and can change without notice. AL HUDHUD provides documentation and processing support. Final approvals rest with the relevant government authority.
Related guide: Mainland vs Free Zone Company in Dubai: What Actually Differs
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