How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?

Government and authority fees for setting up a company in Dubai vary by jurisdiction and business activity. Free zone trade license fees start from AED 10,900 at SHAMS, AED 12,500 at IFZA, and AED 19,500 at DMCC, these are government charges that typically cover the trade license and company registration. Mainland LLC formation requires DED license fees that generally range from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 depending on the activity, initial approvals, and MOA drafting. Offshore company registration at JAFZA or RAK ICC starts from around AED 8,500. These figures cover government charges only. Additional costs to budget for include UAE investor visa fees (AED 3,000–6,000 per visa), medical fitness testing, Emirates ID issuance, and flexi-desk or office lease costs if required. Regulo's advisory fee is tailored to your specific setup and is discussed transparently during your free consultation.

What is the difference between mainland and free zone company setup in Dubai?

A mainland company, licensed by the UAE Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant emirate authority, can trade directly anywhere in the UAE market without restriction, open offices in any location, and participate in government tenders. Since the 2021 UAE Foreign Direct Investment law amendments, most mainland activities now permit 100% foreign ownership, removing the historic requirement for a UAE national sponsor. A free zone company offers 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and corporate tax exemptions, but is generally restricted from selling directly to the UAE mainland market without appointing a local distributor or opening a separate mainland branch. Free zones are ideal for international trading, e-commerce, technology, consulting, and media businesses. The best choice depends on your target market: if your primary clients are UAE-based or government entities, mainland typically offers better reach; for international operations, a free zone company offers structural and cost advantages. Regulo's advisors assess your specific activity and goals to recommend the right structure.

How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

Company formation timelines in Dubai vary by jurisdiction. Free zone company formation is typically the fastest: straightforward applications at IFZA, SHAMS, and similar free zones are approved within 1–3 business days once all documents are submitted. DMCC and DIFC have slightly longer timelines of 5–7 business days due to their more regulated environments. Mainland company formation through the DED typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on the business activity and whether additional regulatory approvals are required from sector ministries. Opening a UAE corporate bank account is a separate step that typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on the bank. Regulo's dedicated advisors handle all government liaising, document preparation, and submission on your behalf, significantly reducing delays. Our average end-to-end setup time, from first consultation to active trade license, is 3 to 5 business days for free zone companies.

Do I need to be a UAE resident to start a company in Dubai?

No. You do not need to be a UAE resident to start a company in Dubai. Foreign nationals can legally own 100% of a free zone company from anywhere in the world, the entire incorporation process can often be completed remotely, with documents signed digitally. For mainland companies, the 2021 UAE Commercial Companies Law amendments removed the local UAE sponsor requirement for the majority of business activities, meaning foreign investors can now fully own and operate their mainland business without a UAE national partner. That said, setting up a company in Dubai does entitle you to apply for a UAE investor or partner residency visa, which many business owners choose to obtain to facilitate their UAE operations. The visa grants UAE residency and an Emirates ID, opening access to local banking, healthcare, and education. Regulo can process your company formation and residency visa application simultaneously, allowing you to achieve both in as little as two weeks.

Can I get a UAE residence visa through company setup?

Yes. When you set up a company in Dubai, you become eligible to apply for a UAE investor or partner residency visa. This visa grants you UAE residency status and an Emirates ID, allowing you to live in the UAE, open personal bank accounts, access UAE healthcare, and enrol children in local schools. The investor visa is typically valid for 2–3 years and is renewable. The number of visas your company can sponsor depends on several factors: the company type (mainland, free zone, or offshore), the size and type of your office space, and the specific free zone authority's visa allocation policies. Flexi-desk packages at most free zones typically come with 1–3 visa allocations; larger office spaces unlock higher quotas. Mainland companies can sponsor an unlimited number of visas subject to office size requirements set by the Ministry of Human Resources. Regulo's visa team handles the complete application process, including medical fitness tests and Emirates ID registration, to minimise disruption to your schedule.

Which Dubai free zone is best for my business?

Dubai has over 40 free zones, each designed for specific industries and business activities. DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is the world's largest free zone, best suited for trading, commodities, gold, and jewellery businesses. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is the premier destination for financial services, funds, and professional services firms. Dubai Internet City and Dubai Silicon Oasis cater specifically to technology and software companies. JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) is the preferred choice for logistics, manufacturing, and import-export businesses due to its proximity to Jebel Ali Port. IFZA and SHAMS offer among the most competitively priced licenses in the UAE and are popular with consultants, freelancers, and early-stage startups. RAK ICC is widely used for offshore holding companies and intellectual property structures. Regulo's advisors evaluate your business activity, target market, budget, and visa requirements to recommend the free zone that delivers the best value and the right operating permissions for your specific goals.

What is the minimum share capital required to set up a company in Dubai?

Minimum share capital requirements in Dubai vary by jurisdiction and business activity. Most UAE free zones, including IFZA, SHAMS, DMCC, and Dubai Internet City, require no minimum paid-up capital or set nominal amounts of AED 1,000 to AED 50,000, which does not need to be deposited in a bank account at the time of incorporation. DIFC is an exception, with higher capital requirements for regulated financial entities. For mainland companies established under the DED, there is generally no mandatory minimum capital for most standard business activities. However, certain regulated activities, such as financial services, insurance, healthcare, and construction, impose specific minimum capital requirements set by the relevant regulatory authority. Offshore companies (JAFZA, RAK ICC) also have no practical capital requirements beyond a nominal registration amount. Regulo will confirm the exact requirements for your chosen activity during the initial consultation, ensuring your company structure is correctly capitalised from day one.

Do I need a local sponsor for a mainland company in Dubai?

No. Following the UAE's landmark 2021 Foreign Direct Investment law amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, foreign investors can now own 100% of their mainland company in Dubai for the vast majority of business activities. This was a significant policy change: prior to 2021, UAE law required a UAE national to hold at least 51% of any mainland LLC, meaning foreign investors were restricted to a maximum 49% stake. Today, that requirement has been removed for most commercial, professional, and industrial activities. A small number of strategically sensitive sectors, including certain defence, security, transport, and telecommunications activities, are listed on the UAE's Negative List and still require a UAE national shareholder or agent. For professional licence activities such as law firms, accounting practices, and consulting, a local service agent is still required but holds no ownership stake in the company. Regulo's advisors will review your specific business activity against the current DED and ministerial approved lists to confirm whether 100% ownership applies to your setup.

What is the step-by-step process to incorporate a company in Dubai?

Setting up a company in Dubai follows a clear, structured process that Regulo manages end-to-end. Step 1: Choose your business activity and legal structure (LLC, FZE, or offshore). Your activity determines which jurisdictions and license types are available. Step 2: Select your jurisdiction, mainland, free zone, or offshore, based on your target market, budget, and visa requirements. Step 3: Reserve your trade name; it must comply with UAE naming conventions and be approved by the relevant authority. Step 4: Submit incorporation documents, typically including passport copies, a completed application form, and proof of address. Mainland companies may require additional regulatory approvals from sector ministries. Step 5: Pay government fees and receive your trade license. Free zone licenses are typically issued within 1–3 business days; mainland licenses within 3–7 business days. Step 6: Open a UAE corporate bank account. Regulo handles all document preparation and bank follow-up. Step 7: Apply for your UAE investor or partner residency visa. Step 8: Complete post-incorporation setup, VAT registration if applicable, payroll, accounting, and compliance. Regulo handles all eight steps on your behalf.

IFZA vs SHAMS vs DMCC: Choosing the Right Dubai Free Zone in 2026

Three free zones dominate the conversation for SMEs and startups in the UAE: IFZA, SHAMS, and DMCC. Each serves a different profile of business. Getting the choice right avoids unnecessary costs and compliance headaches down the line.

IFZA, International Free Zone Authority

IFZA was established in 2018 and is located within Dubai Silicon Oasis, a technology park in the eastern part of Dubai. It has become one of the most popular free zones for SMEs, consultants, and trading companies, primarily because of its competitive pricing, flexible multi-activity licences, and streamlined digital onboarding process.

Trade licence from AED 12,500 (activity-dependent). This includes registration, licence, and establishment card for the first year.
Over 1,750 permitted business activities across trading, services, and industrial categories.
Multi-activity licence: you can combine up to 3 related activities on a single licence, avoiding the cost of separate licences.
Flexi-desk packages: include a registered address at Silicon Oasis and typically 1–6 investor visa allocations.
Physical office spaces also available within the Silicon Oasis campus.
Fully digital incorporation process, many clients complete incorporation remotely without visiting Dubai.
Annual renewal fee mirrors the initial licence fee.

Best for

Consultants, technology companies, digital service providers, general traders, and entrepreneurs who want a fast, affordable UAE company with a clean, reputable address. Also popular as a holding company vehicle.

SHAMS, Sharjah Media City

SHAMS was established in 2017 by the Sharjah government and is located in the Al Hamriyah area of Sharjah, approximately 30 kilometres from central Dubai. Despite its name implying a media focus, SHAMS permits a broad range of business activities and has become one of the most competitively priced free zones in the UAE, attracting freelancers, content creators, consultants, and trading companies.

Trade licence from AED 10,900, among the lowest government fees for a UAE free zone company.
Broad activity list covering media, publishing, advertising, consulting, trading, technology, and e-commerce.
Freelance permits also available from AED 7,500, ideal for solo practitioners without employees.
Flexi-desk included in standard packages with up to 6 investor visa allocations.
Sharjah location: not Dubai-addressed. Some banks and clients prefer a Dubai address, which is worth considering.
Generally fast incorporation: 1–3 business days.
Annual renewal fee is consistent with initial costs.

The Sharjah address question

SHAMS gives you a Sharjah address, not a Dubai address. For most international clients and online businesses this is irrelevant, the UAE is what matters. However, some UAE government portals and certain banks treat Dubai and Sharjah-addressed companies differently. If a Dubai address specifically matters for your client relationships or banking, IFZA or DMCC are stronger choices.

DMCC, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

DMCC was established in 2002 and is located in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), a prime business district in Dubai. It is the UAE's largest free zone by number of registered companies and has been voted 'Global Free Zone of the Year' by the Financial Times' fDi Magazine for ten consecutive years. DMCC carries significant prestige and is particularly strong for commodities, gold, diamonds, energy, and crypto-related businesses.

Trade licence from approximately AED 19,500 (varies by activity and package, significantly higher than IFZA or SHAMS).
Specific controlled commodity licences for gold, diamonds, tea, cotton, and other commodities.
Crypto Centre: DMCC has a dedicated virtual assets cluster and regulatory framework for blockchain and crypto businesses.
Prestigious JLT address with access to one of Dubai's most active business communities.
Physical office spaces and serviced offices extensively available within JLT.
Access to DMCC's commodity trading infrastructure, vaults, and settlement services.
Annual audit is mandatory for DMCC companies (adds to ongoing compliance costs).
Incorporation timeline: typically 5–7 business days due to more thorough vetting.

Best for

Commodity traders, gold and jewellery businesses, crypto and blockchain companies, financial services firms, and businesses that need a premium Dubai address and access to a large business community. Not the best value for straightforward consulting or service businesses.

Direct Comparison

Criteria	IFZA	SHAMS	DMCC
Location	Dubai (Silicon Oasis)	Sharjah	Dubai (JLT)
Licence fee from	AED 12,500	AED 10,900	AED 19,500+
Activities	1,750+ (multi-activity)	Broad (media-focused)	Broad + commodities, crypto
Visa allocation	Up to 6 (flex-desk)	Up to 6 (flex-desk)	Up to 6 (flex-desk)
Setup time	1–3 days	1–3 days	5–7 days
Annual audit required	No	No	Yes
Prestige / banking	Good	Moderate	Excellent
Freelance permit	No	Yes (from AED 7,500)	No
Best for	SMEs, tech, trading	Freelancers, consultants	Commodities, crypto, premium

Other Free Zones Worth Knowing

DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): the UAE's premier financial services hub, regulated by the independent Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Required for fund management, investment advisory, and regulated financial services. Higher costs and compliance obligations.
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone): the largest free zone by area, adjacent to Jebel Ali Port. Best for logistics, import/export, and manufacturing businesses that need warehousing and port access.
Dubai Internet City (DIC): focused on technology and IT companies; home to regional offices of Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Oracle.
RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre): primarily used for offshore holding companies, IP structures, and asset protection, not for operational businesses.
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone): competitive pricing, suitable for manufacturing, SMEs, and startups.

The right choice depends on your business

For most consultants and digital businesses, IFZA offers the best balance of cost, credibility, and flexibility. SHAMS is the most affordable if cost is the primary driver and a Dubai address is not essential. DMCC is the right choice if you are in commodities, crypto, or need the prestige and community of JLT. Regulo's advisors can model the full cost of each option for your specific setup.

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IFZA vs SHAMS vs DMCC: Choosing the Right Dubai Free Zone in 2026

IFZA, International Free Zone Authority

SHAMS, Sharjah Media City

DMCC, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre

Direct Comparison

Other Free Zones Worth Knowing

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