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myHQ by ANAROCK

Business Setup in Dubai,
in just 5 days

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Starting from AED 12,900*

0%Personal & Corporate Tax*
237K+Active registered companies
23%Companies are Indian owned
40+Free zone options

Built for every ambition

  • 100% foreign ownership allowed
  • Invoice in any currency, Repatriate freely
  • Access to global clients & capital
  • Stronger IP protection laws
  • 0% personal income tax
  • 2X client conversions
  • Bill clients in USD
  • International credibility
  • Safe & Upscale Lifestyle
  • UAE resident visa in a week
  • 0% personal income tax
  • Sponsor your family
  • 0% import duty in Free Zones
  • JAFZA - world's largest port
  • Easier customs handling
  • 0% tax on <375K AED profit
  • 0% personal income tax
  • Freelancer visa
  • Secure ecosystem & laws
  • Global connectivity
  • 0% estate or inheritance tax
  • English common law courts
  • Structured succession planning
  • Global banking system
myHQ

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2,000+ Companies Registered

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95%+ Approval Rate

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0% Service Fee

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1 Hour Response Time

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Your roadmap to launching your Dubai business

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Choose your structure icon

Dubai's has 40+ free zones but 90% of new registrations land in four

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Address proof

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3-month bank statement

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MEA apostille

*For Indian founders

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Free zone vs DET mainland vs Offshore

Find the Dubai structure that's right for you

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Government fees paid online

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Trade license issued digitally

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Your Dubai company live & operational

Starting from AED 12,900*

Types of Dubai business licenses

Explore the six most common licence types

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Investor visa via GDRFA

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Emirates ID in 5-10 days

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UAE bank account within 2-4 weeks of licence issue

Fast turnaroundGet it in just 5 days
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Why is the world betting big on Dubai?

#1
Global hub for Greenfield FDI
200+
Nationalities building businesses
71K+
New companies in 2025
18K+
Indian businesses registered in 2025
200+
Passengers through DXB
+18%
Business community growth

2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐

Quotation mark

We had a trade name conflict with an existing DET business. myHQ suggested three alternatives the same day and we were approved within 48 hours. The process I thought would take weeks took 3 days.

Priya Singh

Founder of Management Consulting Firm

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I set up my IFZA company entirely from Mumbai. Never went to Dubai once. myHQ handled the apostille on my Indian documents, submitted the application, and my licence arrived by courier. Total cost AED 14,500 all-in.

Rahul Mahajan

Runs IT consulting business

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I was confused between registering as a freelancer and setting up a company. myHQ walked me through the pros and cons, helped me choose the right structure, and had everything sorted without me having to figure out Dubai regulations on my own.

Ananya Gulati

Content Creator

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Every consultant was pushing a different free zone. myHQ actually started by understanding my business, hiring plans, and future goals before recommending the right setup. It saved me from paying for things I didn’t need and gave me confidence I was making the right decision.

Karan Gupta

SaaS startup founder

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I only wanted to serve international clients and invoice professionally. myHQ recommended a setup that matched my needs instead of the most expensive option. The entire process was transparent, and I always knew what came next.

Neha Bhasin

Corporate Legal Consultant

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Setting up in other UAE Emirates

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Starts at AED 14999

Best for: Government-adjacent businesses, energy sector, financial services

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Sharjah photo

Starts at AED 14999

Best for: Manufacturing, logistics, and cost-sensitive early-stage businesses

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Ras Al-Khaimah photo

Starts at AED 14999

Best for: Industrial units, trading companies, and low-cost free zone setups

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Ajman photo

Starts at AED 14999

Best for: SMEs, e-commerce, and first-time founders on a lean budget

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Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?

2000+
Companies Registered
95%+
Approval Rate
0%
Service Fee
1 Hour
Response Time
India x UAE
Approval Support
Backed by ANAROCK - India’s Largest Real Estate Company icon

Backed by ANAROCK - India’s Largest Real Estate Company

Choose the right Dubai setup with confidence

Best forCommodities, Crypto (VARA), Trading, International BusinessWhen to AvoidIf you need a physical retail presence or DED activities
Best forFunds, financial advisory firms, family officesWhen to AvoidIf you are setting up a low-cost trading or e-commerce company
Best forConsultants, freelancers, early-stage foundersWhen to AvoidIf you need a large visa quota or warehousing
Best forMulti-activity licences and fully remote setupsWhen to AvoidIf you need a DIFC-regulated financial licence

Make the right decision for your Dubai setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

Commercial/Trading License
Commercial/Trading LicenseBuy and sell goods, physical or digital
Best for:Trading • E-commerce • Import/export
Industrial/Manufacturing License
Industrial/Manufacturing LicenseManufacture and assemble physical goods
Best for:Companies needing warehouse or factory space
VARA Virtual Asset License
VARA Virtual Asset LicenseBuild a crypto exchange & digital asset custody
Best for:Crypto or digital asset business
Professional License
Professional LicenseSell services digitally, invoice clients anywhere
Best for:Consulting • IT • Creative • Legal companies
Tourism License (DTCM)
Tourism License (DTCM)Offer vacation rental and services in Dubai
Best for:Travel agencies • Tour operators • Hotels • Attractions
DIFC Financial Services License
DIFC Financial Services LicenseManage investments & offer financial advisory service
Best for:Funds • Financial advisory firms • family offices

Make the right decision for your Dubai setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

Dubai Free zone photo
IncludedGoverned by Individual FZAIncludedLicence timeline in 3-5 daysIncluded100% Foreign ownershipIncludedLimited to Free zone & international markets
Dubai Mainland photo
IncludedGoverned by DETIncludedLicence timeline in 7-14 daysIncluded100% Foreign ownership in most sectorsIncludedDirect access to the entire UAE
IncludedGoverned by JAFZA Offshore registryIncludedLicence timeline in 5-7 daysIncluded100% Foreign ownershipIncludedNo visa allocation offered

Not sure which jurisdiction suits you the best?

Only International invoicing, Operating remotely. Founders with UAE residency

Documents included:Licence onlyVisa:-Office:Flexi-deskBank account:Digital Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Residency Visa for Shareholder, Hiring Local Team

Documents included:Licence, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Flexi-deskBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Full access to UAE market, Applying to Govt. Contracts

Documents included:Licence, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Physical OfficeBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai in 2026?
Dubai free zone setup starts at AED 12,900/year (IFZA, Meydan) with one visa allocation. DMCC ranges AED 20,900–35,000/year. DET mainland starts at AED 18,000/year. Add visa costs (AED 3,500–5,500 per visa) and India-side apostille (AED 1,500–3,000). DIFC starts from AED 40,000/year. myHQ provides all-in written quotes within 24 hours.
What is the difference between DET mainland and a Dubai free zone?
DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism) mainland allows direct UAE market access, government contracts, and retail operations. Dubai free zone gives 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, faster setup (3–7 days), and often lower entry cost — but requires a DET-registered distributor to sell into the UAE local market. Both allow 100% foreign ownership since 2021.
Can I set up a Dubai free zone company without visiting Dubai?
Yes. IFZA, Meydan, DMCC, DAFZA, and JAFZA all support full remote setup. Indian founders must apostille documents via MEA India before submission. DET mainland may require a verification step for some activities. myHQ handles the full remote process including document apostille coordination.
Which Dubai free zone is cheapest in 2026?
IFZA and Meydan both start at AED 12,900/year for professional services or general trading with one visa. DMCC starts at AED 20,900/year but includes a stronger commodity and fintech ecosystem. DIFC is the most expensive (AED 40,000+) but is the only option with English common law courts and DFSA regulation.
Do Indian founders need FEMA or RBI approval for Dubai setup?
Yes. Indian residents investing in a UAE entity must file an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) declaration under FEMA and submit Annual Performance Reports to the RBI. Most UAE agencies don't handle this — myHQ manages both the UAE setup and the India-side FEMA/RBI compliance in one engagement.
How long does Dubai company setup take in 2026?
Dubai free zones: 3–7 business days from clean document submission. DET mainland: 7–14 business days. DIFC: 3–6 weeks. The most common delay is the Indian document apostille step (5–7 working days at MEA). Bank account activation takes 2–4 weeks separately.
What is VARA and why is it only in Dubai?
VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) is a Dubai-specific regulator under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022. Any UAE business offering crypto exchange, digital asset custody, or DeFi products needs a VARA licence — available only in Dubai, typically via DMCC. No other UAE emirate has a VARA equivalent; this is a primary reason crypto-native businesses choose Dubai specifically.
Can I convert a Dubai free zone company to DET mainland later?
Not a direct conversion — you form a new DET mainland entity (AED 18,000–25,000/year) and optionally wind down the free zone entity. Many founders keep both running if their business model spans international consulting (free zone) and UAE retail (DET mainland). myHQ guides this transition end-to-end.

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Business Setup in Dubai: Structures, Costs and Process (2026)

Dubai is the UAE’s most active emirate for company formation. In 2024, over 50,000 new businesses registered across its 40+ free zones and DET mainland licences. For international founders, particularly from India, the UK and South Asia, Dubai combines jurisdiction recognition, regulatory infrastructure and ecosystem maturity unmatched elsewhere in the UAE.

This guide to business setup in Dubai covers the structures available, what each costs, how company registration works and what Indian founders must file at home, with comparisons against other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

Company Formation in Dubai: Structures Available in 2026

Company formation in Dubai runs through one of three structures: a free zone company, a DET mainland company or an offshore company.

Free Zone Company

A free zone company is the most common structure for international founders, offering 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, and no customs duty on goods transiting the free zone. It cannot sell directly to UAE mainland customers without a DET-registered distributor. Dubai has 40+ free zones, each with its own authority, activity list and pricing; the most commonly chosen for 2026 registrations are:

  • DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): the world’s largest commodity free zone by membership, for commodities, fintech, crypto via the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and holding structures.
  • DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): English common law courts and Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulation, for fund managers, family offices and regulated fintech.
  • IFZA (International Free Zone Authority): low entry cost and remote setup, popular with consultants and service businesses.
  • Meydan Free Zone: startup-friendly, for digital businesses, e-commerce and solopreneurs.
  • DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority): at Dubai International Airport, for logistics, aviation and e-commerce.
  • JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority): the Middle East’s largest industrial free zone, beside Jebel Ali Port, for heavy trading, manufacturing and import/export.

DET Mainland Company

DET (Dubai Economy & Tourism), formerly the Department of Economic Development (DED), is Dubai’s mainland licensing authority. A DET mainland licence lets you operate anywhere in the UAE, sell directly to UAE customers, bid on government contracts and open retail locations. Since the 2021 ownership reforms, DET mainland companies can be 100% foreign-owned for most commercial activities, though some regulated activities, including legal services, media and real estate brokerage, may still need a UAE national partner.

DET mainland setup takes 7–14 business days from clean document submission. Activities needing sector-specific approval in healthcare, education or real estate can take 3–6 weeks for review by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

Note: DET mainland licences run 20–30% higher than equivalent Abu Dhabi (ADDED) or Ras Al Khaimah licences, often called the “Dubai premium”. DET is the only option if you specifically need a mainland address in Dubai. Otherwise Abu Dhabi or RAK mainland is cheaper, and you can see how licence costs compare across the UAE emirates before deciding.

Offshore Company

Dubai offshore companies register via JAFZA Offshore, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Offshore Registry. They cannot conduct business inside the UAE, employ staff on UAE visas or lease UAE office space, and are used mainly for holding structures, intellectual property ownership, international invoicing and asset protection. JAFZA Offshore costs AED 8,000–14,000 a year, with setup in 3–5 business days, no physical office and no UAE residency visa attached.

Note: RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) is a common, slightly cheaper alternative at AED 6,500–10,000 a year for similar holding purposes, though it is not Dubai-based. JAFZA Offshore suits founders who need a Dubai or UAE address for client perception.

Dubai Trade Licence: Types and Renewal

A Dubai trade licence authorises a company to carry out specific business activities, and without one you cannot open a corporate bank account, apply for visas or sign commercial contracts. It is issued by DET for mainland companies or by the relevant free zone authority, in four categories:

  • Professional licence: for service businesses selling expertise, such as consultants, IT services, marketing agencies, accountants and designers. The most common category for free zone companies.
  • Commercial licence: for buying, selling and distributing goods. General trading licences, which allow an unrestricted range of goods, cost more than activity-specific commercial licences.
  • Industrial licence: for manufacturing, processing and assembly, requiring physical premises, usually in an industrial free zone such as JAFZA or on DET mainland with the appropriate facility.
  • E-commerce licence: for online retail and marketplace operations, issued by several free zones in Dubai as a distinct category.

Licences are renewed annually with the issuing authority, and DET mainland renewals also need a valid Ejari tenancy registration. Renewal is usually cheaper than first-year setup, since registration and trade name fees do not repeat, but late renewal attracts penalties that escalate monthly, so most founders start 30 days before expiry. Activity amendments are handled at renewal or as a standalone application.

Business Setup Cost in Dubai and Licence Fees

The all-in cost of company setup in Dubai means separating licence cost from ancillary costs. Free zone licences alone run AED 7,500–10,000 a year in IFZA and Meydan, AED 10,500–20,000 in DMCC and higher again in DIFC, while DET mainland licences run AED 8,500–25,000. For low cost business setup in Dubai, IFZA and Meydan sit at the bottom of the free zone range below. Figures are indicative and reviewed each quarter.

Free ZoneTotal Year 1 (licence + address)
IFZA / MeydanAED 12,900–18,500
DAFZAAED 15,000–30,000
JAFZAAED 17,500–40,000
DMCCAED 20,900–35,000
DIFCAED 40,000–120,000+

Add AED 3,500–5,500 per investor visa and AED 370 per Emirates ID.

DET Mainland Cost ComponentAmount
Initial approval feeAED 620
Trade licence feeAED 8,500–25,000
Local service agent (if required)AED 2,000–5,000/year
Establishment cardAED 1,200
Office or registered addressAED 1,500–8,000
Total Year 1AED 18,000–40,000
Investor visa (per visa)AED 3,500–5,500

India-to-Dubai All-In Cost for Indian Founders

Indian founders should budget for these India-side costs on top of UAE fees:

  • Apostille from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): AED 1,500–3,000 equivalent, roughly INR 4,500–9,000 via an authorised apostille service
  • FEMA ODI declaration filing: AED 300–800 equivalent via a chartered accountant or service provider
  • Translation charges, if required: AED 500–1,500 for non-English documents

myHQ provides all-in written quotes covering UAE setup fees plus India-side apostille and FEMA costs. Most Indian founders are quoted AED 16,000–22,000 for a fully operational IFZA or Meydan company, including one investor visa, bank account assistance and FEMA filing.

Free Zone vs DET Mainland vs Offshore: Decision Guide

This is the most important structural decision you will make, because changing it later means forming a new entity.

Choose a free zone if:

  • Your customers are primarily outside the UAE, whether international clients or export-led trade
  • You are a consultant, IT professional, digital services provider or knowledge worker
  • You want lower cost and faster setup
  • You need a VARA licence for crypto or digital assets
  • You want 0% tax on qualifying income without mainland tax-planning complexity
  • You don’t need a retail shop or direct sales to UAE consumers

Choose DET mainland if:

  • You need to sell directly to UAE businesses or consumers without a distributor
  • You are opening a physical retail location, restaurant, clinic or hotel in Dubai
  • You need to bid on UAE government contracts
  • Your activities require sector-specific Dubai approval, such as real estate brokerage via RERA, healthcare via DHA or education via KHDA
  • You’re partnering with a UAE company that requires a DED-recognised entity

Choose JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC if:

  • You need a holding structure for assets, intellectual property or investments
  • You invoice internationally without needing UAE banking tied to physical operations
  • You want the lowest-cost annual maintenance structure
  • You have no employees or physical operations in the UAE

How to Start a Business in Dubai: Company Registration Step by Step

Company registration in Dubai follows the same six stages for a free zone or DET mainland company; the differences sit in the portal, the documents and the timeline.

  1. Choose your activity and authority. Your activity decides which free zones you are eligible for, from IFZA’s 1,750+ activities to DMCC’s 600+ categories. DET mainland activities are commercial, professional, industrial, tourism or specialised, with some needing pre-approval from the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), DHA, KHDA, RERA or the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
  2. Reserve your trade name and get initial approval. Free zone founders submit 3 name options via the zone portal, with name approval in 1–2 business days and authority review in 1–3. DET mainland applications go through the UAE Business Registration and Licensing (BRL) portal, with approval in 1–3 business days for standard activities.
  3. Prepare documents and apostille. You need a valid passport copy, a bank statement covering the last 3 months and proof of address. Indian founders also need passport photos, Indian address proof and an MEA apostille on notarised documents. Apostille is a legal requirement, not optional. DET mainland limited liability companies also need a drafted and attested Memorandum of Association (MOA), plus a notarised agreement if a local service agent is needed.
  4. Arrange your office (DET mainland). DET mainland requires a physical office or registered address, with a minimum lease of AED 1,500 a year, and Ejari registration must be active before the final licence is issued.
  5. Receive your licence. Free zone licences are issued digitally once the government fee is paid, with company formation legally complete at that point. DET mainland licences take 7–14 business days for standard activities, followed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) establishment card that sets your visa quota.
  6. Apply for visas and open a bank account. Visas go through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the ICP portal, covering entry permit, status change, medical test and Emirates ID in 2–3 weeks, and DET mainland may allow a higher quota based on office size. Accounts with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB or Wio Bank typically activate in 2–4 weeks.

Registering a Company in Dubai from India: What Indian Founders Must File

Indian residents investing in a UAE company are making an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under India’s Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). This is a legal requirement, not optional, and three obligations apply:

  • ODI declaration: before or at first investment, the resident must submit Form ODI to their Authorised Dealer (AD) bank, disclosing entity details, investment amount and ownership percentage.
  • Annual Performance Report (APR): filed each year with the AD bank, confirming operational status, financial performance and any dividend remittances.
  • LRS compliance: funds remitted under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, which allows up to USD 250,000 a year, need proper LRS documentation. Setup fees should be remitted via the company’s bank account with the correct ODI or service-payment purpose code.

Failure to file FEMA ODI declarations is a common and serious gap for Indian founders, with penalties including compounding interest and potential prosecution.

Indian Document Apostille for Dubai Company Registration

All Indian government documents used for UAE registration need an MEA apostille, since notarisation alone is not enough. A notary public only witnesses the signature, which is insufficient for UAE government submission; an apostille is the MEA’s certification that documents are authentic for use in Hague Apostille Convention countries, which include the UAE, and is the legal standard. Documents requiring apostille include your passport if using a notarised copy, power of attorney, board resolutions and certificates of incorporation for Indian parent companies. MEA apostille processing takes 5–7 working days via MEA e-Sanad or MEA-linked apostille centres across India.

Why myHQ: Business Setup Consultants in Dubai

myHQ by ANAROCK Group handles the full India-to-Dubai engagement, not just the Dubai side. As business setup consultants in Dubai working with Indian founders, that covers:

  • All Dubai structures: DET mainland, DMCC, DIFC, IFZA, Meydan, DAFZA, JAFZA and JAFZA Offshore, with no preferred-free-zone bias.
  • India-side compliance: FEMA ODI declaration, RBI Annual Performance Report and LRS documentation, handled in the same engagement as the Dubai setup, a service most UAE-based agencies skip.
  • Indian document apostille: MEA apostille coordination is included.
  • Post-setup support: annual renewal, additional visas, activity amendments, branch setup and bank account refreshes.
  • Response time: a dedicated Dubai specialist on WhatsApp, phone and email.

Company Setup in Dubai: Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner start a business in Dubai?

Yes. Foreign nationals can own 100% of a free zone company and, since the 2021 ownership reforms, 100% of a DET mainland company across most commercial activities. There is no requirement to be a UAE resident before registering, and no minimum investment for most free zone structures.

Is Dubai company registration better than Abu Dhabi?

Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve different founder needs. Dubai wins on international brand recognition, crypto via VARA, DIFC financial services, ecosystem density and flight connectivity through DXB. Abu Dhabi wins on government-adjacent business, energy, ADGM financial services, lower mainland cost and investment incentives. Neither is categorically better; the answer depends on your activities, target market and budget.

What is the Dubai D33 Economic Agenda and how does it affect business setup?

D33, the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033, is Dubai’s strategy to double its economy by 2033, from USD 110 billion to USD 220 billion GDP, with targets including USD 8.7 trillion in trade and 100 new foreign direct investment projects a year across the digital economy, green energy, tourism and finance. For founders, it means continued investment in free zone infrastructure, new incentives for tech and sustainability companies, and active startup support through the D33 Startup Programme’s grants, mentorship and market access.