Company Formation In Dubai
STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS SETUP IN DUBAI WITH OUR EXPERT GUIDANCE
Looking to start a company in Dubai or expand into the UAE market? COFOCSP is your trusted partner in seamless company formation in Dubai, offering tailored solutions for mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation. We simplify every step of the business setup process—from choosing the right legal structure to ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
Our team of expert business setup consultants in Dubai ensures your entity is registered under the correct jurisdiction, whether you’re launching an LLC, professional company, or a general trading business. We provide reliable support for company registration, licensing, and opening corporate bank accounts, so you can focus on growth.
Let us guide you through the 7 essential steps to set up a business in Dubai
Before forming your company in Dubai, selecting the right business license is critical. Whether it’s a Commercial License, Professional License, or Industrial License, your license defines your business activity and governs your operations in the Dubai mainland, free zone, or offshore jurisdiction. Our company formation consultants in Dubai will guide you in choosing the correct license that aligns with your business model, regulatory needs, and industry.
Choosing your business activity is more than a formality—it impacts your licensing, approvals, and location. Dubai offers thousands of pre-approved business activities across sectors like consulting, e-commerce, trading, logistics, media, and manufacturing. Our experts will ensure that the activity you choose matches your trade license and complies with DED or Free Zone Authority regulations.
Your legal structure determines how your business is owned, taxed, and operated. Common structures include LLC (Limited Liability Company), sole establishment, civil company, and branch of a foreign company. Mainland and free zones have different entity types and capital requirements. Our consultants will help you select a suitable legal entity based on your business scope and visa needs.
Your trade name is your brand identity in the UAE market. It must follow the naming rules set by DED and be relevant to your business activity. Our team will check trade name availability and register it on your behalf, ensuring it’s unique, legal, and aligned with UAE’s regulations.
Depending on your setup—mainland, free zone, or offshore—you may need a physical office, shared desk, or virtual workspace. Our team helps you choose the right location in business hubs like Dubai Media City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, or Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) that suit your budget and licensing authority requirements.
Once your documents are ready, we submit them to the relevant government departments for final trade license issuance. Depending on your jurisdiction, this may involve pre-approvals, security clearances, or third-party NOCs. Our team ensures everything is in order for smooth processing without delays or rejections.
Once licensed, you can apply for residency visas for yourself and your employees. This includes establishment card, labor file creation, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. We handle the complete immigration process, ensuring you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
Company Formation and Business Setup in Dubai, UAE
Dubai offers one of the most advanced ecosystems for company formation and business setup in Dubai mainland, Free Zone, and offshore jurisdictions. Entrepreneurs, investors, and startups benefit from tax-free income, low corporate taxes, and full foreign ownership in many Dubai Free Zones. The Department of Economic Development (DED) simplifies mainland company formation in Dubai, while zones like DMCC and IFZA support Free Zone company formation. Whether you seek LLC company formation in Dubai, a Dubai Investor Visa, or a Golden Visa UAE, the region provides global scalability, world-class infrastructure, and seamless business setup services.
Benefits of Company Formation in Dubai
Business Setup in Dubai offers 100% foreign ownership in many Free Zones, tax exemptions, and low-cost business setup. Investors benefit from LLC company formation, streamlined licensing through DED, and access to international markets. Expert business setup consultants in Dubai simplify legal processes.
Role of Company Formation in Dubai
Our Business setup experts in Dubai assist with mainland company formation, Free Zone licensing, and offshore company formation in Dubai. They ensure legal compliance, secure Investor Visas, and offer documents clearance services for hassle-free company formation in Dubai.
Mainland Company Formation in Dubai
Mainland Company Setup
Setting up a company in Dubai Mainland provides unparalleled access to the UAE market with no geographical restrictions. A mainland business license, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows businesses to operate freely within Dubai and across all seven Emirates. Unlike free zone entities, a mainland company can engage directly with the local market, bid for government contracts, and establish offices in high-demand commercial areas. Entrepreneurs benefit from the ability to apply for a higher visa quota, sponsor employees, and expand across industries that may be restricted within free zones. Whether you are forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a professional services firm, mainland company formation in Dubai offers the flexibility, scalability, and legal authority to support long-term business growth in the UAE.
Free Zone Company Formation in Dubai
Free Zone Company Setup
Establishing a company in one of Dubai’s free zones offers entrepreneurs and investors a range of benefits, from 100% foreign ownership to zero corporate taxes and full repatriation of profits. Each free zone operates under dedicated regulations, ensuring a streamlined business registration process, simplified visa sponsorship, and specialized infrastructure for various industries—whether you’re in technology, logistics, media, or finance. Free zones also remove the need for a local sponsor, giving international businesses complete operational control while enjoying no currency restrictions and no import or export duties. With access to global trade networks and state-of-the-art facilities, free zone company formation in Dubai provides a cost-effective and business-friendly environment that supports both rapid growth and long-term success in the UAE market.
Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
Offshore Company Setup
Offshore company formation in Dubai is an ideal solution for international investors seeking to manage wealth, reduce tax liability, and conduct global business operations without requiring a physical presence in the UAE. Offshore entities, such as those registered in JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, or Ajman Offshore, are commonly used for asset protection, international trading, holding companies, and intellectual property ownership. These companies are not permitted to operate within the UAE local market but offer significant benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, no corporate or income taxes, and confidentiality of company information. Offshore businesses can also open multi-currency corporate bank accounts and hold shares in other UAE-based companies.
Pricing Chart
How Much Does Business Setup in Dubai Cost?
The cost of company formation in Dubai typically starts from AED 12,000*, but the final figure depends on several key factors. These include the chosen jurisdiction—Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore—along with the type of business activity, number of shareholders, selected legal structure, and required trade license. Additional considerations like visa quota, office space (physical or virtual), and regulatory approvals also impact the total business setup cost in Dubai.
Each setup option has its own pricing model. Mainland company formation under the Department of Economic Development (DED) often requires more documentation and allows direct access to the local market, while free zone business setup offers packages that include licensing, visas, and workspace but limit mainland trade unless a local distributor is involved. Offshore company formation, ideal for holding or international trading, tends to be more cost-effective but restricted from operating within the UAE.
Complex structures or regulated activities—such as financial services, real estate brokerage, or education providers—may need special permits or third-party approvals, which can increase setup fees. Moreover, each visa application or employment permit adds to the overall incorporation cost.
In short, the cost of setting up a business in Dubai varies based on your specific requirements. It’s essential to work with professional business setup consultants in Dubai to get a tailored estimate and ensure you’re choosing the right structure and jurisdiction for your objectives.
Free Zone Company Formation in dubai
Mainland Company Formation
OffShore Company Formation Dubai
All In One Business Services
We offer you the all-in-one company services needed for Dubai mainland company formation and free zones in one place. With everything you need to get your company up and running, you won’t have to deal with multiple business setup companies.
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Visa Services
Bank Account Opening Assistance
PRO Services
Document Clearing
Accounting Services
Internal Audit Services
External Audit Services
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UBO Disclosure Services
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Explore Our Best Services for Company Formation in Dubai & Business Setup in Dubai
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Golden Visa
Get 5-10 year UAE residency with the Dubai Golden Visa, ideal for investors, entrepreneurs, and company formation in Dubai.
Attestation PRO Services
Fast, trusted Attestation PRO services in Dubai for legal documents, supporting business setup in Dubai mainland and Free Zone companies.
Documents Clearance Services
Streamline your company formation in Dubai with efficient documents clearance services, covering trade licenses, visas, and government approvals.
PRO Services
Expert PRO services to simplify mainland company formation in Dubai, Free Zone setup, visas, and corporate government approvals.
Business Setup in the UAE
Start your business setup in Dubai with tailored company formation services in mainland, Free Zones, and offshore jurisdictions.
Investor Visa
Apply for a Dubai Investor Visa with company formation in Dubai mainland or Free Zone, gaining residency and business opportunities.
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Company formation in dubai prioritize understanding our users’ expectations to deliver tailored solutions that truly meet their needs and enhance their experience.
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Our trusted company formation in Dubai services has successfully empowered numerous clients to establish and grow their businesses with confidence.
Starting a company in Dubai as a foreigner is straightforward, especially in Dubai Free Zones that offer 100% foreign ownership. You need to:
- Choose between Free Zone, mainland, or offshore company formation in Dubai.
- Decide your business activity.
- Submit necessary documents (passport copy, trade name reservation).
- Obtain a business license from the relevant authority.
Many foreigners opt for Free Zone company formation in Dubai due to flexibility and lower costs.
The business setup in Dubai mainland requires:
- Securing initial approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Reserving a trade name.
- Finding a local service agent (if applicable).
- Leasing office space.
- Obtaining a mainland company formation in Dubai license.
Mainland company formation in Dubai allows you to trade freely across the UAE and bid for government contracts.
Company formation in Dubai Freezone provides:
- 100% foreign ownership.
- Tax exemptions.
- No customs duties within the Free Zone.
- Access to world-class infrastructure.
Popular zones for Free Zone company formation in Dubai include DMCC, IFZA, and DAFZA.
LLC company formation in Dubai costs range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000. Expenses include:
- Trade license fees
- Office space rental
- Government approvals
The cost of company formation in Dubai depends on the business activity and location, with mainland company formation in Dubai generally costing more than Free Zone company formation.
The best company formation consultants in Dubai include:
- Commitbiz Management Consultants
- KWS Middle East
- Virtuzone
These firms provide end-to-end company formation services in Dubai, from licensing to PRO services.
The cheapest company formation in Dubai is typically found in Free Zones like:
- IFZA Free Zone
- Sharjah Media City (Shams)
- Meydan Free Zone
These zones offer affordable business setup in Dubai Free Zone packages, starting from AED 12,000 annually.
Offshore company formation in Dubai allows you to set up a business without physical premises. Key features include:
- Asset protection
- International trading
- Privacy for shareholders
Common jurisdictions include Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and RAK ICC. Offshore company formation in Dubai is ideal for global businesses seeking tax efficiency.
- Mainland company formation in Dubai allows unrestricted trade within the UAE and internationally.
- Free Zone company formation in Dubai limits you to operating within the Free Zone or internationally, not in the UAE mainland market (unless through a distributor).
Free Zone company formation in Dubai is preferred because it:
- Offers 100% ownership.
- Provides easy visa processing.
- Has simplified documentation.
However, mainland company formation in Dubai allows broader trade opportunities inside the UAE.
The cost of company formation in Dubai Free Zones typically starts at AED 12,000, depending on:
- Business activity
- Office requirements
- Visa allocations
Free Zones like IFZA and DAFZA offer competitive business setup in Dubai Free Zone packages.
You can get a trade license for company formation in Dubai Freezone by:
- Choosing your business activity.
- Submitting documents to the Free Zone authority.
- Paying registration and license fees.
Zones like DMCC and Dubai South Free Zone streamline the process for entrepreneurs.
Under the latest laws, mainland company formation in Dubai no longer always requires a local sponsor. Many activities allow 100% foreign ownership, but some sectors still require a local service agent.
- LLC company formation in Dubai allows local UAE trade and full access to the GCC market.
- Offshore company formation in Dubai is best for international operations, asset protection, and tax optimization, with no local trade allowed.
Steps for LLC company formation in Dubai:
- Select a business activity.
- Reserve your trade name.
- Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- Rent office space.
- Obtain a DED license.
Look for professional company formation services in Dubai from:
- Commitbiz Management Consultants
- Virtuzone
- KWS Middle East
They handle business setup in Dubai Free Zone, mainland, and offshore company formation in Dubai.
The cost of company formation in Dubai mainland ranges between AED 15,000 and AED 100,000. Factors include:
- License type
- Office location
- Visa requirements
Mainland company formation in Dubai is more flexible but may have higher overheads.
Top Free Zones include:
- DMCC (trading and commodities)
- DAFZA (logistics and trade)
- Dubai South Free Zone (logistics and aviation)
Each offers tailored Free Zone company formation in Dubai options.
Entrepreneurs from India can start business setup in Dubai Free Zone by:
- Choosing a Free Zone.
- Submitting passport copies and business plans.
- Completing remote incorporation without visiting Dubai.
Zones like IFZA and DAFZA offer streamlined processes for foreign investors.
Yes! Company formation in Dubai typically allows business owners and investors to apply for a residency visa, which can be extended to family and employees.
Free Zone business setup in Dubai involves:
- Choosing your business activity.
- Submitting required documents.
- Paying fees.
Free Zones offer flexi-desk and shared office space options to minimize costs.
Offshore company formation in Dubai is ideal for:
- International tax optimization
- Asset protection
- No minimum capital requirements
Jurisdictions like RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore are popular choices.
Company formation in Dubai typically takes:
- Free Zone setup: 3 to 5 working days
- Mainland company formation: 1 to 3 weeks
- Offshore company formation in Dubai: 5 to 7 days
Challenges include:
- Limited ability to trade on the mainland.
- Requirement for office space in some zones.
- Varying visa quotas.
It's crucial to work with company formation consultants in Dubai to navigate these.
Yes. Mainland company formation in Dubai and some Free Zone companies are subject to UAE corporate tax (9%) on profits exceeding AED 375,000, effective June 2023.
- Select business activity.
- Reserve trade name.
- Submit application to Dubai South Free Zone Authority.
- Obtain license and visas.
Dubai South Free Zone is ideal for logistics, aviation, and trading sectors.
A company formation agent in Dubai simplifies the process by:
- Handling documentation
- Liaising with authorities
- Ensuring compliance
They provide valuable support for mainland company formation in Dubai and offshore company formation in Dubai.
For trading company formation in Dubai:
- Choose between mainland or Free Zone (like DMCC).
- Obtain a trade license for general trading or specific goods.
- Set up warehousing and logistics solutions.
Some Free Zones allow virtual offices, but others (like DAFZA) require a physical office or flexi-desk.
Dubai Internet City is perfect for:
- IT companies
- Software development
- Web3 and blockchain startups
It’s a hub for technology company formation in Dubai.
The cheapest company formation in Dubai options include:
- IFZA
- Meydan Free Zone
- Shams Free Zone
These offer Free Zone company formation in Dubai from as low as AED 5,750.
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