Types of Company Setup in UAE

Choose from Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore business setups in the UAE based on your ownership needs, market access, and visa eligibility.

Free Zone Company Setup

Looking to start your business in the UAE without a physical presence? Enjoy 100% ownership, zero personal income tax, low corporate taxes, and easy setup in top UAE Free Zones. Read More

Mainland Company Setup

Set up under the Department of Economic Development (DED), ideal for businesses targeting the UAE local market with no visa or location restrictions. Read more

 

Offshore Company Setup

Ideal for international trade, asset protection, and holding structures. No physical office or visa required; cannot operate within the UAE market. Read more

Branch Office

Allows foreign companies to open a UAE branch. Operates under the parent company’s name and license, with a UAE local. Read More

 
 

 Types of Business Licenses in UAE

The UAE offers various business licenses such as commercial, professional, industrial, tourism, e-commerce, and freelance each tailored to specific business activities and sectors.

Commercial License

Looking to get your commercial license in Dubai? We offer fast approvals, expert support, and complete documentation for your Dubai commercial licence. Read More

 Professional Trade License

A Professional Trade License in the UAE allows individuals and service-based businesses to legally offer specialized services such as consulting, design, education, IT, marketing, and more. It’s ideal for freelancers, solo entrepreneurs. Read More

Freelance License 

A freelancer permit allows you to be your own boss In the UAE . Are you a Designer, Artist, photographer or offering any similar personalized Service activity? this permit might just be for you. Read More

Tourism License

Essential for companies in travel, hospitality, or entertainment sectors.
Covers tour operators, hotels, travel agents, and related services.

Industrial License

Needed for manufacturing, assembling, or packaging products in the UAE.
Applies to factories, production units, and industrial workshops. Read More

 

E-commerce License

Grants permission to sell goods or services online via websites or platforms.
Ideal for dropshipping, online retail, and app-based businesses. Read More

Steps to Setup Business in UAE

Follow these key steps to launch your UAE business smoothly and legally.

1

Choose Business Activity

Decide the type of business or service you want to offer in the UAE.

2

Select Jurisdiction

Pick between Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore based on your goals.

3

Register Trade Name

Reserve a unique and approved trade name for your business.

4

Apply for Business License

Submit your application and documents to get your license approved.

5

Get Office Space (If Required)

Choose a physical or virtual office space depending on your license type.

6

Receive License

Once approved, receive your official business license to begin operations.

7

Open Bank Account

Open a business UAE bank account to manage your business transactions legally.

8

Apply for Visas

Apply for investor, employee, or dependent visas based on your setup.

Already running a business?

Streamline everything with our complete corporate support services.

Corporate Tax Registration 

Register your business with the UAE Federal Tax Authority to comply with the new 9% corporate tax law and avoid penalties. learn more

VAT Filing

Timely preparation and submission of your VAT returns to ensure full compliance with UAE Federal Tax Authority regulations. learn more

Accounting & Payroll

Let our finance team handle your books, payroll, and audits so you save time and reduce overhead. learn more

Compliance Services

Navigate UAE compliance rules with ease from UBO filings to regulatory documentation. learn more

Bank Account Opening

Open reliable business or personal accounts with top UAE banks fast, secure, and fully assisted. learn more

PRO Services

We handle all government paperwork and approvals so you can focus on growing your business. learn more

Get Your UAE Golden Visa

Enjoy the benefits of long-term residency in the UAE with dedicated support from our experts. We simplify the process from eligibility checks to final approvals.

  • 10-year renewable residency
  • For investors, entrepreneurs, property owners & talent
  • Includes family sponsorship
  • No local sponsor required
  • End-to-end document and application handling
Book Free Consultation
UAE Golden Visa

FAQ's

From choosing your activity and jurisdiction to approvals and final license issuance, we guide you through every step with clarity. Learn more detail

Yes, many free zones and even mainland activities now allow full foreign ownership and we’ll help you choose the right one. Learn more about free zone

Free Zones offer 100% ownership and simplified processes; Mainland gives more flexibility for doing business across the UAE. We’ll help you compare.

Some free zones allow virtual setups, while others may require office space. We help you find the most flexible and cost-effective solution.

After your company license is issued, we assist with the bank application, documentation, and matching you with the right banking partner. Learn more detail

You can choose from commercial, professional, industrial, and freelance licenses — each tailored to specific business activities.

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5–10 years) to investors, professionals, and business owners. We’ll check if you qualify.

While you can DIY, having a consultant ensures faster approval, fewer mistakes, and tailored guidance across all legal and admin steps.

We’ll manage the employment visa and residence process from initial application to medical and Emirates ID issuance.

Some license types or free zones have capital requirements; many others do not. We’ll recommend based on your business goals.

What’s the process for getting a UAE business license?
From choosing your activity and jurisdiction to approvals and final license issuance, we guide you through every step with clarity. Learn more detail
Can I own 100% of my company as a foreign investor?
Yes, many free zones and even mainland activities now allow full foreign ownership and we’ll help you choose the right one. Learn more about free zone
What’s the difference between Free Zone and Mainland setup?
Free Zones offer 100% ownership and simplified processes; Mainland gives more flexibility for doing business across the UAE. We'll help you compare.
Is a physical office required to register a company in Dubai?
Some free zones allow virtual setups, while others may require office space. We help you find the most flexible and cost-effective solution.
How do I open a corporate bank account in the UAE?
After your company license is issued, we assist with the bank application, documentation, and matching you with the right banking partner. Learn more detail
What kinds of licenses can I get in the UAE?
You can choose from commercial, professional, industrial, and freelance licenses — each tailored to specific business activities.
What’s the UAE Golden Visa and how is it different from others?
The Golden Visa offers long-term residency (5–10 years) to investors, professionals, and business owners. We’ll check if you qualify.
Do I need to hire a business setup consultant?
While you can DIY, having a consultant ensures faster approval, fewer mistakes, and tailored guidance across all legal and admin steps.
How do I secure visas for staff or dependents?
We’ll manage the employment visa and residence process from initial application to medical and Emirates ID issuance.
Are there minimum capital requirements?
Some license types or free zones have capital requirements; many others do not. We’ll recommend based on your business goals.

About Us

CIG provides customized solutions, streamlined processes, and a client-centric approach. Rely on our industry expertise to navigate the path to successful business formation in Dubai. Begin your journey with CIG today.

Contact Info

Phone: 800 244  | +971 44030700

Email: enquiries@cigdubai.ae
19th floor,48 Burj Gate Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Down Town Dubai, UAE.
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 9:00pm

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