Still unsure which setup fits your budget? Let’s walk through it together, step-by-step.
Dubai Business Setup
- 100% foreign ownership
- 0% Income tax
- License + Visa + Bank Account we manage all
- No Local Partner Required
- Investor-Friendly Regulations with clear legal frameworks
Very First Question Comes in Mind
Why Business Setup in Dubai
Setting up a business in Dubai offers unbeatable advantages: you get 100% foreign ownership in free zones, Minimal corporate tax, and easy company formation with clear, streamlined steps. Your company creation opens doors to a vast regional market, top-tier infrastructure, and world-class banking that lets you repatriate profits without hurdles.
Global Market Access
Set up your company formation in Dubai and tap into customers across the Middle East, Asia and beyond all from one strategic hub.
100% Foreign Ownership
With full ownership of mainland companies in Dubai and UAE, you have complete control and zero sponsor risk.
Safe, High-Quality Lifestyle
With world-class healthcare, top schools and low crime, setting up your Dubai company also means a great place to live and raise a family.
Easy Money Moves
Your business bank account lets you send and receive funds in multiple currencies, with no limits on profit repatriation after company creation.
Choose the Right License For Business Setup in Dubai
Each license type in the Dubai serves a unique purpose. choosing the wrong one could limit how and where you operate. Here’s what each license offers and when you should choose it.
Mainland License
A mainland business license in Dubai allows you to operate across the entire UAE market, deal with government contracts, and open retail or service locations. With updated laws, you can now own 100% of your mainland company in many sectors — no need for a local sponsor.
Choose this if you’re planning to hire a team, open an office/shop, or scale within the UAE.
Greater access, more freedom and no limits on where you can operate.
Free Zone License
A Free Zone license in Dubai allows you to set up a business in one of Dubai’s designated economic zones, offering 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and zero personal tax (in most cases).
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Perfect for e-commerce, consulting, marketing, and remote service-based businesses.
Low cost, fast-track setup with visa and bank account access included.
Offshore License
An offshore company in the Dubai is designed for international trading, holding assets, or operating a business outside the UAE without having a physical presence inside the country. You can open a UAE bank account, but you cannot trade locally or get visas under this license.
Ideal for cost-effective international structuring, privacy, and asset protection.
Run your business globally, with the credibility of a UAE registration.
Business Structures You Can Set Up in the Dubai
Understanding your company structure is just as important as choosing your license. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options for company formation in Dubai and the UAE, including legal ownership and operational details.
LLC Company Formation in Dubai
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most common structures for doing business in the UAE mainland. It allows full operational access within the UAE, eligibility for government contracts, and now offers 100% foreign ownership in many sectors. An LLC must have a UAE-registered address and is suitable for commercial, industrial, or professional activities.
Whether you’re planning a business setup in Sharjah or another emirate, obtaining a DED trade license is essential for operating within the mainland. This structure is best for full-scale businesses targeting the broader UAE market.
Sole Establishment or Civil Company
This structure is designed for individual professionals such as consultants, designers, legal experts, or trainers. A Sole Establishment allows one individual to fully own and operate the company under their name.
A Civil Company applies when two or more professionals partner under a shared business model. Ideal for individual professionals or service providers offering licensed skills.
Holding Company or Offshore Entity
A holding company is used to manage investments, intellectual property, or other assets without engaging in operational trade.
An offshore company such as in JAFZA, RAK ICC, or Ajman is suitable for international trade, asset protection, and tax-efficient structures. Offshore companies cannot operate inside the UAE or issue visas.
Ideal for global businesses or investors managing assets internationally.
Branch of a Foreign Company
A foreign branch office is an extension of an overseas parent company and is not considered a separate legal entity. It allows you to operate in the UAE under the same name and business model but requires commercial registration (CR) and licensing by relevant authorities, including MISA for foreign investors.
A trusted business setup consultant in Dubai can simplify the process, especially for companies planning an international expansion.
This option is ideal for those seeking business setup in UAE without creating a new legal structure.
Who Can setup Business in Dubai
Expanding a Business from Another Country
Already have a registered company abroad? CIG will help you open a branch, subsidiary, or new business setup in UAE with full compliance.
Freelancers or Consultants Starting Fresh
Whether you're a solo marketer, developer, coach, or advisor — CIG help you go legal with a UAE professional license and visa options.
Entrepreneurs Planning an E-Commerce or Tech Venture
From Shopify stores to SaaS startups, CIG guide digital-first founders through the right free zone setup with full ownership and bank support.
Companies Looking to Enter the GCC via Dubai
Use the UAE as your launchpad into the region. CIG assist with mainland company setup, licensing, and market-entry strategies.
High Net-Worth Individuals Structuring Holdings
Need to protect global assets or optimize taxes? CIG help structure offshore and mainland entities in the UAE for real estate, investment, and long-term wealth management.
Multinational Groups Establishing Regional HQ in the UAE
Looking to base your MENA operations in Dubai? CIG assist with RHQ licensing, entity setup, and compliance with UAE’s global expansion framework.
Required Documents for Dubai Company Setup
Passport Copy
Needed for all shareholders and authorized signatories to verify identity and nationality.
 Trade Name Options
You’ll need 2–3 name choices that comply with UAE naming rules for initial approval.
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Emirates IDÂ
Needed for all shareholders and authorized signatories to verify identity and nationality. if available
 Business Activity Plan
Outlines what your company will do, required to match the correct license category.
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Visa CopyÂ
Helpful to streamline visa-linked setups or identify existing UAE immigration status.
What Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in the Dubai
The cost of company formation in the Dubai depends on several factors including your chosen license type, whether you’re setting up in a free zone or mainland, the number of visas required, and if office space is needed. A service-based consultancy may need a different structure than a trading company importing goods.
That’s why CIG offer tailored company registration packages based on your exact goals whether it’s a small virtual setup with a UAE visa, or a full-scale LLC formation in Dubai with physical premises. CIG will assess your plan and give you the real cost not just the advertised one.
FREEZONE LICENSE
Starter Package
AED 5,500
- Trade License
- MOA
- Shared Desk / Lease Agreement
- Multiple Shareholders
- Add 5 mix & match activities
MAINLAND PACKAGE
Starter Package
AED 12,000
- Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval
- Trade License Fees
- LSA & Corporate Service Charge
- Benefits Included In the Package
- Business Address In Down Town
- Shared PO Box In Down Town
- Meeting Room Usage
- Call Answering Service
FREEZONE PACKAGE
Pay Now
AED 4,700
Balance Payment in Easy installments
- Company Registration
- Business License
- UAE Residency Visa
- Establishment Card
- E-channel Registration
- Co-working Space
- Add up to 50 Shareholders
This offer only for 1st 10 customers
T&C
Still unsure which setup fits your budget? Let’s walk through it together, step-by-step.
7 Simple Steps to Setup Business in Dubai
Define Business Activity
Clarify what your company does to select the right license and legal structure.
Select Mainland or Free Zone
We guide you to the right jurisdiction based on trade goals, ownership, and cost.
Trade Name Approval
Reserve a unique, approved company name under UAE business naming laws.
Submit License Application
We handle the paperwork and coordinate approvals with the DED or Free Zone authority.
Register the Company
Get your official Commercial Registration (CR) and legal entity setup.
Register the Company
Get your official Commercial Registration (CR) and legal entity setup.
Open Bank Account
We assist with choosing and opening a business account with top UAE banks.
We handle all the process to setup business for you. you can book free call back with our expert.
Our Affiliations With Government Bodies
Our recognized association with government authorities helps us access resources and support from them. You can trust us to be adhering to government rules and standards. CIG will be your credible partners as you set up your firm in UAE.
Here’s What Our Satisfied Clients Are Saying About Us
i had a great experience working with them. everything was perfectly on time. Miss Humera Gill was a great support. Thankyou CIG
Very helpful team and 5 star company.Recommend.Thanks to humeral and kinza from their team.
The office staff are very helpful and accommodating. Ms. Joyce and Ms. Humera are done a great job setting me up for my office. The ladies are super professional and friendly.
The quality Service is excellent!I recommended to you this capital International GroupOne more our business advisor Ms Meghana is very cooperative.The service is speedy
Very ImpressiveThe service is great I recommend to all of them my experience is better.Ms Meghana is very helpful and answered all our questions.let's say one stop solutionAfter license we will now proceeding bank account opening..Thank you so much!Good luckOkstech Information technology
Excellent Team and service Ms Meghana is very helpful and well experienced person
Thank you CIG and Humera Gill for helping me set up an office for my freezone company! The process was very smooth&simple and the prices were very good. Also they keep checking up on me and ask me if there are any problems or if I have any recommendations. Honestly I am very happy with everything and highly recommend them! Speak to Humera she is very professional and will take care of you!
CIG is one of the most trusted business setup consultancy. I would highly recommend for the business setup and EID services. We dealt with meenakshi and Angelique - highly recommend them both. They have so much patience when we ask them a million questions. Everything is explained in detail and they try to help you with everything to take the stress and pressure off you.I personally thank CIG for that, but I also thank Meenakshi and Angelique for getting the job done professionally. Thank you very much, guys.
I would like to share my recent experience @ CIG with My Dream Business Setup.. I was dealing with Meenakshi Mam and I highly recommend her as she was very dedicated and made the process very smooth. I found her very professional and very humble person and made everything quite simple and quick. And for every step she was following up, and kept me in loop which made me quite comfortable.CIG is One place to get all your requirements done related to business setup, license, visa, banking etc...Highly Recommended.
I’ve been dealing with CIG for more than 3 years. There were ups and downs, but recently, my account has been handled by Jymell and Hershey. They were excellent and very helpful and always try to give an extra mile service. I would highly recommend the services of Jymell and Hershey.
Dear Capital International Group,Great job!I had an amazing experience with this company fast effective service,i get my license and all documentation part very professional manners.Specially thanks Meghana very energetic and professional way she handled everything.And Angelique assistance on documents part i really appreciate.Productive TeamGod bless you.Hetmal Food RakezNisha Vaidya
Very nice ambience with friendly staff Al Barsha business centre is very nice
I had an outstanding experience working with CIG on company formation and obtaining an EID. I would like to specifically commend Mr. Ayub, Nisha, and Hershey for their exceptional support throughout the process. They were incredibly efficient and professional, ensuring that everything was completed promptly. I am extremely grateful for their efforts and would like to express my gratitude to the entire team at CIG. Thank you for a job well done!
Capital International team has helped me setup my dream company . My special thanks to the entire team . Their entire process was exactly as they had discussed, and per their contract. Very transparent and without surprises. Afreen , Shahab and Arya have been very supportive throughout. Two thumbs up!
I would like to commend Ashwini of CIG. She is very detail-oriented, and always find a solution to any setback. She always assist me in the best and professional way to deliver a quality work and finish tasks on time, specially that visa processing are time sensitive matters. She has shown a strong commitment to the customer experience by returning calls and follow ups if needed. AShwini overall has a very good work ethic and I enjoy working with her.
Frequently Asked Questions by EntrepreneurÂ
Company as a foreigner?
Can I own 100% of a Dubai company as a foreigner?
Yes, most business activities in both mainland and free zones now allow 100% foreign ownership — no local partner required. Your eligibility depends on the business activity and license type, which we’ll help you confirm.
Mainland and free zone?
What’s the difference between mainland and free zone setup?
free zone company is ideal for international business or remote operations and offers tax benefits with 100% ownership. A mainland company lets you trade across the UAE, hire without restrictions, and work directly with government entities.
Visa with my business license
Can I get a visa with my business license?
Yes, most UAE business licenses come with eligibility for residency visas for the owner, partners, and staff. The number of visas depends on the license type and office space.
Average cost
What’s the average cost to start a company in Dubai?
Costs vary based on the license (free zone or mainland), number of visas, and optional add-ons like office space. We’ll provide a tailored estimate after understanding your business needs.
Need to be physically available ?
Do I need to be physically in Dubai to register a business?
In most cases, no — we can complete your company registration remotely with a Power of Attorney. However, for certain steps like opening a corporate bank account, an in-person visit may be required depending on the bank.
Start your Dubai journey with CIG Business Setup
A business setup consultant in Dubai can be your biggest advantage when you plan to setup business in UAE. With complex legal structures, multiple jurisdictions, and ever-evolving regulations, expert guidance is key. CIG Business Setup helps unlock your company’s potential with tailored solutions and advisory. From choosing the right license to ensuring compliance, we simplify your journey and drive your success in the UAE’s dynamic business environment.