We are available to help you with accounting, auditing, VAT, and business setup in Dubai. Get in touch today and get the right answers fast.
Dubai is one of the most popular places in the world to start a business. It has a strong economy, a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, zero personal income tax, and a government that actively supports foreign investment. Over 350,000 active businesses are registered in Dubai alone and the number keeps growing every year.
Whether you want to start a small consulting business, set up a trading company, or open a branch of an international company, Dubai gives you real options. But choosing the right structure, location, and license from the beginning makes a big difference to your costs, operations, and long-term success.
At Silver Oak Auditing and Accounting, we provide complete business setup services in Dubai and across the UAE guiding you through every step from choosing the right structure to getting your trade license, opening a bank account, and processing visas.
There are three main options for setting up a business in Dubai. Each has its own benefits, costs, and requirements.
A mainland company is registered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and can operate anywhere in the UAE selling directly to local consumers, working with UAE government entities, and trading with other mainland businesses without restrictions.
In the past, mainland company formation in Dubai required a local UAE national partner to hold 51% ownership. In 2026, many legal reforms have been made and now 100% foreign ownership is available for the vast majority of business activities on the mainland. This has made mainland setup significantly more attractive for international investors who want full control of their business.
Key benefits of mainland business setup:
Things to consider:
Dubai has over 30 different free zones, each designed for specific industries like finance, media, or logistics. Free zone company formation is perfect if your business is mostly international.
Free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, simplified setup processes, and industry-specific business environments. A basic free zone package starts around AED 12,000.
Key benefits of free zone business setup:
Important update for 2026: As of 2026, free zone companies can register a branch with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism under Resolution 11/2025 and legally operate on the mainland without converting their company or adding a local sponsor. This means free zone companies now have much more flexibility than before.
Popular free zones in Dubai:
An offshore company in the UAE is ideal for businesses that want a UAE registered entity for international trading, holding assets, or protecting wealth without needing a physical presence or UAE residency.
Offshore companies cannot trade directly within the UAE market but benefit from the UAE’s strong legal framework, tax advantages, and international reputation. Popular offshore jurisdictions in the UAE include RAK ICC, JAFZA offshore, and AFZA.
This is the most common question we get. The honest answer is, it depends on what your business does and who your customers are.
Mainland allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE and bid for government contracts but requires a physical office. Free zones are for international or specified zone trade, offering easier 100% ownership and bundled office packages.
Choose Mainland if:
Choose Free Zone if:
Our team assesses your specific business and recommends the right option for your situation, so you make the right choice from the beginning.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
LLC is the most popular structure for mainland businesses in 2026. It offers limited liability protection for shareholders, 100% foreign ownership for most activities, and the ability to operate across all UAE sectors. Minimum two shareholders are required.
Sole Establishment
For single-owner businesses. Simple to set up and manage, but the owner has personal liability for all business obligations. Suitable for professionals and freelancers setting up on the mainland.
Branch Office
For established international brands, a foreign company registration in Dubai via a branch office allows the parent company to retain complete control while operating under the same brand identity. A branch carries the same legal identity as the parent company.
Free Zone Company — FZE or FZCO
A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) has one shareholder, while a Free Zone Company (FZCO) has two or more. Both offer 100% foreign ownership and operate within the free zone framework.
Step 1 — Choose Your Business Activity Your business activity determines your license type, the government departments involved, and any special approvals you may need. We help you identify the right activity codes from the start.
Step 2 — Choose Your Jurisdiction Decide between mainland, free zone, or offshore based on your business model, target market, and budget. Our team guides you through this decision with clear and practical advice.
Step 3 — Choose a Trade Name Your trade name must be unique and comply with UAE naming rules. We check name availability and make sure your chosen name meets all requirements.
Step 4 — Apply for Initial Approval Before your license is issued, you need initial approval from the relevant authority, DET for mainland, or the free zone authority for free zone companies. We prepare and submit all required documents.
Step 5 — Secure Office Space Mainland companies must have a registered physical office. Free zone companies can choose from flexi-desks, shared offices, or dedicated spaces. Meydan Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a physical office, you can operate virtually using a flexi-desk setup included in the license package.
Step 6 — Get Your Trade License Once all approvals are in place, your trade license is issued. The license itself can take two to seven days. However, becoming fully operational including visas and a corporate bank account typically takes six to eight weeks.
Step 7 — Open a Corporate Bank Account A corporate bank account is required to operate your business properly in the UAE. We assist with bank selection and the full account opening process.
Step 8 — Apply for Visas As a business owner, you and your employees need residence visas and Emirates IDs. We handle all visa applications, medical tests, and immigration procedures.
Our team provides a complete document checklist and guides you through every step.
A basic free zone package starts around AED 12,000 while a mainland setup with a small office usually begins at AED 35,000 and above. Total costs depend on the number of visas and the office location.
Here is a general cost breakdown:
Free Zone Company Formation
Mainland Company Formation
Trade License Annual Renewal
Visa Options and Costs:
These are general estimates. Actual costs depend on your specific business activity, chosen jurisdiction, and office requirements. Contact us for a clear and accurate quote.
Dubai offers one of the best environments in the world to start and grow a business. Whether you choose mainland, free zone, or offshore getting the right advice and support from the beginning saves time, money, and unnecessary complications.
Silver Oak provides complete business setup services in Dubai and across the UAE from company registration and trade license to visas, bank accounts, and ongoing compliance.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can get your business set up in Dubai quickly, correctly, and at the right cost.
There are four main types of business licenses in Dubai Commercial License for trading businesses, Industrial License for manufacturing and production, Professional License for service businesses and consultants, and Tourism License for travel and hospitality businesses. The right license depends on your specific business activity.
A mainland company can operate anywhere in the UAE and trade directly with the local market. A free zone company operates within its specific free zone and is ideal for international trade though free zone companies can now register a mainland branch under 2026 regulations. An offshore company is registered in the UAE for international purposes but cannot trade within the UAE domestic market.
Yes. In 2026, 100% foreign ownership is available for the vast majority of business activities on the mainland and all activities in free zones. A local partner or sponsor is no longer required for most business types.
The license itself can take two to seven days for free zone companies. Mainland setup typically takes two to three weeks. Becoming fully operational including visas and a corporate bank account typically takes six to eight weeks.
Free zone packages start from around AED 12,000. Mainland setups typically start from AED 35,000 and above depending on activity and office size. Contact Silver Oak for a detailed and accurate cost breakdown for your specific business.
For most business activities, no. In 2026, 100% foreign ownership is available for the vast majority of mainland business activities. Free zones have never required a local sponsor. Our team advises on your specific activity to confirm requirements.
Business owners can apply for an investor visa, employee visas, family residence visas, and the UAE Golden Visa. Costs range from AED 2,000 to AED 10,000 depending on the visa type. Our PRO team handles all visa applications as part of our business setup service.
For mainland companies, yes, a registered physical office is required. For free zone companies, flexible options like flexi-desks and virtual offices are available and often included in license packages. Our team advises on the most cost-effective office solution for your business.
Yes. Once your trade license is issued, you can apply for a corporate bank account. The process typically takes seven to 25 working days depending on the bank and how well your documents are prepared. Silver Oak Auditing assists with the full bank account opening process.
Silver Oak Auditing and Accounting Corporate Services Provider is the one-stop shop for your business needs in the UAE.
Copyright © 2026 Silver Oak Auditing. All Rights Reserved.