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Business Setup in Dubai

Dubai is the UAE's primary business hub, offering mainland licenses through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and access to over 30 specialist free zones. Insight Advisory handles your entire Dubai business setup - from activity and jurisdiction selection through to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account opening.

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Quick answer

Dubai is the UAE's primary business hub, offering mainland licenses through the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and access to over 30 specialist free zones. Insight Advisory handles your entire Dubai business setup - from activity and jurisdiction selection through to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account opening.

Who this is for

  • Entrepreneurs and foreign investors entering Dubai for the first time
  • Companies relocating or expanding to Dubai from another emirate or country
  • Consultants, freelancers, and professionals seeking a formal Dubai license
  • Businesses needing access to Dubai's government contracts and local market

What we handle

  • 01Dubai mainland DET license application and renewal
  • 02Free zone setup in DMCC, DIFC, Meydan, Shams, and other leading zones
  • 03Trade name reservation and initial approval
  • 04MOA and LSA agreements (where applicable)
  • 05Investor visa, partner visa, and employee visa processing
  • 06Ejari registration and office liaison
  • 07PRO and government filing services

Dubai's business environment is highly developed but also highly regulated. The right jurisdiction - DIFC, DMCC, Meydan, DET mainland, or another free zone - depends on your activity, client base, and ownership requirements. Insight Advisory's team has hands-on experience with the most common and complex Dubai setups. We make the process predictable, transparent, and fast.

Process

How it works

  1. 01

    Activity & Jurisdiction Review

    We map your business activity to the available mainland and free zone options in Dubai, with a cost and restriction comparison.

  2. 02

    Initial Approval

    We file the initial approval application with DET or the relevant free zone authority and secure your trade name.

  3. 03

    Documentation & Office

    We assist with office selection (flexi, shared, or dedicated), prepare legal documents, and file with the authority.

  4. 04

    License & Visa Processing

    We collect the trade license and immediately begin visa and bank account processes so there are no unnecessary delays.

Documents required

  • Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
  • Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
  • Passport photographs
  • Proof of residential address
  • Business activity description
  • Tenancy contract or NOC from free zone for office space
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Frequently asked questions

Lower-cost free zones (Shams, Meydan, UAQ, Ajman) start from AED 7,000–12,000 for a single-activity license with flexi-desk. Dubai mainland licenses generally cost more due to Ejari requirements. We compare all options based on your activity.
Yes. We refer clients to suitable UAE banks and advise on the documentation required. Bank account opening typically takes 2–6 weeks and depends on the bank's compliance review of your business activity.
For most mainland activities, no - the 2021 Companies Law allows 100% foreign ownership. Certain restricted activities still require a UAE national as a local service agent (not a shareholder). DIFC and most free zones allow 100% foreign ownership without exception.
Yes. Your visa quota depends on your license type and office space. We advise on the quota available for your setup and handle all visa processing.

Watch out

Common mistakes to avoid

  • 01Choosing DMCC for a business that primarily needs to trade in the UAE mainland - a costlier dual setup results.
  • 02Not accounting for Ejari registration costs when calculating total setup budget.
  • 03Registering in a free zone with no physical office allowance and then needing one.
  • 04Forgetting that some Dubai activities require DED (now DET) external approvals from sector regulators.

Next Step

Tell us about your matter. We’ll respond within one business day.

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Written by Insight Advisory Legal Team · Reviewed by Corporate Advisory Team · Last updated: May 2026

This page provides general guidance on business setup in Dubai and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Contact Insight Advisory for a current, personalised assessment.