FAQ

Company formation in Dubai means officially registering your business and obtaining a trade license that lets you operate in the UAE. The process runs through three main stages: security approval, then company setup with the commercial register, memorandum of association and establishment card, and finally investor visa issuance. ITQAN’s team guides you through every step so you can invest in Dubai with confidence.

The difference between Mainland and Free Zone lies in market access, ownership and cost. A Dubai free zone company gives you 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives and streamlined procedures, but is designed for business within the free zone and internationally. A mainland company lets you trade directly with the local UAE market and government bodies. ITQAN’s consultants help you choose the ideal structure for your activity and budget.

The cost of company formation in Dubai depends on the license type, number of visas and location. In 2026, free zone packages typically start from around AED 12,500–22,000 for a license with one visa, while a mainland company with an office and investor visa ranges between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000 in the first year. Use ITQAN’s Dubai company formation cost calculator for an exact figure.

The cheapest free zone in Dubai 2026 options start from around AED 5,000–5,750 for a zero-visa license in zones such as Ajman and Sharjah — ideal for holding companies or freelancers who don’t need residency. If you need a residence visa, the most affordable route starts from around AED 12,500–15,000. ITQAN helps you compare zones and pick the best value for money.

The IFZA company setup cost starts from around AED 12,900 for a zero-visa license and about AED 14,900 for a one-visa license, with discounts of up to 30% on multi-year packages. The fee usually covers company registration, the trade license and the establishment card. Contact ITQAN for an up-to-date IFZA quote tailored to your activity.

The Meydan Free Zone setup cost starts from around AED 12,500 for a basic package, with a per-person visa cost of roughly AED 4,500 covering the entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID. Meydan is a strong mid-range option with a prestigious Dubai business address. ITQAN’s consultants give you a precise comparison between Meydan and other free zones.

The Dubai trading license cost depends on the activity and issuing authority. Free zone trade licenses start from around AED 11,000–15,000, while mainland licenses typically start from around AED 12,000 and rise with additional approvals. ITQAN handles your Dubai trade license issuance and completes all government approvals on your behalf.

Yes. UAE law allows 100% foreign ownership for most activities, making business setup in Dubai without a sponsor possible in free zones and most mainland activities. This reform has made it far more attractive to invest in Dubai. ITQAN’s consultants clarify the few activities that still require a local service agent.

The steps to establish a company in Dubai include: defining the business activity and legal form, reserving the trade name, obtaining initial and security approvals, drafting the memorandum of association, selecting a location, completing relevant authority approvals, and finally receiving the trade license and residence visa. ITQAN completes these steps on your behalf in about 21 working days.

The steps to establish a company in Dubai include: defining the business activity and legal form, reserving the trade name, obtaining initial and security approvals, drafting the memorandum of association, selecting a location, completing relevant authority approvals, and finally receiving the trade license and residence visa. ITQAN completes these steps on your behalf in about 21 working days.

Company formation in the UAE usually takes about 21 working days once documents are complete; the timeline varies with the activity type and number of approvals required. ITQAN works to complete procedures in the shortest possible time while keeping you updated at every stage.

No. Most company formation procedures in Dubai can be completed online without being physically present. Documents are signed either in person or remotely from your home country through a power of attorney to ITQAN, arranged via a Dubai Courts notary.

The Dubai investor visa is a residence permit granted to company owners, allowing them to live in the UAE and sponsor their families. You obtain it after setting up your company, with the process including a medical test and Emirates ID. A Dubai investor visa can also be obtained through property ownership — and in 2026 Dubai removed the minimum property value for sole owners.

A standard investor visa is usually granted for two years and tied to your company or property, while the UAE Golden Visa is a renewable 10-year long-term residence. Obtaining the Golden Visa through property requires an AED 2 million investment (off-plan properties qualify), and the previous AED 1 million upfront payment requirement has been removed. ITQAN’s consultants identify the best route for you.

Opening a bank account for a Dubai company requires a valid trade license, the memorandum of association, owner documents and a brief business plan. ITQAN handles your Dubai company bank account opening right after setup through a specialized team, with no repeated bank visits. We help you choose the bank best suited to your activity and transaction volume.

Yes. Once you hold an investor visa you can sponsor first-degree family members — spouse, children and parents. ITQAN handles all family residence procedures so you can settle in Dubai easily.

A Dubai trade license must be renewed annually to keep the company legally active, which includes renewing the license, the tenancy contract and the establishment card. The cost varies by license type and zone, and ITQAN’s team handles your license renewal and activity amendments hassle-free.

In most cases there is no mandatory minimum capital for company formation in Dubai, as many activities rely only on a nominal capital figure. ITQAN’s consultants clarify any capital requirements specific to your activity.

The steps to establish a company in Dubai for Egyptians are the same as for others; an Egyptian investor needs a valid passport and a photograph, and obtains 100% ownership and an investor visa. ITQAN guides you to the most suitable free zone or mainland option and completes all procedures on your behalf.

GCC citizens enjoy extra advantages with company setup in Dubai for Saudis and Gulf nationals, as they can own mainland companies through simplified procedures and without a sponsor. ITQAN’s team helps you leverage GCC agreements to launch your business quickly.

Dubai is a preferred destination for Dubai business setup for Indians thanks to its proximity and flexible investment environment. An Indian investor needs only a valid passport, and obtains full ownership and a residence visa. ITQAN handles the entire setup and bank account opening remotely.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) offers a strategic location near the region’s largest ports, full foreign ownership, tax exemptions and advanced logistics infrastructure — making company formation in Jebel Ali ideal for trading, industrial and logistics activities. ITQAN’s team registers your JAFZA company quickly.

No. Transparency is a core principle at ITQAN and there are no hidden fees. For an accurate estimate of your company formation in Dubai cost, use the cost calculator (Dubai company formation cost calculator) at cost.itqans.com , or contact our consultants for a detailed, free quote.

The UAE applies a 9% corporate tax on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 per year, alongside 5% VAT. Qualifying free zone companies may benefit from a 0% rate on qualifying income, keeping the option to invest in Dubai among the most competitive globally. ITQAN’s consultants clarify your exact tax position.