What’s Included:
What’s Included:
|
Service |
Estimated Pricing |
Notes |
|
Free Zone setup (budget zones) |
AED 2,500 – 3,500 |
Excl. govt licence fee from AED 5,500 |
|
Free Zone setup (premium zones) |
AED 3,500 – 6,000 |
Excl. govt licence fee from AED 12,000 |
|
Mainland LLC formation |
AED 4,000 – 8,000 |
Excl. DED fee from AED 18,500 |
|
Offshore company (RAK ICC / JAFZA) |
AED 2,000 – 4,000 |
Excl. govt fee from AED 9,000 |
|
Business activity addition / amendment |
AED 800 – 2,000 |
Per activity; govt fee separate |
|
Trade name reservation |
AED 500 – 1,000 |
Govt fee approx. AED 750 |
|
MOA drafting and notarisation support |
AED 1,500 – 3,500 |
Mainland; notary fee separate |
|
Bank account introduction & support |
AED 1,500 – 3,000 |
Preparation + liaison only |
|
Licence renewal (service fee) |
AED 1,200 – 2,500 |
Excl. authority renewal fee |
Yes. Since the Commercial Companies Law amendments of 2021, most mainland business activities allow 100% foreign ownership. All free zone companies have always permitted 100% foreign ownership. A small number of strategic activities still require a UAE national partner or local service agent — your consultant will confirm at the outset.
A Mainland company (licensed by DED or its emirate equivalent) can trade freely anywhere in the UAE and participate in government tenders. A Free Zone company benefits from streamlined setup, dedicated infrastructure, and zero customs duty within the zone, but may require a local distributor to sell directly to UAE consumers outside the zone.
Free zone companies are typically licensed within 3–7 working days. Mainland (DED) companies take 5–10 working days. Visa processing (medical + Emirates ID) requires a further 10–15 working days on top of the company licence.
For most free zones, the incorporation can be managed remotely using notarised and attested documents. Mainland companies generally require at least one in-person visit for MOA notarisation. Visa stamping requires physical presence in the UAE.
This depends on your activity, budget, and visa requirements. Budget-friendly zones (RAKEZ, IFZA, Meydan) start from AED 5,500–5,750 annually. Premium zones (DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC) start from AED 12,000–15,000 and offer greater prestige and infrastructure. One Desk will recommend the optimal zone for your specific business.
Free zone companies typically require no minimum paid-up capital. Mainland LLCs have no prescribed minimum for most activities under the 2021 law. Regulated sectors (financial services, insurance, healthcare) may impose their own capital thresholds.
Yes. Most authorities allow multiple related activities under one licence, though each additional activity may carry a small additional fee (AED 100–500 per activity depending on the authority). Unrelated activities may require a separate licence.