Company Registration in Dubai - Mainland & Free Zone Setup
Dubai and the wider UAE remain a popular base for Indian entrepreneurs looking for international market access, banking, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. Setting up involves choosing between a mainland company (licensed by the Dubai Department of Economic Development, with 100% foreign ownership now permitted for most activities) or a free zone company (100% foreign ownership always, tied to a specific free zone authority like IFZA, DMCC, or RAKEZ). We facilitate this as a partner service through our UAE network - handling activity selection, documentation, licence application, and bank account introductions, while being upfront that this is a separate jurisdiction's process, not an Indian regulatory filing.
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The key facts, in one place
Everything a founder usually has to piece together from five different pages, in one place.
- Jurisdiction
- United Arab EmiratesA separate legal and regulatory jurisdiction from India
- Structure options
- Mainland LLC, Free Zone FZE/FZCOChoice depends on your activity and target market
- Foreign ownership
- Up to 100%For most mainland activities since the 2021 reforms, and always in free zones
- Local sponsor
- Required for select mainland activities onlyMost commercial/professional activities no longer need one
- Corporate tax
- 0% up to AED 375,000, 9% aboveFederal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, applicable for tax periods starting on or after 1 June 2023
- Personal income tax
- NilUAE does not levy personal income tax on individuals
- Typical setup time
- 1-3 weeksVaries significantly by free zone, activity, and document readiness
- Our starting fee
- ₹49,999Varies hugely by free zone, licence type, and visa quota
What does company registration in Dubai involve?
Dubai, and the UAE more broadly, is a common next step for Indian entrepreneurs looking to trade internationally, hold assets outside India, or access banking and payment infrastructure that is harder to set up from an Indian entity alone. This is entirely a UAE regulatory process - governed by UAE federal law and the rules of the specific emirate or free zone authority - and is separate from any Indian company law or tax filing. We facilitate it as a partner service, working with UAE-based formation specialists, rather than acting as a UAE regulator ourselves.
There are two broad routes. A mainland company is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate, can trade freely within the UAE local market and take on government contracts, and - following UAE's 2021 foreign ownership reforms - allows 100% foreign ownership for most commercial and professional activities (a local service agent is still required for a narrower list of activities, without them taking an ownership stake). A free zone company is registered with one of the UAE's many free zone authorities (such as IFZA, DMCC, or RAKEZ, to name a few well-known ones), always allows 100% foreign ownership, and is typically faster and cheaper to set up - but historically trades outside the UAE mainland unless it obtains an additional permit or works through a distributor.
Since June 2023, the UAE has levied a federal corporate tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000, and 9% on income above that threshold, for tax periods starting on or after 1 June 2023. A qualifying free zone company can still access a 0% rate on "qualifying income" if it meets the free zone's conditions, but its non-qualifying income is taxed at 9% without the benefit of the AED 375,000 threshold. This sits alongside the UAE's long-standing position of no personal income tax on individuals. Tax treatment, licence fees, and visa quotas vary by free zone and activity, so we quote and structure this after understanding your specific business - not with a single fixed package.
Mainland vs Free Zone: which should you choose?
This is the first decision in setting up a Dubai company, and it depends mainly on whether you need to trade directly within the UAE local market.
Mainland Company
Up to 100% for most activities (2021 reforms); local service agent needed for a narrower list
Free Zone Company
Always 100% foreign-owned
| Aspect | Mainland Company | Free Zone Company |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | ✕ Up to 100% for most activities (2021 reforms); local service agent needed for a narrower list | ✓ Always 100% foreign-owned |
| Where you can trade | ✓ Freely within the UAE mainland and internationally | ✕ Typically international trade and within the free zone; mainland trade needs an extra permit or distributor |
| Government contracts | ✓ Eligible to bid | ✕ Generally not eligible directly |
| Office requirement | ✕ Physical office typically required | ✓ Flexi-desk or shared office options often available, especially for smaller setups |
| Regulator | Department of Economic Development (DED) of the relevant emirate | The specific free zone authority (e.g. IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ) |
| Typical setup speed | ✕ Can take longer depending on activity approvals | ✓ Often faster, especially for standard activities |
| Visa quota | Tied to office size | Often bundled into the licence package, varies by free zone |
Who typically sets up a company in Dubai?
This service is aimed at Indian entrepreneurs and businesses who want a UAE presence for one or more of these reasons.
- Import-export and trading businesses wanting a UAE base for re-export, logistics, or easier international banking
- E-commerce sellers and D2C brands wanting a global-facing entity and payment gateway access
- Consultants, freelancers, and service providers wanting to bill international clients from a UAE entity
- Businesses looking to hold IP, investments, or group structures through a UAE holding entity
- Founders exploring UAE residency alongside the business (via the investor/employment visa that typically comes with company setup)
What documents do you typically need?
Common to every entity
- Passport copy (all shareholders and directors)Mandatory
- Passport-size photographMandatory
- Proof of current residential address (utility bill / bank statement)Mandatory
- Business activity description / brief business planMandatory
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if currently employed under an existing UAE residence visa
- Bank reference letter (requested by some free zones or banks)
- Existing company documents, if setting up as a branch or subsidiary of an Indian entity
Get the Dubai company setup checklist as a PDF
A general document checklist for mainland and free zone setup.
How Dubai company registration works
The process runs through our UAE partner network once you decide on mainland or free zone.
Choose your structure and activity
Based on where you plan to trade and your budget, we recommend mainland or a specific free zone, and map your business to the correct licensed activity code.
Trade name reservation and initial approval
Your proposed company name is checked and reserved, and initial approval is obtained from the relevant authority (DED or the free zone).
Draft MOA and secure office/flexi-desk agreement
A Memorandum of Association is prepared, and an office or flexi-desk lease agreement is arranged, as required by your chosen structure.
Submit licence application and pay fees
The complete application, along with government and free zone fees, is submitted to the relevant authority for licence issuance.
Receive your trade licence
Once approved, you receive your UAE trade licence - the core document confirming your company is legally registered.
Bank account and visas
With the licence in hand, we support you through corporate bank account opening (subject to the bank's own due diligence) and, if needed, investor/employment visa applications.
UAE government and free zone fees vary hugely by activity, free zone, and visa quota - we cannot quote you an exact figure without understanding your specific business first. Bank account approval is also at the bank's discretion and is not guaranteed by us or our partner, though we support you through the introduction and documentation.
How much does Dubai company registration cost?
Our fee covers structuring advice, documentation, and coordination with our UAE partner. Government, free zone, and visa fees are separate and vary considerably.
Free Zone Starter
Starting from - basic free zone licence, 1 visa package
- Free zone and activity selection
- Trade name reservation
- Document preparation and filing coordination
- 1 investor visa application support
Free Zone / Mainland Growth
Starting from - larger free zone package or standard mainland setup
- Everything in Starter
- Multiple visa quota support
- Corporate bank account introduction
- Office/flexi-desk coordination
Mainland Premium
Starting from - mainland setup with higher visa quota and banking support
- Everything in Growth
- Local service agent coordination, where required
- Extended visa quota support
- Priority bank account introduction across multiple banks
Full fee breakdown
| Particulars | Government fee | Professional fee |
|---|---|---|
| UAE government / free zone licence fee | Varies by free zone and activity - quoted separately | N/A |
| Visa fees (per visa) | Varies by emirate and visa type - quoted separately | N/A |
| Office / flexi-desk rent | Varies by free zone - quoted separately | N/A |
| Our facilitation and advisory fee | N/A | From ₹49,999 |
Not included in any tier:
- ✕ UAE government trade licence and free zone registration fees
- ✕ Visa, medical, and Emirates ID fees
- ✕ Office or flexi-desk rent
- ✕ Bank account minimum balance requirements set by the bank
Mainland or free zone - which fits your business?
Answer three quick questions and we'll point you in the right direction.
Will you mainly trade within the UAE, or internationally?
How many visas do you expect to need?
What's your rough setup budget?
Why Indian entrepreneurs set up in Dubai
Ownership and tax position
- 100% foreign ownership available - always in free zones, and for most activities on the mainland since the 2021 reforms
- No personal income tax on individuals in the UAE, and a corporate tax regime that only applies above a specified profit threshold, subject to current UAE rules
Access and logistics
- A geographic and time-zone bridge between India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, useful for trading and re-export businesses
- Strong banking and payment infrastructure, useful for businesses that need international client billing or global payment gateway access
Ease of doing business
- English is widely used in business and government processes, easing documentation for Indian founders
- Free zones in particular are designed for fast setup, often within a couple of weeks for standard activities
Why set up your Dubai company through us
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership. Since the UAE's 2021 reforms, most mainland commercial and professional activities also allow 100% foreign ownership, without needing a UAE national as a majority shareholder - though a narrower list of activities still requires a local service agent arrangement.
A mainland company, licensed by the Department of Economic Development, can trade freely across the UAE and take government contracts. A free zone company is registered with a specific free zone authority, always allows 100% foreign ownership, but typically trades internationally rather than directly within the UAE mainland unless it obtains an additional permit.
No, UAE residency is not always mandatory for company ownership, though many founders choose to obtain a UAE residence visa (often included with company setup) for banking and practical convenience. Requirements vary by free zone and structure.
There is no personal income tax on individuals in the UAE. However, since 1 June 2023 the UAE levies a 9% federal corporate tax on taxable income above AED 375,000 (0% below that threshold) - so 'tax-free' more accurately describes personal income, not corporate profits above the threshold. Qualifying free zone entities may retain 0% on qualifying income if they meet the conditions.
Free zone setups for standard activities are often completed within 1-3 weeks once documents are ready. Mainland setups, or activities requiring additional approvals, can take longer. Bank account opening timelines are separate and depend on the bank's own process.
It depends on your activity, budget, and whether you need a physical office. Some free zones are positioned for trading, others for specific sectors like commodities or media. We recommend a specific free zone after understanding your business rather than defaulting to one.
For most commercial and professional activities, no - 100% foreign ownership is now permitted on the mainland. A local service agent (who does not take an ownership stake) is still required for a narrower list of activities, mainly in certain regulated or strategic sectors.
Most UAE banks require at least one in-person visit or video verification, and approval is at the bank's discretion based on their own due diligence. We support the introduction and documentation, but cannot guarantee approval.
It varies significantly by free zone or mainland activity, licence type, office requirement, and visa quota - there is no single fixed government fee. Our facilitation fee starts from ₹49,999, with UAE government, free zone, and visa fees quoted separately based on your chosen structure.
Remitting funds from India to invest in or set up a foreign company generally falls under RBI's Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) framework and FEMA regulations, with reporting requirements. We flag this and can connect you with our FEMA Compliance service for the Indian-side filings.
Generally, free zone companies are set up for international trade and business within the free zone itself. Trading directly in the UAE mainland market typically requires an additional permit, a local distributor, or converting/adding a mainland licence.
A flexi-desk is a shared, minimal office arrangement offered by many free zones that satisfies the licence's office requirement without a dedicated space - commonly used by smaller or remote-run businesses. Mainland companies typically need a more substantial dedicated office.
Yes, most company formation packages, whether mainland or free zone, include the option to apply for an investor or partner residence visa, subject to immigration approval and medical/Emirates ID formalities.
No. We are an India-based facilitator working with a UAE-based partner network to help Indian entrepreneurs navigate mainland and free zone company setup. The actual licensing and regulation is done by UAE authorities such as the DED or the relevant free zone authority.
This typically includes licence renewal (usually annual), maintaining the registered office/flexi-desk agreement, visa renewals, and - since 2023 - corporate tax registration and filing if your profits exceed the applicable threshold. Specific obligations depend on your free zone or mainland authority and should be confirmed with your UAE partner.
Written by Faisal Rahman, Cross-Border Business Advisor, India-UAE Corridor · Reviewed by Anjali Bhatt, 12 years advising Indian founders on UAE mainland and free zone company formation
Last updated 9 September 2026
Sources
- UAE Ministry of Economy
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DED)
- U.AE - Official UAE Government Portal
- Federal Tax Authority, UAE - Corporate Tax
UAE company formation is governed by UAE federal and emirate-level law, which is outside Indian jurisdiction and subject to change. This page is general guidance, not legal or tax advice for either jurisdiction - confirm current rules, fees, and eligibility with our UAE partner and, for the Indian side (FEMA/ODI reporting), with our compliance team before proceeding.
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