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Business Setup Consultants in Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi

4 businesses listed, 0 Verified or Trusted. Sponsored results are labelled; positions 4+ are ranked by rating, response rate and completed jobs, reshuffled weekly.

Setting up a company in the UAE starts with one decision that is hard to reverse: a mainland licence from the emirate's economic department (the Department of Economy and Tourism, DET, in Dubai, ADDED in Abu Dhabi, SEDD in Sharjah), or a free zone licence from DMCC, IFZA, Meydan Free Zone, JAFZA, RAKEZ or one of the others.

A mainland licence lets you trade across the emirate and sell to government and large local clients. A free zone package costs less, usually bundles a desk and a visa quota, and suits online and export businesses. In Dubai, mainland applications go through the Invest in Dubai portal; free zone applications go through the zone's own portal.

What a proper service includes

A good consultant asks about your customers, your visa needs and your bank before quoting a price. A Verified or Trusted consultant has had their trade licence matched against the issuing register, so you start with a company that can be held to its quote. Check the badge on each listing.

What it costs in 2026

In October 2026 a first year typically costs the following, before visas, an office and the bank's minimum balance:

  • Mainland licence: AED 12,000 to 25,000
  • Free zone package: AED 5,750 to 15,000

These are typical Dubai prices; in the other emirates prices are often similar or somewhat lower.

Before you pay

Check the badge first, then read the reviews and the response rate. Ask for a written quote that names the company on the licence, and pay only to an account in that company's name. See typical prices in our price guide.

Price guideBusiness setup cost in the UAE: 2026 price guide (Dubai prices)See typical prices
4 results
Business owners signing company formation papers in an office
#2PRO Hub Business ServicesNo badge

No reviews yetAl Markaziyah, Abu DhabiAccounting & VAT · Bank Account Opening Consultants · Business Setup Consultants · PRO Services

Frequently asked questions

Which licence should a business setup consultant hold?

Ask for a valid mainland licence (DET in Dubai, ADDED in Abu Dhabi, SEDD in Sharjah) or free zone licence with a business consultancy or management consultancy activity, then search the number on the issuing register. A consultant who is only an agent of one free zone should say so, because the advice will favour that zone.

How much does it cost to set up a company in the UAE?

In 2026 a mainland licence typically costs AED 12,000 to 25,000 in year one and a free zone package AED 5,750 to 15,000. Each visa adds AED 3,500 to 6,000. Ask for government fees and the consultant's fee in separate columns, and for the year-two renewal price. These are typical Dubai prices; in the other emirates prices are often similar or somewhat lower.

How long does company formation take?

A free zone licence is often issued in 3 to 7 working days once documents are complete. A mainland licence typically takes 1 to 3 weeks because it needs initial approval, trade name reservation and a registered tenancy contract for the address (Ejari in Dubai). Residence visas add another 7 to 14 working days.

What are the red flags when choosing a consultant?

Be wary of a price at half of other quotes, a licence promised in 24 hours without documents, payment requested to a personal account or no written agreement. Pay a company account that matches the licence name and keep the application reference from the economic department or free zone.

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