Business Setup Consultants in Dubai

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