Speak to a UAE business setup expert — free, no obligation
Free consultation with a UAE setup expert

Answer four quick questions. A specialist compares free zone and mainland options for your activity, visas and timeline — then calls you to book your consultation.

  • Free zone and mainland compared for your activity
  • A real specialist reviews your answers
  • No obligation — no spam, no pressure
Takes ~2 minutes100% free, no obligationReply on WhatsApp or phoneRemote set-up often possible
Free consultation
1 / 4Activity

What type of business are you setting up?

Choose the category that best describes your business activity.

  • No obligation
  • Takes ~2 minutes
  • 100% free
Why Dubai

A business-friendly base for global founders

0% personal income tax

Take home what you earn. The UAE does not tax individual income.

Competitive corporate tax

A 9% federal rate applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000; qualifying free zone businesses can benefit from 0%.

Up to 100% ownership

Foreign founders can fully own their company in free zones and in most mainland activities.

Global connectivity

A world-class hub with direct flights across Europe, Asia and Africa.

Strong banking & infrastructure

Modern banking, fast government services and a business-friendly legal framework.

Residence visa routes

A licensed company can usually sponsor residence visas for founders, staff and family.

Tax and ownership rules depend on your activity and structure. Your specialist will confirm what applies to you.

Who it's for

Set up for how you actually work

Freelancers & consultants

Go from freelance to a licensed company with a professional address and the option to sponsor your own visa.

Startups & SMEs

Launch with the right licence and structure so you can hire, invoice and raise funding without rework.

Traders & e-commerce

Traders & e-commerce

Import, export and sell online with a licence that matches your activity and customers.

Investors & relocating founders

Move your business or open a regional hub with clear guidance on ownership, visas and compliance.

Book Your Consultation →Free consultation · No obligation
How it works

From first answer to launch in four steps

1

Tell us about your business

Four quick questions: your activity, owners, visas and when you want to start.

2

We shortlist the right options

A specialist matches your activity to suitable free zone and mainland jurisdictions.

3

Speak to your expert

We contact you on WhatsApp or phone to walk through your options, timeline and next steps.

4

Launch with support

We guide licensing, visas, Emirates ID and bank account assistance until you're operating.

Dubai skyline at sunrise

Ready to see your options?

Speak to an expert for a free, tailored comparison of free zone and mainland set-up.

Book Your Consultation →Free consultation · No obligation
Compare

Free zone, mainland or offshore?

The right structure depends on your activity, customers and visa needs. Your consultation compares them for you.

Often the fastest route

Free zone

  • Typically 100% foreign ownership
  • Simple, fast set-up
  • Strong fit for consulting, tech, e-commerce and trading
  • Flexi-desk and virtual office options
  • Trading directly on the UAE mainland usually needs extra arrangements
Best for the local market

Mainland

  • Trade directly across the UAE market
  • Suits retail, F&B, services and government work
  • Wider choice of office locations
  • Ownership and requirements vary by activity
  • Physical office usually required
For holding & international use

Offshore

  • Used for holding and international structuring
  • No UAE residence visa attached
  • Cannot trade directly inside the UAE
  • Suits asset holding and global operations
Popular jurisdictions we can compare for you:IFZADMCCMeydanDAFZADubai SouthRAKEZShamsDubai Silicon OasisDubai Mainland (DET)Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)ADGMKEZAD
What's included

Everything you need, handled end to end

Trade licence & registration

Choose the right licence and activity, and get your company registered.

Trade name & MOA/AOA

Name reservation and drafting of your company documents.

Residence visas & Emirates ID

Visa processing, medicals, biometrics and Emirates ID for you and your team.

Bank account assistance

Guidance preparing and submitting your corporate bank account application.

Office solutions

Flexi-desk, virtual or physical office to match your licence requirements.

Tax & compliance support

Support with corporate tax and VAT registration and ongoing compliance.

PRO & government liaison

We handle government paperwork and renewals so you can focus on the business.

Dedicated specialist

One point of contact who knows your case from first call to launch.

Get ready

Documents you'll typically need

  • Passport copy for each shareholder
  • UAE visa / Emirates ID copy (if in the UAE)
  • Passport-size photo
  • Proof of address
  • Business activity description
  • Shareholder & manager details

We'll send you the exact checklist for your jurisdiction and activity.

Signing company documents
Why Legarithm

A specialist in your corner

Advice matched to you

No generic packages. Your activity, visa count and timeline decide the options we recommend.

Clear and transparent

You'll know what's included and what's required at each step — no surprises.

Built for speed

A structured process and clear document checklist keep your launch moving.

Always reachable

Talk to your specialist on WhatsApp or phone, not a ticket queue.

Book Your Consultation →Free consultation · No obligation
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does company formation in Dubai take?

It depends on the jurisdiction, licence type and how quickly documents are ready. Your specialist will give you a realistic timeline for the options that fit you.

Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?

In many cases the process can start remotely. Some steps, like biometrics for a residence visa, need a short in-person visit. Your specialist will confirm what applies.

Can I get a residence visa with my company?

Yes. A licensed company can usually sponsor residence visas. The number available depends on the licence and office type.

Free zone or mainland — which is better?

It depends on where your customers are, your business activity and your visa needs. That's exactly what your consultation covers.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership, and most mainland activities now do as well. Some regulated activities have specific rules.

Which documents do I need to start?

Typically a passport copy, photo, proof of address and your intended business activity. We'll send you the exact checklist for your case.

Can I open a corporate bank account?

We assist with preparing and submitting your bank account application. Approval is at the bank's discretion.

Do I have to pay corporate tax?

UAE corporate tax of 9% applies to taxable profits above AED 375,000, with specific rules for qualifying free zone businesses. We'll point you to the right guidance for your structure.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. There is no cost and no obligation to book your consultation.

What happens after I submit the form?

A specialist reviews your answers and contacts you on the phone or WhatsApp number you provided to go through your options.

Ready to see your options?

Speak to an expert for a free, tailored comparison of free zone and mainland set-up.

Book Your Consultation →Free consultation · No obligationFree consultation · No obligation · Takes ~2 minutes