Why Choose Jain Prachi & Company?
Seamless Business Setup
– End-to-end incorporation services with a dedicated consultant.
Quick & Hassle-Free Process
– Get your Dubai company registered in as little as 7 days.
Post-Incorporation Support
– Assistance with banking, visas, and compliance to ensure smooth operations.
Get Started!
Setup Your Business in the UAE/Dubai
Why Incorporate in Dubai?
✔ 0% Corporate Tax in Free Zones taxable income upto AED 375,000 – Maximum tax savings for businesses.
✔ Lowest 9% Corporate Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000.
✔ 100% Foreign Ownership – No local sponsor required in Free Zones.
✔ Strategic Global Business Hub – Ideal for international trade & e-commerce.
✔ No Currency Restrictions – Ease of capital repatriation.
✔ Business incorporation in 7 days – Quick & Hassle-Free Setup.
✔ The UAE does not impose personal income tax on individuals.
Great service and very helpful. Received advice on taxation and it proved very helpful. Would recommend it for everyone.
runda Makwana
I have been using JAIN PRACHI & COMPANY Accounting Services from last 6 years, and I am consistently impressed with their professionalism and proactive approach so far.
Ankit Neema
Highly professional and responsive with excellent expertise in taxation in Indore!
Shreyansh Bokadiya
10
Years Experience
Benefits of Business Setup in Dubai or UAE
✔ Strategic location: Dubai is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal location for businesses that want to reach a global market.
✔ Business-friendly environment: Dubai has a business-friendly environment with low taxes, simple regulations, and a highly skilled workforce.
✔ Competitive tax rates: Dubai has some of the most competitive tax rates in the world. There is no corporate tax for qualifying companies in free zone area. For other entities there is 0% Tax on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% Tax on taxable income exceeding AED 375,000,
✔ World-class infrastructure: Dubai has world-class infrastructure, including a modern airport, seaport, and road network.
✔ Vibrant economy: Dubai has a vibrant economy that is growing at a rapid pace. This provides opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed.
✔ Easy visa process: The UAE has a relatively easy visa process for foreign investors. This makes it easy to bring in the talent you need to grow your business.
✔ Free zones: Dubai has a number of free zones that offer special benefits to businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
Highly skilled workforce: Dubai has a highly skilled workforce, with a large number of English speakers. This makes it easy to find the talent you need to grow your business.
✔ Promotion of entrepreneurship: The UAE government actively promotes entrepreneurship. This includes providing financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.
Best Emirates in the UAE for Business: A Comprehensive Guide
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global business hub with seven emirates, each offering unique advantages for different industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or business owner, selecting the right emirate is crucial for tax benefits, legal frameworks, and industry growth.
List of Emirates in the UAE & Industry Suitability
Dubai – Best for Finance, Technology & Tourism
✔ Industries: Fintech, E-commerce, Tourism, Real Estate, Media, Logistics
Why incorporate in Dubai?
✔ Zero personal income tax & business-friendly regulations
✔ Global financial hub with top-tier free zones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
✔ Tech & startup ecosystem supported by government initiatives
✔ Home to Dubai Expo & top tourism attractions
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Dubai: DIFC, Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
Abu Dhabi – Best for Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
✔ Industries: Energy, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Healthcare, Education
Why incorporate in Abu Dhabi?
✔ UAE’s capital & wealthiest emirate with stable economy
✔ Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – a financial free zone with common law framework
✔ Tax incentives & funding for manufacturing and renewable energy
✔ Growing healthcare sector with specialized free zones
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Abu Dhabi: ADGM, Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD), Masdar City
Sharjah – Best for SMEs, Trading, & Education
✔ Industries: Manufacturing, Trading, Education, Publishing
Why incorporate in Sharjah?
✔ Lower operating costs compared to Dubai & Abu Dhabi
✔ Growing industrial sector with major ports & logistics facilities
✔ Educational hub with renowned universities & research centers
✔ Support for startups & freelancers in publishing, arts, and culture
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Sharjah: Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Ajman – Best for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) & Construction
✔ Industries: Retail, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Construction
Why incorporate in Ajman?
✔ Cheaper company setup costs than Dubai & Abu Dhabi
✔ Strategic location with access to Dubai & Sharjah markets
✔ Booming real estate sector with investor-friendly policies
✔ Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) offers low-cost business licenses
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Ajman: Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) – Best for Industrial & Manufacturing Businesses
✔ Industries: Manufacturing, Mining, Tourism, Agriculture
Why incorporate in RAK?
✔ Low operational costs & business-friendly policies
✔ RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ) supports industrial & commercial activities
✔ Growing tourism sector with luxury resorts & adventure tourism
✔ Access to UAE’s major ports for export-oriented businesses
✔ Top Business Free Zones in RAK: RAKEZ, RAK Maritime City
Fujairah – Best for Maritime, Shipping, and Oil Storage
✔ Industries: Shipping, Oil & Gas, Trading, Logistics
Why incorporate in Fujairah?
✔ UAE’s only emirate on the East Coast, giving it direct access to Indian Ocean trade routes
✔ Major shipping & oil storage hub with a deep-sea port
✔ Tax-free business setup with high investment potential
✔ Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) offers easy company formation
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Fujairah: Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ), Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
Umm Al Quwain – Best for Startups & Low-Cost Businesses
✔ Industries: Trading, Light Manufacturing, Agriculture
Why incorporate in Umm Al Quwain?
✔ Lowest business setup costs in the UAE
✔ Ideal for small businesses & startups looking for cost-effective solutions
✔ Strategic location near Dubai & Sharjah
✔ Tax-free business setup with flexible regulations
✔ Top Business Free Zones in Umm Al Quwain: Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ)
UAE Free Zones: Best Business Setup Options
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a leading global destination for entrepreneurs and investors due to its business-friendly regulations, zero personal tax policy, and strategic location. One of the most attractive aspects of starting a business in the UAE is the option to register in a Free Zone—a designated area that offers 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified incorporation processes.
This guide covers UAE free zones, industry types, incorporation fees, and setup timelines to help you choose the right location for your business.
List of Free Zones in the UAE by Industry Type
The UAE has over 45 free zones catering to different industries. Below is a categorized list of major free zones along with the industries they specialize in:
Free Zones in Dubai (Best for Finance, Tech, Logistics & Media)
✔ Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Banking, Financial Services, FinTech
✔ Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Trading, Commodities, Crypto, Gold
✔ Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) – Technology, IT, Electronics, Startups
✔ Dubai Media City (DMC) – Media, Advertising, Entertainment
✔ Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – Logistics, Manufacturing, E-commerce
✔ Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – Healthcare, Medical Services
Free Zones in Abu Dhabi (Best for Energy, Manufacturing, & Healthcare)
✔ Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) – Financial Services, Investments
✔ Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) – Manufacturing, Logistics, Warehousing
✔ Masdar City Free Zone – Renewable Energy, Sustainability
✔ Twofour54 – Media, Entertainment, Digital Marketing
Free Zones in Sharjah (Best for SMEs, Trading & Education)
✔ Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) – Trading, Logistics, Manufacturing
✔ Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) – Media, Digital Content, Freelancing
✔ Hamriyah Free Zone – Heavy Industries, Petrochemicals, Trading
Free Zones in Ajman (Best for Budget-friendly SMEs & E-commerce)
✔ Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) – E-commerce, Trading, Small Manufacturing
Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) (Best for Industrial & Manufacturing)
✔ RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ) – Industrial, Manufacturing, Warehousing
Free Zones in Fujairah & Umm Al Quwain (Best for Trading & Maritime Business)
✔ Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ) – Shipping, Logistics, Oil Trading
✔ Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQ FTZ) – Low-cost startup businesses, SMEs
Company Incorporation in UAE Free Zones: Fees & Timelines
Setting up a business in a UAE Free Zone involves various costs, depending on license type, office space, and visa requirements. Below is a general breakdown:
Business License Fees in UAE Free Zones
| Free Zone | License Type | Approx. Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai DIFC | Financial Services | AED 50,000+ |
| DMCC Dubai | Trading, Crypto, Gold | AED 20,000 – 30,000 |
| JAFZA Dubai | Logistics, E-commerce | AED 15,000 – 25,000 |
| ADGM Abu Dhabi | Financial Services | AED 40,000+ |
| KIZAD Abu Dhabi | Industrial, Manufacturing | AED 10,000 – 20,000 |
| SHAMS Sharjah | Media, Digital Business | AED 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Ajman Free Zone | General Trading, SMEs | AED 5,000 – 10,000 |
| RAKEZ RAK | Industrial, Warehousing | AED 7,000 – 15,000 |
| UAQ FTZ | Low-cost businesses | AED 6,000 – 10,000 |
Note: Costs vary depending on business activities, office requirements, and visa quotas.
UAE Free Zone Business Setup Timelines
| Business Setup Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Company Name Reservation | 1-2 Days |
| License Application | 2-5 Days |
| Bank Account Opening | 7-14 Days |
| Visa Processing | 5-10 Days |
| Full Business Setup | 2-4 Weeks |
Why Set Up a Business in a UAE Free Zone?
✔ 100% foreign ownership – No local sponsor required
✔ 0% corporate tax for most sectors
✔ No import/export duties
✔ Full profit repatriation – No restrictions on sending money abroad
✔ Quick & easy setup process compared to mainland company registration
✔ Access to world-class infrastructure & business hubs
Choosing the Right Business Structure in Dubai
Dubai is a global business hub offering a business-friendly environment, tax benefits, and world-class infrastructure for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or multinational company, selecting the right business structure is crucial for legal compliance, tax efficiency, and business growth.
This guide will help you understand business entity types, their advantages, and how to choose the best structure for your business in Dubai.
Types of Business Structures in Dubai
The UAE offers three primary options for business setup:
✔ Mainland Companies
✔ Free Zone Companies
✔ Offshore Companies
Each structure has unique benefits and regulations. Let’s explore them in detail.
Mainland Company (Onshore Business Setup)
✔ Best for: Local businesses, professional services, retail, and government contracts
A Mainland Company allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai, across the UAE, and internationally.
Key Features:
✔ 100% foreign ownership for most business activities (previously required a local sponsor)
✔ No limitations on trade within the UAE
✔ Ability to work with government contracts & large corporations
✔ Requires a physical office space (virtual offices not allowed)
Popular Mainland Business Types:
✔ Sole Proprietorship – Ideal for freelancers & professionals
✔ Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Most common structure for SMEs & large enterprises
✔ Public & Private Joint Stock Companies – Suitable for large-scale businesses & IPOs
Mainland Company Setup Cost: Starts from AED 15,000 – AED 50,000 (varies based on activity & licensing authority)
Setup Time: 2-4 weeks
Best for businesses in: Retail, consulting, trading, healthcare, construction
Free Zone Company (Tax-Free Business Setup)
✔ Best for: Startups, e-commerce, tech businesses, logistics, and international trading
A Free Zone Company offers 100% foreign ownership and zero corporate tax in designated business zones.
Key Features:
✔ 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor
✔ Tax-free incentives (0% corporate tax in most zones)
✔ No import/export duties when trading within free zones
✔ Quick business registration & visa processing
✔ Restricted trade with UAE mainland (needs a distributor)
Popular Free Zones in Dubai:
✔ Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) – Best for trading & commodities
✔ Dubai Internet City (DIC) – Ideal for IT & digital startups
✔ Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) – Best for logistics & warehousing
✔ Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) – Perfect for healthcare & wellness businesses
Free Zone Company Setup Cost: Starts from AED 8,000 – AED 30,000
Setup Time: 1-3 weeks
Best for businesses in: E-commerce, technology, media, logistics, healthcare
Offshore Company (For International Business & Asset Protection)
✔ Best for: Holding companies, international trade, wealth management, and tax optimization
An Offshore Company is a legal entity that allows businesses to operate outside the UAE while enjoying tax benefits and asset protection.
Key Features:
✔ 100% foreign ownership
✔ No corporate or personal income tax
✔ No requirement for a physical office
✔ Not allowed to conduct business within the UAE
✔ Ideal for international trade, wealth management, and property holding
Popular Offshore Jurisdictions in UAE:
✔ Jebel Ali Offshore (Dubai) – Best for trading & investments
✔ Ras Al Khaimah Offshore (RAKICC) – Ideal for international banking & asset protection
✔ Ajman Offshore – Low-cost offshore company option
Offshore Company Setup Cost: Starts from AED 5,000 – AED 15,000
Setup Time: 1-2 weeks
Best for businesses in: Global trading, wealth management, investment holdings
Comparison Table: Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore Companies
| Feature | Mainland Company | Free Zone Company | Offshore Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Trade within UAE | Yes | No (needs a distributor) | No |
| Tax Benefits | Subject to UAE corporate tax | 0% corporate tax | 0% corporate tax |
| Office Requirement | Yes | Depends on Free Zone | No |
| Government Contracts | Yes | No | No |
| Ideal For | Local & global businesses | Startups, e-commerce | Asset protection, holding companies |
| Setup Cost | AED 15,000 – 50,000 | AED 8,000 – 30,000 | AED 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Setup Time | 2-4 weeks | 1-3 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
How to Choose the Right Business Structure in Dubai?
✔ If you want to trade within the UAE & work with government contracts → Mainland Company
✔ If you want 100% foreign ownership & tax benefits → Free Zone Company
✔ If you need international tax benefits & asset protection → Offshore Company
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Detailed Procedure for Business Setup in Dubai
✔ Choose the right business structure.There are three main types of business structures in Dubai: mainland companies, free zone companies, and offshore companies. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your business.
Mainland companies are subject to UAE corporate tax and other regulations. However, they have the right to trade freely in the UAE and can own property in the mainland.
Free zone companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. However, they can only trade within the free zone and cannot own property in the mainland.
Offshore companies are not subject to UAE corporate tax or other regulations. They can trade freely anywhere in the world.
✔ Register your business name.You will need to register your business name with the Department of Economic Development (DED). The name must be unique and cannot be similar to the name of any other existing business.
✔ Obtain a business license.The type of business license you need will depend on your business activity.
✔ Get a visa for yourself and your employees.If you are a foreign investor, you will need to obtain a visa to live and work in Dubai. Your employees will also need visas.
✔ Rent or lease an office space.You will need to rent or lease an office space for your business.
✔ Set up your accounting and bookkeeping system.You will need to set up an accounting and bookkeeping system to track your finances.
✔ Market your business.Once your business is up and running, you will need to market your business to attract customers.
Step-by-Step Process for Dubai Company Incorporation
✔ Choose Business Structure – Decide between Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore company.
✔ Trade Name Registration – Select and register a unique business name.
✔ Submit Incorporation Documents – Passport, visa, and shareholder agreements.
✔ Obtain Trade License – Required for legal business operations in Dubai.
✔ Open Corporate Bank Account – Ensure smooth financial transactions.
✔ Visa & Office Setup – Process residency visas and office space arrangements.
✔ Choose Business Structure → Select Emirate or Free Zone→ Reserve Trade Name → Obtain Initial Approvals→ Draft MOA & Legal Documents→ Lease Office Space → Apply for Business License → Open Corporate Bank Account → Obtain Visas & Registrations → Start Business Operations
How Jain Prachi & Company Helps?
✔ Business Structure Selection – Advising on the best setup based on business goals.
✔ Trade License Acquisition – Assistance with Free Zone, Mainland, or Offshore licenses.
✔ Bank Account Opening – Seamless corporate banking solutions.
✔ PRO & Visa Services – Help with residence visas and labor approvals.
✔ Post-Incorporation Compliance – Ongoing tax and regulatory support.
Documents Required for Dubai Incorporation
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport Copies | Required for all shareholders & directors. |
| Business Plan | Needed for trade license approval. |
| Visa & Entry Permit | Required for business owners relocating to Dubai. |
| Proof of Address | Utility bill or bank statement of shareholders. |
Eligibility Criteria for Company Registration In Dubai
The eligibility criteria for business setup in Dubai or UAE vary depending on the type of business and the free zone or mainland where you want to register your business. However, some of the general eligibility criteria include:
✔ Age: You must be at least 18 years old to register a business in the UAE.
✔ Nationality: There are no restrictions on nationality for setting up a business in the UAE. However, some free zones may have specific requirements for foreign investors.
✔ Criminal record: You must not have any criminal convictions in the UAE or any other country.
✔ Funding: You must have the necessary funding to set up and operate your business.
✔ Business plan: You must have a business plan that outlines your business goals and strategies.
✔ Resident visa: If you are not a UAE national, you will need a resident visa to live and work in the UAE.
Timeline & Pricing
✔ Business Setup Time: 7-10 days
✔ Starting at: ₹79,999
Need Expert Guidance? Let Us Help!
At Jain Prachi & Company, we specialize in company incorporation, business structuring, and tax advisory services in Dubai. Our experts can help you choose the best business structure, handle licensing, and ensure full compliance with UAE regulations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Phone
+91-8989666715
Location
304, Trade House, 14/3, South Tukoganj, Indore (M.P.) -452001
contactus@jainprachi.com
