UAE BUSINESS SETUP

Build Your Business In The UAE

From company registration and licensing to business establishment and visa assistance, Legal Dastavez helps entrepreneurs and businesses build their presence across the UAE.

Start Your UAE Business Explore Business Types

Mainland Setup

Free Zone Setup

Business Licensing

Visa Assistance

Business Setup Across the UAE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Your Business.
Your UAE Presence.

Mainland & Free Zone business solutions.

Dubai Abu Dhabi Sharjah

Visa Assistance Business & Residence

WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU SET UP?

Your Business Idea. Our UAE Setup Support.

Whether you are launching an education platform, opening a clinic, entering real estate or setting up a manufacturing business, we can help you understand the UAE business setup requirements for your activity.

Online School

Setup assistance for online education, training and digital learning businesses.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses including tiles, industrial products and other manufacturing activities.

Real Estate Developer

Business setup support for real estate development and property-related activities.

Real Estate Brokerage

Assistance for entrepreneurs planning to establish a real estate brokerage agency.

Pre-Owned Car Showroom

Setup assistance for used and pre-owned automobile trading businesses.

Clinics

Business setup guidance for clinics and healthcare-related establishments.

Hospitals

Assistance with understanding business establishment requirements for hospitals.

Educational Institutions

Support for schools, training centres and other educational institutions.

Don't see your business? We work with many other business activities and can help you understand the applicable setup route.

Discuss Your Business

FROM IDEA TO UAE BUSINESS

You Bring The Business Idea.
We Help With The Setup.

Setting up a business in another country can involve multiple decisions — business activity, jurisdiction, licensing, office requirements, approvals and immigration procedures.

Our role is to help you understand the setup journey and coordinate the applicable services for your business.

Talk To Our UAE Team Explore more

Business Activity Understand your proposed activity

Jurisdiction Mainland or suitable free zone

Licensing Registration and applicable approvals

Immigration Support Visa and Emirates ID processes

Business Launch Move towards starting operations

UAE BUSINESS SETUP

Mainland Company Setup

A mainland company is established under the relevant economic authority of the emirate. It can be suitable for businesses that want to operate within the UAE local market and build a presence beyond a specific free zone.

The exact licensing requirements, approvals, office requirements and permitted activities depend on the nature of the business and the emirate in which it is established.

Local Market Access

Multiple Business Activities

Flexible Business Presence

Local Authority Licensing

UAE Mainland

Build your business presence within the UAE local market.

Business Local Market

UAE Free Zones

Flexible business environments designed for different industries.

Ownership International

FREE ZONE BUSINESS

Free Zone Company Setup

UAE free zones provide specialised business environments for industries ranging from technology and media to logistics, trading and professional services.

Free zone companies can benefit from streamlined setup environments and, depending on the zone and applicable rules, foreign ownership structures. The permitted activities, office requirements, visa options and market-access rules vary between free zones.

Foreign Ownership Options

Industry-Specific Zones

International Business

Business Setup Support

CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRUCTURE

Mainland vs Free Zone

There is no single structure that is right for every business. Your activity, customers, location and future plans should determine the structure you choose.

Mainland

Suitable for businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE local market. Mainland businesses are licensed by the relevant emirate authority according to the activity and legal structure.

Free Zone

Suitable for businesses seeking a specialised business environment. Free zones provide different licensing options and facilities depending on the zone and business activity.

Market Access

Free zone companies can trade internationally and within their free zone, while access to the UAE mainland market is subject to the applicable licensing and regulatory rules.

Business Activity

Your actual business activity is one of the most important factors when selecting a jurisdiction, licence and business structure.

UAE JURISDICTIONS

Explore The Seven Emirates

Business setup options are available across the seven emirates of the UAE, with each emirate having its own economic authorities and specialised business ecosystems.

Abu Dhabi

The UAE capital with opportunities across energy, finance, industry, technology, professional services and more. Approx. 140 km driving distance from Dubai.

Dubai

A major international business and trade centre with a wide range of mainland and free zone options. Dubai itself.

Sharjah

A diverse business environment with opportunities across industry, education, media, trade and services. Approx. 30 km driving distance from Dubai.

Ajman

Offers mainland and free zone business environments for entrepreneurs and established companies. Approx. 50 km driving distance from Dubai.

Umm Al Quwain

A growing business destination offering opportunities for entrepreneurs, trading businesses and investors. Approx. 70 km driving distance from Dubai.

Ras Al Khaimah

Known for its industrial, manufacturing, trading and entrepreneurial business ecosystem. Approx. 110 km driving distance from Dubai.

Fujairah

A strategic location on the UAE's eastern coast with opportunities connected to logistics, trade and industry. Approx. 125 km driving distance from Dubai.

UAE VISA SERVICES

UAE Business & Residence Visa

Starting or joining a business in the UAE may involve immigration and residency procedures. Visa options depend on the applicant's category, business structure and applicable UAE immigration requirements.

Eligible investors and business partners may qualify for residence routes such as the UAE Green Visa, while other visa categories may apply depending on individual circumstances.

Investor Visa Assistance

Business Partner Visa

Emirates ID Process

Medical & Immigration Support

UAE Residency

Assistance with business-related immigration and residency procedures.

Visa Emirates ID

HOW IT WORKS

UAE Business Setup Journey

The exact process varies according to the emirate, business activity and chosen jurisdiction, but the setup journey generally begins with selecting the right structure.

Step 01

Understand Your Business

Identify your business activity, target market and business requirements.

Step 02

Choose Structure

Compare mainland and free zone options based on your business plans.

Step 03

Registration

Complete the required applications, approvals and licensing procedures.

Step 04

Visa Process

Complete applicable immigration, medical and Emirates ID procedures.

Step 05

Start Business

Complete the applicable setup requirements and begin operating your business.

DOCUMENTATION

Commonly Required Documents

Requirements vary depending on the emirate, jurisdiction, business activity and applicant. The following are common examples.

Passport

Passport copies of the applicant, shareholders or authorised individuals may be required.

Identification

Additional identification and personal information may be required depending on the application.

Business Documents

Application forms, business details, incorporation documents and approvals may be required.

Office Details

Depending on the jurisdiction and activity, tenancy or office-related documentation may apply.