Mainland · Free zone · Offshore
Start your Dubai company with a clear, itemised cost and no paperwork headaches
We prepare your documents, deal with the authorities and keep you updated on WhatsApp, from trade licence to residence visa and bank account.
- Free cost estimate and a consultation call within 24 hours
- Remote setup available for many free zones
- Government fees shown separately from our fee
Quick cost estimate
Indicative prices. Based on typical Dubai market rates (October 2026). Not yet confirmed by Rihla Business Setup.
Estimated total
AED 12,900 – AED 30,500
Itemised estimate before you pay
Government fees, office, visas and our service fee are shown line by line.
One point of contact
A named consultant handles your file from first call to licence.
Updates on WhatsApp
Know what has been submitted, what is pending and what we need from you.
Renewal reminders
We remind you about licence and visa renewals 3 months before they're due.
How it works
Four steps from first message to a working company.
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Tell us about your business
Your activity, how many visas you need and where your customers are. It takes two minutes online or on WhatsApp.
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Get an itemised estimate
We recommend a jurisdiction and send government fees, office, visas and our fee line by line.
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We prepare and submit
We draft the documents, reserve the trade name and handle the submissions and follow-ups.
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Licence, visas and bank
You receive your licence, then we move on to visas, Emirates ID and bank account support.
Business setup services
Choose a setup route, or let us recommend one for your activity.
Mainland company formation
A Dubai mainland licence to trade anywhere in the UAE, including with government entities.
Learn moreFree zone company formation
Full ownership, flexible office options and a package price in one of the UAE's free zones.
Learn moreOffshore company formation
A UAE offshore company for holding assets or international business, with no UAE trading.
Learn moreResidence visas & PRO services
Investor, partner and employee visas plus the government paperwork that keeps your company compliant.
Learn moreCorporate bank account opening
Preparation and introductions to make your UAE business bank account application stronger.
Learn moreCorporate tax & VAT registration
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority and a clear picture of what you need to file.
Learn moreMainland, free zone or offshore?
A quick comparison. The right answer depends on your activity, customers and visa needs.
| Feature | Mainland | Free zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade directly on the UAE mainland | Yes | Usually via distributor or extra permit | No |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Office required | Yes (Ejari) | Flexi desk options | No |
| Residence visas | Linked to office size | Linked to package | No |
| Government contracts | Yes | Limited | No |
General guidance only. Rules differ between authorities and change over time; we confirm what applies to your activity.
Popular free zones
Starting prices, sectors and trade-offs for each UAE free zone.
IFZA
From AED 12,900
SMEs and consultants who want a Dubai licence at a mid-range price
Costs and details DubaiMeydan
From AED 12,500
Remote founders who want to set up mostly online
Costs and details DubaiDMCC
From AED 35,484
Commodity traders in gold, diamonds, tea, coffee and energy
Costs and details Ras Al KhaimahRAKEZ
From AED 6,000
Manufacturers and industrial projects that need land or warehouses
Costs and details SharjahShams
From AED 5,750
Content creators, influencers and podcasters
Costs and details DubaiJAFZA
From AED 5,000
Importers, distributors and re-exporters moving physical goods
Costs and detailsIndustries we help set up
Each industry has its own licence wording, approvals and practical traps.
E-commerce & online stores
Sell online to UAE and GCC customers with the right licence and payment setup.
Consulting & professional services
Management, marketing, IT and other advisory businesses with a professional licence.
General trading & import/export
Buy, sell, import and export multiple product lines from a UAE base.
Technology & software startups
SaaS, app and software companies looking for a UAE base, visas for the team and banking.
Restaurants, cafés & food businesses
Restaurant, café, cloud kitchen and food trading licences with the approvals they need.
Freelancers, creators & media
Freelance permits and small media companies for creators, designers and marketers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
It depends on the jurisdiction, your activity, the office you choose and how many visas you need. Use our cost calculator for an itemised range, then we confirm exact figures for your activity in a free consultation.
Should I choose a mainland or a free zone company?
Mainland suits businesses that sell directly to customers across the UAE or work with government entities. Free zones suit consultants, online and international businesses that want package pricing. We compare both for your activity before you decide.
How many visas can my company get?
On the mainland, the visa quota is linked to your office size. In free zones, it depends on the package and office type. Tell us how many people you plan to hire and we will recommend an option that fits.
Can I set up my company without being in Dubai?
Many steps, including name approval and licence issuance in many free zones, can be done remotely. Visa medical tests, Emirates ID biometrics and some bank meetings need you in the UAE.
How long does company formation take?
Once documents are complete, we submit within 2 business days. Licence issuing times are set by the authority and vary by jurisdiction and activity, and any external approvals add time. New residence visas typically take 2 to 6 weeks, mainly because of government security checks. You get a realistic timeline with your estimate.
Get your itemised setup cost today
Free cost estimate and a consultation call within 24 hours. No obligation.