Dubai Business Setup & Company Formation 2026
The complete statutory blueprint for launching a Mainland LLC or Free Zone entity in Dubai. Benefit from 0% personal tax, 0% corporate tax under Small Business Relief, 100% foreign ownership, and tier-1 corporate banking.
Choose the Right Dubai License for Your Business
Issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Free Zone Authorities.
Commercial Trade License
Import/Export, General Trading, Retail & Distribution
- Customs code issued instantly
- Store physical goods across UAE
- Import goods tariff-free into Free Zones
Professional / Service License
IT, Software, Management Consulting, Marketing, Engineering
- Lowest annual renewal fees
- Zero physical warehouse requirements
- Direct B2B invoicing globally and locally
Industrial Manufacturing License
Factories, Food Processing, Light Manufacturing, Packaging
- Industrial land leasing rights
- Exemption from customs on raw materials
- Access to GCC duty-free markets
E-Trader & Freelance Permit
Solo Consultants, Designers, Developers, Content Creators
- Includes 1 UAE residency visa
- Zero office space requirements
- Eligible for local digital banking (Wio, Mashreq Neo)
Top Dubai Free Zones Comparison (2026)
Compare turnaround times, target activities, and minimum formation budgets.
| Free Zone Authority | Primary Focus | Min. Package (USD) | Key Regulatory Perk | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai Silicon Oasis) | General Trading & Consulting | $3,600 USD | Fast 48h turnaround, zero physical office needed | |
| Meydan Free Zone | E-Commerce, Media & Tech | $3,950 USD | Prime location next to Downtown, digital bank pre-approval | |
| DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) | Commodities, Crypto, Financial Services | $9,500 USD | Voted #1 Global Free Zone 9 consecutive years | |
| DIFC (Dubai Intl Financial Centre) | Fintech, Hedge Funds, Family Offices | $14,000 USD | Independent English common law judicial system | |
| SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) | Digital Creators & Low-Cost Startups | $2,400 USD | Most affordable UAE visa package |
Dubai Setup Cost & Tax Eligibility Calculator
Empirical calculators updated with 2026 Federal Tax Authority & DET rules.
Global Company Formation Cost Estimator
Calculate accurate government fees, resident visas, office permits, and banking setup.
UAE Corporate Tax & QFZP Eligibility Checker
Test whether your business qualifies for 0% corporate tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022.
Under Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023, Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) that meet adequate substance, audited financials, and qualifying activity criteria enjoy 0% corporate tax.
10-Year UAE Golden Visa Eligibility Checker
Evaluate your eligibility for 10-year residency for you, your family, and unlimited domestic staff.
Core Requirement: Investment of AED 2,000,000+ in a UAE company, or commercial deposit in a certified UAE fund.
Key Advantage: Full ownership of company capital, zero local sponsor required, retain status without staying 6 months in UAE.