Business Setup
Types of business setup in Dubai
From company formation to compliance, Only Trust ensures your UAE business stands on a foundation that’s legal, trustworthy, and built for growth.
Mainland License
Trade UAE-wide. Bid on government contracts. Scale without limits.
A mainland license, issued by the DED, removes every geographic restriction, sell to clients anywhere in the UAE, open branches nationwide, and tender for government projects. With 100% foreign ownership now permitted for most activities, mainland is the strongest choice for businesses planning serious local growth.
- Retail, trading & service businesses
- Firms hiring larger teams
- Targeting government tenders
- Businesses with multiple branches
Free Zone License
Own 100% of your business, tax-free, in days.
Free zones were built to attract global entrepreneurs, no local sponsor required, no customs duties, and dedicated authorities that specialize in your industry. Over 40 free zones in the UAE, you can pick one tailored to your sector, from media and tech to logistics and commodities, and get licensed in as little as 3–5 working days.
- Solo founders & freelancers
- Online & e-commerce brands
- Import-export businesses
- IT, media & consulting firms
Offshore License
Protect assets. Hold investments. Stay globally compliant.
An offshore company isn't meant to trade locally- it's built for holding shares, property, or intellectual property, and structuring international investments with confidentiality and tax efficiency. Register through UAE offshore authorities, it gives you a credible, internationally recognized entity without a physical office space.
- Holding & investment structures
- Family wealth & asset protection
- International trading entities
- Businesses seeking confidentiality
How to Set Up Your Business in Dubai?
Partner with an Only Trust advisor from day one. We guide you on the best structure, prepare every document, and manage each stage until your business is fully operational.
Consultation & Planning
Structuring & Documentation
Trade Name & Initial Approval
License Issuance & Registration
Visas, Banking & Compliance
Why Choose Only Trust
for Business Setup in Dubai?
End-to-End Setup Support
From choosing the right jurisdiction — Mainland, Free Zone, or Offshore — to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account assistance, we manage every step under one roof.
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs
We give you a clear, itemized quote upfront. No surprise fees, no last-minute add-ons — just honest pricing you can plan around.
Licensed & Government-Approved
As an authorized business setup consultancy, we work directly with UAE free zone authorities, the Department of Economic Development, and immigration departments to ensure your paperwork is accepted the first time.
Fast Turnaround
Most Free Zone licenses are issued within 3–5 working days, and our PRO team handles government submissions efficiently to avoid unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question? We’ve got you covered.
Mainland companies can trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally. Free Zone companies operate within their designated zone (with some allowances for UAE trade) and offer added incentives. Offshore companies cannot trade within the UAE and are used mainly for holding assets or international business.
Costs vary by jurisdiction and activity, starting from around AED 7,500 for Offshore setup, AED 11,900+ for Free Zone, and AED 13,750+ for Mainland — plus any visa, office, and license-specific fees.
No, in most cases. Free Zone and Offshore companies never required a local sponsor, and recent reforms allow 100% foreign ownership for most Mainland activities too, removing the local sponsor requirement.
The number of visas depends on your license type, office space, and jurisdiction — ranging from 1–2 visas for small Free Zone packages to unlimited visas for larger Mainland setups with sufficient office space.
It depends on the jurisdiction. Many Free Zones offer flexi-desk or virtual office options, while Mainland licenses generally require a physical tenancy contract (Ejari) for visa eligibility.
Typically you’ll need a passport copy, passport-size photo, proof of address, business plan (for some activities), and — for existing companies — trade license and MOA from the parent company.
VAT registration is mandatory once your taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000 annually. Voluntary registration is available from AED 187,500, and we can advise on what applies to your business.
Some banks allow remote account opening for certain company types, but most UAE banks require at least one in-person visit for verification. We assist with document preparation and bank introductions to speed up approval.
Need Assistance? We're Here to Help!
Reach out to us anytime for quick and friendly assistance.
