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Business setup in Dubai
WITH MOMENTUM

Work with our experts for business setup in Dubai—whether it’s mainland, free zone, or offshore—and get personalized guidance along with a streamlined company formation process!

For Only AED
4,999
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Setup Your Business in Dubai, UAE

Start a business with Momentum anywhere in the city! As experts in business setup in Dubai, our process is streamlined to be highly efficient and cost-effective. Our clients get personalized guidance throughout the setup process, and we handle everything from preparing the paperwork to helping you open a bank account.

Whether it is a company on the mainland, free zone, or offshore, our consultants got it covered. With decades of experience under our belt, we know how to make setting up a business as hassle-free as possible. Dubai has different rules for every jurisdiction, and we’re well-versed in tackling all of them.

Momentum consultants will take you through all the steps; from choosing a location, selecting a legal structure, picking a trade name, getting a license, finding office space, applying for visas, and securing a business bank account.

Start Your Business in Dubai
Business setup in UAE

Whether you’re a startup venturing into the UAE market for the first time or an established business looking to expand, Momentum is here as Your Driving Force.

Choose the Right Jurisdiction for Your Business

Starting a business in the UAE?
We can help you set up in a Freezone, Mainland or Offshore.

Freezone

Free zones are special areas in the country that encourage business activities by eliminating certain restrictions. Business setup in Dubai as a free zone company allows for 100% foreign ownership, no corporate taxes, access to international markets, efficient setup processes, and access to advanced infrastructure. Most free zones cater to specific industries, making it easy to network and build relationships in your sector.

Mainland

Operating as a mainland company allows you to set up your offices anywhere in the country, unlike free zone companies. Business setup in Dubai as a mainland company offers multiple benefits including unrestricted access to local and international markets, freedom to engage in most trade activities, setting up branches anywhere in the country, and 100% foreign ownership. These companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED).

Offshore

Consider offshore company formation in Dubai if your business activities are conducted outside the country. Offshore companies have limited regulatory obligations, 100% foreign ownership, pay little to no taxes, and high asset protection. You cannot trade anywhere within the UAE when managing an offshore company.

Business Setup Process

Business setup in UAE can be a complicated, time-consuming process, especially to those unfamiliar with the country’s laws and regulations. Momentum consultants are extremely familiar with the process, and aim to make it as streamlined as possible.

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Select The Right Jurisdiction

The first step when considering Dubai business setup is choosing a jurisdiction. You can choose between a free zone, the mainland, and offshore.

Prepare Your Documents

Submitting accurate, up-to-date paperwork is essential to avoid slowing down the process. Every jurisdiction will require different documents, so having an expert prepare and submit it for you can take some pressure off your plate.

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Get Your Business License

Momentum can help you avoid this by handling the entire application process and get you all the permits and licenses you need to start your business as soon as possible.

Process Your Visa

Once you have your trade license, you can start applying for visas for yourself and your employees. The visa process will depend on your location, and how many people you are applying for.

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Open A Bank Account

The last step for a company formation is setting up a bank account for your business. Our team can reach out to banks on your behalf and help you apply to a bank that works for you.

Cost of Business Setup in Dubai

There are a lot of factors that influence the price of setting up a company. Things like business location, type of trade activity, type of license, number of visas, number of employees, number of owners, and the required amount of work space, can all affect the price. While business setup in UAE is generally cheaper in the free zone than on the mainland, if your business is subject to any special rules, or you need any additional permits, it can jack up the price.

Certain business activities like manufacturing or packaging will require factory and/or warehouse storage. In this case, the price will depend on whether you rent a pre-build or buy land to construct your own space.If your business has shareholders, capital requirements and the added obligation of attesting and notarizing documents will also contribute to the cost. This makes having a well-researched budget in place crucial for investors and entrepreneurs.

Affordable Business Setup Packages

Get everything you need to set up your business in Dubai – at a price that suits your budget.

SRTIP Freezone

Starting from
AED 5,500
  • 0 Visa
  • Up to 5 shareholders
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Mix & Match 5 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement
  • Unlimited Co-Working Space

Rakez Freezone

Starting from
AED 5,999
  • 0 Visa
  • Up to 5 shareholders
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Mix & Match 5 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement
  • Unlimited Co-Working Space

Meydan Freezone

Starting from
AED 12,500
  • 0 Visa
  • Multiple Shareholder
  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • 3 Business Activities
  • Free Lease Agreement​
  • Bank Account Assistance
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Why Choose Momentum Business Setup?

Business setup in UAE is quickly becoming a lucrative option for foreign investors and ambitious entrepreneurs. However, if you’re new to the country, the process can feel complex and confusing. Momentum was established to remove all the roadblocks you may face and help you set up your company quickly and efficiently. Our experts have decades of experience across industries and are well-versed with the Dubai business setup paperwork. We take legal compliance very seriously and ensure that our team stays up to date with the country’s business regulations and tax laws. They will also inform you of any law changes and help you understand how it affects your operations. When it comes to the business set up itself, we are fully transparent of our process. You will always be aware of what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it. Our service is completely tailored to our clients, so the support you receive will be personalized to your business needs. Our pricing structure is competitive and affordable, and we offer several additional services that further support your business setup and keep it running smoothly in the long run. Whether you’re interested in a mainland business setup in Dubai, or a freezone company setup Dubai, the Momentum consultants have you covered.

Why Choose Momentum Business Setup?

Business setup in UAE is quickly becoming a lucrative option for foreign investors and ambitious entrepreneurs. However, if you’re new to the country, the process can feel complex and confusing. Momentum was established to remove all the roadblocks you may face and help you set up your company quickly and efficiently. Our experts have decades of experience across industries and are well-versed with the Dubai business setup paperwork. We take legal compliance very seriously and ensure that our team stays up to date with the country’s business regulations and tax laws. They will also inform you of any law changes and help you understand how it affects your operations.

When it comes to the business set up itself, we are fully transparent of our process. You will always be aware of what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it. Our service is completely tailored to our clients, so the support you receive will be personalized to your business needs. Our pricing structure is competitive and affordable, and we offer several additional services that further support your business setup and keep it running smoothly in the long run. Whether you’re interested in a mainland business setup in Dubai, or a freezone company setup Dubai, the Momentum consultants have you covered.

expert guidance

Expert Guidance

With our expert guidance, you can navigate the complexities of business setup with confidence.
tailored solutions

Tailored Solutions

No matter the size or scope of your venture, we’ve got you covered with your specific needs and goals.
streamlined processes

Streamlined Processes

Time is money, Our streamlined processes ensure a swift and cost efficient setup in the UAE.
dedicated support

Dedicated Support

We provide comprehensive support at every stage of the business setup process.

Value-Added Services

Welcome to Momentum your trusted partner for navigating the intricacies of business incorporation in the UAE. In a market saturated with Corporate Service Providers, it can be difficult to identify the right partner for your business journey.

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Business Setup Insights

Stay ahead with curated insights on business setup in Dubai. Explore practical advice, latest regulations, and expert guidance to help you launch and grow your venture with confidence.

FAQ

How can I start a small business in Dubai?

The first step when considering Dubai business setup is choosing a jurisdiction. You can choose between a free zone, the mainland, and offshore. This decision will affect the rest of the setup process, so make sure to do your research. The team at Momentum can guide your choices, recommending the best fit for your needs. 

Submitting accurate, up-to-date paperwork is essential to avoid slowing down the process. Every jurisdiction will require different documents, so having an expert prepare and submit it for you can take some pressure off your plate. 

Getting a trade license in UAE can be intensive, as you will need initial approval from the relevant authorities before you can actually apply for the license. After that, you’ll have to fill out the application, submit some more documents, and then pay the fees. If your application is rejected, you will have to do the entire process again. Momentum can help you avoid this by handling the entire application process and get you all the permits and licenses you need to start your business as soon as possible.

Once you have your trade license, you can start applying for visas for yourself and your employees. The visa process will depend on your location, and how many people you are applying for. Employers have to change their employee’s visa status into residents within 30 days of their entry into the country. Working with seasoned professionals can ensure that your business setup in Dubai stays compliant to the deadlines.

It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the number of banks available in the country, especially if you have never dealt with them. The last step for a company formation in UAE is setting up a bank account for your business. This requires a different set of documents, and a whole new application process. Our team can reach out to banks on your behalf and help you apply to a bank that works for you.

Company formation in UAE is open to foreigners, too. The country allows 100% foreign ownership of businesses on the mainland and in a free zone. You can also repatriate 100% of your profits and capital, and enjoy unrestricted trade in the free zones.
Yes, Dubai business setup is possible without a local sponsor. Previously, you could only establish 100% foreign-owned businesses in free zones but now you can also do it on the mainland.
Businesses have to pay 9% corporate tax if their taxable income is over AED 375,000. It was introduced in 2023, and is one of the lowest tax rates in the GCC region. However, there is no income tax in the UAE.
The SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) free zone is one of the cheapest places to start a company formation in UAE, offering packages from AED 5,500. SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) offers packages from AED 5,750.
You can undertake business setup in Dubai without living there by using a power of attorney or working with a local business setup company. The consultants at Momentum offer expert end-to-end business setup services for both investors and entrepreneurs.
The UAE allows you to conduct multiple business activities under one license, as long those activities are of a similar nature. A Dubai business setup consultant will be able to guide you on the type of activities you can carry out under a single trade license.

How much does it cost to set up a mainland business in Dubai?

The price of business setup in Dubai mainland typically falls within AED 15,000 to AED 35,000. However, factors like company location, number of employees, and the type of business activity can affect the cost.
For business setup in Dubai on the mainland, you need to first choose a trade license. This will depend on the type of business activity you are planning to conduct. Next, you’ll choose a legal structure and then check if your business activity allows for 100% foreign ownership.
A mainland business is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) in the Emirate it is established in. It is an onshore company, and is allowed to engage in almost every type of business activity.
A free zone is a special economic area that is designed to encourage business activities by offering exclusive incentives. Business setup in UAE in a free zone means lesser tax obligations, 100% business ownership, unrestricted international market access, and no custom duties. However, they cannot trade within the mainland without a local distributor. If you operate on the mainland, you can operate across the UAE without any restrictions.
The biggest advantage of getting a mainland license in Dubai is the freedom to conduct business activities anywhere in the country and across the world. Mainland company formation in UAE also allows unlimited work visas to be issued, multiple legal structure options, and ease of expansion.
You no longer need a local sponsor for mainland business setup in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE for most business activities. However, the Department of Economic Development (DED) still requires a local sponsor for certain types of activities.

There are more than 2,000 types of activities for mainland businesses to choose from. Activities like manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, retail, tourism are popular choices for business setup in UAE.

It is possible to convert a freezone company into a mainland company. However, the process can be intensive as you will need to cancel your free zone license and apply for a new mainland license. It is recommended that you work with an expert in company formation in UAE if you are considering this process.
There is a 9% corporate tax in the UAE mainland. However, companies only have to pay this tax if their taxable income is over AED 375,000.
Foreign individuals need a UAE work visa that is sponsored by their employer to legally live and work in the country. If you are considering business setup in UAE, make sure to include visa costs into your budget. The authorities will also conduct an inspection of your business premises and run a check for any violations.
Free zone companies are only allowed to operate within their designated zones, and cannot operate in the mainland without approval from the relevant free zone authority and the DED. However, Dubai now allows its free zone companies to operate on their mainland by getting a license from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).

Which is the cheapest free zone in the UAE?

The cheapest free zones in UAE are SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) whose packages start from AED 5,500, and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), who offer packages starting from AED 5,750. In Dubai, the cheapest free zone is IFZA (International Free Zone Authority).
Generally, an employee working in a free zone in Dubai can get a visa that is valid for one to three years. The duration of the visa will depend on the work contract and the location of the free zone. Hire a business setup in Dubai expert for specific advice.
IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) is generally considered to offer the cheapest trading license in Dubai. The cost will depend on the number of residence visas you will require. A Dubai business setup consultant will be able to help you with this.
For business setup in Dubai free zone, the process will start with choosing a free zone to set up in, followed by picking a legal structure, registering a trade name, obtaining approvals to apply for a license, getting an office space and necessary visas.

If you are a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP), you do not have to pay corporate tax. A QFZP must have a physical presence in UAE, generate revenue that is qualifying income, follow OECD’s transfer pricing rules, and prove contribution to the country’s economy.

Not every free zone is exempt from VAT. Certain “designated zones” in the country, which include certain free zones, do not have to pay VAT. Working with a business setup in UAE expert can help you figure out if you have to pay VAT on your free zone business.
The cost of a freezone license in Dubai will depend on the location of your business, number of visas, required office space and the type of license you are applying for. Hiring an expert in business setup in Dubai freezones will give you a better idea of the actual cost.
Free zone companies cannot sell on the UAE mainland without approval from the free zone authorities and the Department of Economic Development. Recently, Dubai passed a law that allows its free zone companies to operate on the mainland with a license from the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Only free zone businesses who are QFZP (Qualifying Free Zone Persons) are exempt from corporate tax. A QFZP must be able to prove that their operations contribute to the economy, have a physical presence in UAE, generate qualifying income, and follow OECD’s transfer pricing rules.
Freezone company formation in UAE allows benefits like 100% ownership, low tax obligations, easy business setup, unrestricted access to international markets, advanced infrastructure, repatriation of capital and profits, and exclusive government incentives.
The cost of a free zone visa depends on the location of the free zone. Factors like number of visas, office space, and type of license also affect the cost. Currently, business setup in UAE is cheapest in SRTIP (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) and SHAMS (Sharjah Media City).

How to start an offshore company in Dubai?

Offshore Dubai business setup involves registering a trade name, preparing the necessary paperwork for your license application, drafting a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, and opening a bank account.
Ajman Free Zone offers the cheapest company formation in UAE. Setting up an offshore company allows you total confidentiality over your operations and minimal operational costs.
Dubai is considered to be an offshore tax haven as it maintains a business-friendly environment while complying with anti-money laundering regulations. This makes it an attractive option for business setup in Dubai.
Offshore companies in Dubai are allowed to own properties, but they are restricted to certain designated areas, as a precaution against money-laundering. If you are considering an offshore company formation in UAE, speak to an expert business setup consultant to stay compliant.
Offshore companies cannot conduct any activities within the UAE. Free zone companies in Dubai are allowed to operate within their designated free zone, but cannot trade with the mainland unless they have a license to do so.
For offshore business setup in Dubai, you will need to choose a legal structure, apply for a license, draft legal documents, and open a bank account. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) allows for the incorporation of offshore companies.
Offshore companies cannot trade with UAE mainland companies, and can only conduct business activities outside the country. However, they can become shareholders of companies on the mainland and in the free zone.
Opening an offshore bank account in Dubai can be a confusing process. It is recommended to work with a professional to make things easier. Momentum consultants provide an offshore business setup in Dubai service that includes opening a bank account for you.
Every offshore company in UAE must meet the annual renewal requirement and pay the necessary fees to the relevant authorities.
Generally, offshore companies do not have to register for VAT in UAE, as they are not considered to be UAE-based businesses.
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ROBIN PHILIP Profile
ROBIN PHILIP
Founder/Managing Partner

From setting a clear vision, making strategic decisions, fostering innovation, to leading a team to achieve goals, an effective leader plays a crucial role in guiding and steering an organization towards success. One such leader is Robin Philip, Founder and Group CEO of A&A Associate LLC. Robin began his career in the finance sector, working at a prestigious bank in India, where he discovered a passion for assisting individuals with their banking needs. Driven by a desire to support entrepreneurs and startups, as well as share his wealth of knowledge and experiences, Robin founded A&A Associate.

Initially, the focus of A&A Associate was on providing accounting and auditing services to companies in the UAE, addressing the increasing demand for such specialized services. Over time, under Robin’s leadership, the company evolved its services to encompass comprehensive business formation solutions in the UAE. This expansion covered a spectrum from licensing to liquidation services, reflecting Robin’s commitment to helping individuals worldwide realize their aspirations of establishing successful businesses in the UAE.

Robin Philip’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of visionary leadership, as he navigated from a banking career in India to founding and leading A&A Associate, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company. Let’s hear from him.

Rohan Malhotra
ROHAN MALHOTRA
Founder / Chief Executive Officer

Rohan Malhotra is the Founder and CEO of Momentum Consultancy and the brain behind setting up a new age concept agency. Rohan comes with over 20 years of experience of working across countries both in the private and public sector.

Rohan started his career in the banking and financial services industry working across departments with some of the finest institutions like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, ANZ, National Australia Bank and Commercial Bank of Dubai.

Prior to starting Momentum Consultancy, Rohan worked as a Trade and Investment Director with the Australian Federal Government, where he was responsible for attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment in the fintech, energy, mining and sectors between the UAE/GCC and Australia. With vast experience set across businesses and regions, he has helped multiple businesses scale in the region and across continents.

Rohan holds a Master of Business Administration from La Trobe University (Melbourne, Australia) majoring in Management Fundamentals, Marketing and Finance. Born and brought up in a business family, Rohan attained his schooling in Mumbai and Bachelor Degree in Business Management from Mumbai University (India) and he is well connected in the business and showbiz industry.

Together with his wife Francesca Bouwman, they have set up and successfully own other consultancy agencies and are actively involved in managing and running an NGO/boarding home in India. Under the name of Sneha Sadana, the project provides food, shelter, clothing and education to 86 under privileged and orphaned girls.