Set up your business in Dubai, and find the space it needs.
Mainland or free zone, the licence and the office, shop or warehouse to go with it. Tell us what your business does and we take you through it, on WhatsApp or by email.
From the licence to the keys
From choosing the free zone to the office, the visas and the accounts.
Financial accounting, auditing and compliance are provided by licensed partners. Tax information on this page is general information, not tax advice.
Why Dubai is a good place to set up
Checked 6 November 2026 on the official sources named. Tax facts are general information, not tax advice: ask a registered tax adviser about your own company. Nothing here is a promise of a return.
Two ways to set up
Where your customers are usually decides it. Both can be wholly foreign-owned for most activities.
| Topic | Mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed by | Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). | The free zone's own authority. |
| Ownership | Up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities; some strategic activities have conditions. | 100% foreign ownership. |
| Where you can trade | Anywhere in the UAE, and abroad. | Inside the free zone and abroad. Selling on the mainland goes through a licensed mainland distributor, or a mainland branch or company. |
| Office | A lease in Dubai for your premises, registered with Ejari. | Space inside the zone; many zones offer flexible desks and shared offices. |
| Corporate tax | 0% up to AED 375,000 of taxable income, 9% above. | The same, except a Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income. |
Sources: u.ae, Running a business in a free zone; u.ae, Full foreign ownership; u.ae, Corporate tax. Checked 6 November 2026.
Popular free zones in Dubai
What each says it is for, in its own words. Fees change, so we give them on request from the zone itself.
DMCC
Suits: Commodities trade (gold, diamonds, tea, coffee, energy), technology and financial services.- Flexible offices and an online member portal
- A mixed-use district with homes, shops and leisure
JAFZA
Suits: Logistics, manufacturing, automotive, e-commerce, food and healthcare distribution.- Run by DP World
- A customs-bonded zone with ready-built warehouses
DIFC
Suits: Financial services, FinTech and family wealth.- English common law courts (DIFC Courts)
- Its own financial regulator, the DFSA
DAFZ (Dubai Airport Freezone)
Suits: Businesses that want to be beside the airport.- Established by the Government of Dubai in 1996
- A member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority
Dubai South
Suits: Logistics, aviation and aerospace, and e-commerce.- A logistics district, an aviation district (MBR Aerospace Hub) and an e-commerce zone (EZDubai)
- Business setup, visa and licensing services
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)
Suits: Technology and innovation: AI, robotics, cybersecurity and research.- Offices, research space and warehouses with homes and schools in the same district
- Part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority
Meydan Free Zone
Suits: A wide range of licences: trading, professional, technology, healthcare, education.- Set up fully online
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor
IFZA
Suits: Small and medium businesses needing a commercial or professional licence.- Set up through a network of professional partners
- Offices in the IFZA Business Park
DWTC Free Zone
Suits: Businesses of all sizes, including small and medium companies.- Full foreign ownership with capital and profit repatriation
- Offices from co-working to commercial, set up online
From each free zone's own website, checked 6 November 2026. Not an endorsement of any zone; the zone's own rules and fees apply.
Seven steps, in order
- Choose your activity
- Choose mainland or free zone
- Reserve a trade name
- Apply for the licence
- Office and Ejari
- Visas and Emirates ID
- Open a bank account
Setting up in Dubai: common questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?
Yes, in a free zone, and on the mainland for most activities since 2021, when the Emirati shareholder and local agent rule was dropped. Some strategic activities have conditions (u.ae, checked 6 November 2026).
Mainland or free zone: which is right for me?
If you will sell to customers across the UAE, the mainland usually fits; if you trade internationally, or with businesses in your zone, a free zone may. Tell us your activity and we will talk you through both.
What tax will my company pay?
UAE corporate tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above, for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023; a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income. There is no personal income tax. This is general information, not tax advice: ask a registered tax adviser about your own company.
Do I need an office?
On the mainland you need premises in Dubai with a lease registered with Ejari. Free zones offer space inside the zone, from flexible desks to offices and warehouses. We find and lease the space your licence needs.
Who issues the licence?
Only the Department of Economy and Tourism (mainland) or the free zone's own authority. We help you prepare and find the premises; the licence decision is theirs.
Who delivers the services?
Our business setup services are delivered via our family office, R31 Family Office, in conjunction with licensed partners. Financial accounting, auditing and compliance are provided by licensed partners. Offices, shops and warehouses are our own business as a RERA-registered broker.