Company setup in Dubai: mainland and freezone
Starting a company in Dubai involves many decisions: where to license it, which activity to choose, and how to get your visas. Verifast guides you through each choice and handles the paperwork from licence to residence visa.
- Foreign ownership for most mainland activities
- 100%Foreign ownership for most mainland activities
- Routes to choose from: mainland or freezone
- 2Routes to choose from: mainland or freezone
Mainland or freezone?
Mainland company. Licensed in Dubai by the Department of Economy and Tourism. It lets you trade across the UAE market and work directly with local customers and government. Most activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, though some regulated activities need approvals or a local partner.
Freezone company. Licensed by a specific free zone authority. It often suits companies that trade internationally or want a simple, packaged setup. Rules on where you can trade and on premises depend on the zone.
Not sure which fits your business? Message us.
Partner visa
If you are a partner listed on the trade licence, you can apply for a partner residence visa. We prepare the documents, submit the application and arrange the medical test and Emirates ID.
Investor visa
If you are an investor or shareholder in a UAE company, you may qualify for an investor residence visa. Eligibility depends on your licence type and the requirements of the licensing authority, so we confirm your route before you commit to a setup.
What we handle
- Choosing your licence type and business activity
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Licence application, MOA and local service agent documents where needed
- Office or flexi-desk arrangements and tenancy documents
- Establishment card and labour file
- Partner and investor visas, Emirates ID and medical tests
- Later amendments and renewals through our PRO services
Documents you will usually need
Tick what you already have.
Exact requirements depend on the activity and the licensing authority. We confirm the full list in your consultation.
Ask about what's missingHow it works
- 1
Free consultation to understand your activity, budget and visa needs.
- 2
Recommendation of mainland or a suitable free zone.
- 3
Licence and approvals prepared and submitted by us.
- 4
Visas and Emirates ID for you and your team.
Frequently asked questions
It varies by licence type, authority and how quickly documents are ready. We give you a realistic timeline in the consultation.
In free zones, yes. On the mainland, most activities now allow it too, but some regulated activities need a local partner or approval. We check your specific activity.
Typically passport copies, visa and Emirates ID if you are a resident, passport photos and details of your activity and shareholders. We give you the exact list once we know your setup.
Yes. We handle licence renewals, visas and amendments so your company stays compliant.
Book a free consultation on WhatsApp +971 54 255 1383 and tell us what your business will do.
Free consultation
Tell us what you need and our team will get back to you.