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Licensing
What We Do
We help entrepreneurs and businesses get the right trade license hassle-free. From choosing the best free zone or mainland setup to handling all documentation and approvals, we make business formation in the UAE fast, simple, and cost-effective.
Freezone License
Get a 100% ownership business license in UAE free zones with minimal paperwork. We guide you through selecting the right free zone, submitting documents, and obtaining approvals—ensuring a smooth setup process.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Fast Setup
Mainland License
Want to set up a UAE mainland company? We simplify the process by handling your trade name registration, local sponsor (if required), and government approvals, so you can start operations with confidence.
- Anywhere in the UAE
- Unlimited Visas
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Don't get left behind
Stay ahead of the competition with Startup Zone– don’t get left behind. Make sure you hire the best in the business for your business setup in Dubai. With Startup zone, you will fast-track your path to business success.
Help Center
Got a question? Get your answers
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Check out our full documentation.
Do you have more questions?
01. How much does it cost to start a business in U.A.E?
The cost can vary depending on a number of factors, mainly:
- Type of business entity – L.L.C / Commercial / Professional / Sole Proprietorship
- Jurisdiction of the business – Freezone or Mainland
- Nature of the business activities
Business license in Dubai Mainland starts from AED 7000 & in Dubai Freezone starts from AED 12,500. However, in Sharjah it starts from AED 5750.
02. What is the difference between Mainland & Freezone?
- Mainland: The mainland of the UAE refers to the area outside of the free trade zones. Businesses operating in the mainland are subject to the laws and regulations of the UAE.
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- Freezones: Freezones are designated areas within the UAE where businesses can operate with different legal and regulatory frameworks than those that apply in the mainland. They offer a range of benefits to businesses, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions and access to global market.
03. Is U.A.E national or a Local sponsor required to start business in U.A.E?
A local sponsor is a term used to refer to a (LSA) local service agent (for Civil Companies or Single Ownership companies) or a nominee shareholder (sleeping partner in L.L.C) in a mainland company.
The requirement for a local sponsor applies to businesses operating in the mainland of the UAE for certain activities. A sponsor has to be an Emirati (UAE national) with a family membership card (Gincia).
04. How is tax calculated in the U.A.E?
U.A.E does not have income tax.
For the businesses, if the taxable imports and supplies reach the AED 375,000 threshold, the enterprises are required to do mandatory VAT registration.
Additionally, if the combined value of a company’s taxable imports and services (or taxable expenses) exceed AED 187,500 the company may elect to register for VAT voluntarily.
05. Can a company in the U.A.E be 100% owned by expatriates?
- Mainland :
As of June 2021, the revised commercial companies law in Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership for over 1000 activities including trading & manufacturing. This is a significant change from the previous law, which typically required foreign investors to have a local sponsor who held a certain percentage of the company’s shares. - Â
- Freezone:
Free Zones are government designated areas, where the expatriates can own 100% of their business. The government has set up more than 50 free zones which vary in their activities while some are industry specific.
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