Company Formation in Dubai

Setting up a company in Dubai is faster and simpler than most people expect, as long as the jurisdiction, business activity and paperwork are right from the start. AVANA Solutions handles company formation in Dubai in-house, from choosing between mainland, free zone and offshore to your trade licence, visas and corporate bank account.

Company formation packages start from AED 4,888, and most companies are formed within one week once your documents are ready. Because we’re also accountants, your new company is set up correctly for VAT, corporate tax and bookkeeping from day one.

Our Company Formation Services

• Advice on the right jurisdiction, legal structure and business activity
• Trade name reservation and initial approval
• Preparation and submission of all incorporation documents
• Trade licence issuance for mainland, free zone and offshore companies
• Establishment card, investor and employee visas
• Corporate bank account opening, at AED 500 per successfully opened account
• Corporate tax and VAT registration with the Federal Tax Authority
• Bookkeeping and accounting set-up, so you’re compliant from your first transaction

Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore

The right choice depends on where your customers are, what activity you’ll carry out and how many visas you need. Here’s how the three options compare:

For a deeper comparison, read our guide to mainland vs free zone companies in Dubai and our explainer on 100% foreign ownership for mainland businesses.

How Company Formation in Dubai Works

1. Consultation. We discuss your business activity, target customers, visa needs and budget, then recommend the right jurisdiction and structure.
2. Trade name and initial approval. We reserve your company name and apply for initial approval for your chosen activity.
3. Documents and incorporation. We prepare your incorporation documents, arrange signatures and submit everything to the authority.
4. Trade licence. Your licence is issued, usually within one week of having all documents ready.
5. Visas and establishment card. We handle the establishment card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
6. Bank account and tax registration. We help you open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and, where needed, VAT.

For more detail, see our step-by-step article on how to set up a company in the UAE.

Documents You’ll Usually Need

Exact requirements depend on the jurisdiction and activity, but most company formations need:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
• Passport-size photographs
• A UAE visa or entry stamp, or your Emirates ID if you’re already a resident
• Your proposed trade names and business activities
• Proof of residential address
• For corporate shareholders: the parent company’s registration documents and a board resolution, attested where required

We give you a checklist for your chosen setup so nothing holds up your application.

Company Formation Costs

Our company formation packages start from AED 4,888. Your final cost depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, number of visas and office requirements. We confirm a fixed quote before we start, so there are no surprises.

Need a corporate bank account as well? Our bank account opening service costs AED 500 per successfully opened account, and you only pay if the account is opened.

After Your Company Is Set Up

Formation is only the first step. Several deadlines start straight away:

• Corporate tax registration: new companies generally need to register with the Federal Tax Authority within three months of incorporation, even if no tax will be payable.
• VAT registration: mandatory once your taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months, and voluntary from AED 187,500.
• Bookkeeping: you need proper records from your first transaction. Our bookkeeping services in Dubai keep you compliant from day one.
• Free zone companies must meet specific conditions to keep 0% corporate tax. Read the 7 conditions for a Qualifying Free Zone Person.

Why Choose AVANA for Company Formation

• In-house company formation from AED 4,888
• Most companies formed within one week once documents are ready
• ACCA- and UAECA-qualified team, so tax and accounting are set up correctly from the start
• One point of contact from trade licence to bank account to your first VAT return
• Same-day call-back on new enquiries

Company Formation FAQs

How much does company formation in Dubai cost?

Our packages start from AED 4,888. The final cost depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, number of visas and office requirements, and we confirm a fixed quote before we start.

How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai?

Most company formations are completed within one week once your documents are ready. Visa processing and bank account opening follow, and we manage each step for you.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Dubai?

Yes. Free zone companies have always allowed 100% foreign ownership, and since 2021 most mainland activities do too. A small number of strategic activities still have ownership restrictions, and we’ll check yours.

Do I need to be in the UAE to set up a company?

Much of the process can be handled remotely, especially in free zones. You’ll usually need to be in the UAE for your visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics, and many banks ask to meet company owners in person.

Should I choose mainland or free zone?

Choose mainland if you plan to sell directly to customers across the UAE or bid for government contracts. A free zone can suit international trading, consultancies and online businesses, and may qualify for 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. We’ll recommend the best fit after a short consultation.

Do you help after the licence is issued?

Yes. We handle visas, bank account opening, corporate tax and VAT registration, and ongoing bookkeeping and accounting, so you have one partner from day one.

Start Your Company in Dubai