Business Setup in Dubai & Across the UAE
Najoom is a private business consultancy guiding founders through mainland, free zone, and offshore company formation. We prepare application files, coordinate with the relevant authorities, and help you launch with clear costs and timelines.
- Mainland, freezone, and offshore structure advisory
- License application guidance and document preparation
- Banking introductions and visa planning support
- Transparent milestone-based communication
Company Formation Process Breakdown
Our consultancy engagement is built to reduce approval delays and avoidable compliance issues. Each step is handled by specialists who prepare your files and coordinate with the relevant authorities.
- Step 1: Business model and activity mapping
- Step 2: Jurisdiction selection and licensing strategy
- Step 3: Trade name reservation guidance and initial approval advisory
- Step 4: Legal documentation and authority submission
- Step 5: License application follow-up and establishment card guidance
- Step 6: Visa application guidance, banking introductions, and compliance onboarding advisory
Jurisdiction Comparison (Decision Matrix)
| Setup Type | Ownership | Market Access | Indicative Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland | Up to 100% in most activities | Full UAE market access | From AED 18,000+ | Retail, local contracts, onshore scaling |
| Free Zone | 100% foreign ownership | Free zone + international (local via distributor/branch) | From AED 12,500+ | Startups, consulting, e-commerce, global operations |
| Offshore | 100% foreign ownership | International holding/asset structures | From AED 9,000+ | Holding entities, IP, international structuring |
Typical Cost Components (AED)
Transparent cost visibility is essential for strategic planning. The figures below are indicative market ranges; exact pricing depends on authority, activity, visa count, and lease type.
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name reservation guidance | AED 620 - AED 1,000 | Depends on naming format and authority fees |
| Initial approval & license application support | AED 8,500 - AED 28,000 | Varies by activity and jurisdiction |
| MOA / legal documentation | AED 1,500 - AED 4,000 | Structure-dependent |
| Office / flexi-desk solution | AED 5,000 - AED 40,000+ | Package and location dependent |
| Establishment card application guidance | AED 650 - AED 2,000 | Typically required for visa application files |
| Investor visa application advisory (per applicant) | AED 3,500 - AED 7,500 | Covers typical medical, Emirates ID, and authority fee ranges |
Why Businesses Choose Najoom for UAE Company Formation
For high-value setup decisions, execution quality matters as much as speed. Our team combines advisory depth with on-ground operational handling so founders avoid rework and launch on stronger legal footing.
- Dedicated setup advisor and compliance coordinator for every engagement.
- Jurisdiction and activity mapping based on commercial goals, not generic packages.
- Documentation quality checks before authority submission to reduce rejection cycles.
- Post-license advisory covering banking introductions, tax registration guidance, visa application support, and renewal planning.
- Clear milestone-based communication with transparent cost visibility.
Mainland
Dubai Mainland is a prime choice for investors aiming to establish a business in the UAE due to its flexibility in conducting business throughout Dubai and across the UAE. However, navigating the company formation process can be challenging, as it involves meeting various legal and regulatory requirements.
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Freezone
Ideal for businesses engaged in the import, export, and trading of goods. This license offers flexibility in terms of product categories and is suitable for both wholesale and retail operations.
02
Offshore
Offshore companies are established outside the UAE mainland and free zones, designed to operate beyond their registered jurisdiction. Investors can opt for offshore setups in RAK Offshore (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre, RAK ICC) or explore locations like the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, or Mauritius. Offshore companies typically do not require physical office space but cannot engage in significant business activities within the country of registration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Setting up a business in Dubai typically involves several advisory steps: - Defining your business activity. - Choosing a legal structure (mainland, free zone, or offshore). - Preparing trade name reservation guidance. - Coordinating business license applications with the relevant authority. - Securing office space. - Opening a corporate bank account. - Preparing visa application files for you and your employees. Our team at Najoom Corporate Services provides consultancy and document-preparation support throughout the Dubai business setup process. Official licenses and visas are issued only by the relevant UAE authorities.
Free zone company setup in Dubai offers numerous benefits, including: - 100% foreign ownership. - Tax exemptions. - Simplified business setup procedures. - Full repatriation of profits and capital. - No import or export duties. At Najoom Corporate Services, we help you identify the best free zone in Dubai for your business needs and provide consultancy throughout the setup application process.
Najoom Corporate Services provides expert consultancy for Dubai mainland license applications. This includes: - Assisting with legal compliance and documentation. - Coordinating submissions with the Department of Economic Development (DED). - Guiding you through the approvals and permits required by the authority. - Preparing registration files for official review. We are a private consultancy and do not issue licenses. Our goal is to make the application process of setting up a business in Dubai straightforward for our clients.
The main differences are: - **Mainland Companies:** Offer access to the local market and require a local sponsor. - **Freezone Companies:** Allow 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and simplified setups but are restricted to operating within the free zone or internationally. - **Offshore Companies:** Ideal for international business activities, offering confidentiality and asset protection without a physical presence in Dubai. Our Business Setup consultants in Dubai will help you choose the right structure based on your business objectives and requirements.
Business setup consultants provide valuable expertise and support, including: - Navigating legal and regulatory requirements. - Ensuring compliance with local laws. - Preparing documentation and license application files. - Offering insights into the best business setup options. Najoom Corporate Services, with its team of experienced company formation consultants in Dubai, provides advisory support so you can focus on your core business activities while official approvals remain with the relevant authorities.
Costs vary by jurisdiction, visa quota, office requirements, and business activity. Entry-level packages in selected free zones may start from approximately AED 12,500 to AED 18,000 for a no-visa option, while mainland structures with approvals and office requirements are usually higher. We provide a line-by-line quotation before you commit.
For straightforward cases, the authority can complete a trade license review in a few working days once documents and approvals are in place. Najoom prepares and coordinates the application file. Timelines can extend when regulated activities, external authority approvals, or additional compliance checks are required.
Yes. After the authority issues a license, Najoom continues as your consultancy for VAT registration, corporate tax compliance, bookkeeping coordination, bank account introductions, visa application guidance, Emirates ID file preparation, and annual license renewal planning so your company remains compliant year-round.
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