Business setup in Dubai, done by one team.

In most cases, no. Foreign investors can own 100% of a company in Dubai free zones, and following the amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, full foreign ownership is also available for most mainland commercial and industrial activities. A limited list of strategic-impact activities still requires Emirati participation.

A free zone license lets you operate within that free zone and internationally, while a mainland license lets you trade directly across the UAE market. The right answer depends on who your customers are.

It depends on the route. Meydan says its Fawri license is issued in under an hour, DMCC says setup typically takes around 10 working days, and JAFZA gives 3 to 14 business days once documents are complete. On the mainland, DET can issue an instant license in minutes for eligible activities, while a standard license takes longer because the lease and any external approvals set the pace. Visas, Emirates ID and the bank account add time after the license. Regulated activities take longer because they need approval from the sector authority.

Dubai free zone company formation starts from AED 12,500 (Meydan) and Dubai mainland from AED 14,626. Free zones elsewhere in the UAE start lower, for example from AED 5,555 in Ajman, and offshore companies start from AED 7,750. What you pay above that depends on the license type, the number of visas and whether you need premises.

Yes. Once your license is issued and your establishment card is in place, the company can sponsor residence visas for owners, employees and eligible dependants.

Not always. Many free zones accept a flexi-desk or shared workspace package, while mainland licenses generally require a tenancy contract registered through Ejari.

UAE corporate tax applies at 9% on taxable profits above AED 375,000. Free zone companies may qualify for a 0% rate on qualifying income if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions.

Many free zones allow remote registration with digital signatures or a power of attorney. You will usually need to visit once for the residence visa medical and Emirates ID, and often to open the corporate bank account.

Passport copies and photographs for every shareholder and the manager, proof of address, three trade name options and a description of the activity. Corporate shareholders also need attested incorporation documents and a board resolution.

A free zone is usually cheaper to start because the package bundles the license with a flexi-desk. Mainland costs more because it needs premises, but it removes trading limits. Compare the total over three years.

It is not required. A consultant helps most when you are abroad, have several or corporate shareholders, work in a regulated activity or need visas and a bank account quickly.

Judge a provider on the quality of its advice, whether it shows government fees separately in a written quote, and whether it handles visas and the bank account as well as the license. Ask for the renewal cost before you pay.

Not directly. It can use a free zone mainland permit or a distributor, or you can convert to a mainland license later.

A free zone flexi-desk package is usually the lowest starting cost. The total depends on your activity, your visa count and the renewal price, so compare three years, not one.

Meydan suits digital and service start-ups because of its fast licensing and starting price of AED 12,500. DMCC suits trading and commodities, and JAFZA suits logistics. Start from your activity.

Many non-residents set up for 100% ownership and a business-friendly environment. They should plan for a visit for the visa medical and bank account, and for UAE Corporate Tax registration.