YABS Blog

The best free zone in Dubai depends on your business activity. IFZA is the most affordable (AED 5,500), DMCC is best for commodities trading, DIFC for financial services, Dubai Internet City for tech companies, and Dubai Media City for media businesses. There are over 30 free zones in the UAE, each specialized for different industries with varying costs, visa allocations, and office requirements.

PRO (Public Relations Officer) services in Dubai handle all government liaison work for businesses, including visa processing, Emirates ID, labor cards, and trade license renewals. PRO services cost AED 2,000-8,000 per year depending on the number of transactions. Most foreign business owners need PRO services because government processes require in-person visits to multiple departments and Arabic documentation.

You can get a UAE Golden Visa through business by investing AED 2 million or more, owning a qualifying startup, or holding a senior executive position with a minimum salary of AED 30,000 per month. The Golden Visa grants 10-year residency that is renewable, allows 100% business ownership, and does not require a local sponsor. Processing takes 30-60 days from application.

Mainland companies (from AED 18,900) can trade anywhere in the UAE with unlimited employees. Free zone companies (from AED 5,500) are restricted to their zone and international markets but offer lower costs, zero import/export duties, and simpler setup processes. Since 2021, both structures allow 100% foreign ownership for most business activities.

Getting a trade license in Dubai takes 5-7 working days for free zone companies and 7-14 working days for mainland LLCs. The timeline depends on your business activity, document readiness, and the specific authority involved. With a complete document set and experienced setup consultants, many free zone licenses are issued in under one week.

Yes, since June 2021, foreigners can own 100% of companies in both UAE free zones and mainland structures. The amendment to the Commercial Companies Law removed the requirement for a 51% local sponsor for over 1,000 business activities. Free zones have allowed full foreign ownership since their inception, and now mainland LLCs offer the same benefit for most commercial activities.

The cheapest way to start a company in the UAE is through IFZA free zone at AED 5,500 for a complete business license package. This includes your trade license, one visa allocation, and a virtual office address. For mainland companies, the lowest entry point is AED 18,900 through DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) in Dubai.

Setting up a business in Dubai costs between AED 5,500 and AED 55,000 depending on whether you choose a free zone or mainland structure. Free zone packages start at AED 5,500 (IFZA), while mainland LLC formation starts at AED 18,900 including trade license, initial approvals, and government fees. Additional costs include office space, visa fees (AED 3,500-5,000 per employee), and optional PRO services.

Complete reference for YABS Dubai business setup services. Pricing: free zone from AED 5,500, mainland from AED 18,900. 500+ companies formed since 2015. 14-day license guarantee. 4.9 Google rating.