Free, in-depth guides to setting up and running a company in the UAE: choosing between mainland and a free zone, the real setup and renewal costs, corporate tax, business banking, and residency. Written and reviewed by Aurne, a licensed Dubai corporate services provider.
Setting up a company in the UAE comes down to five decisions: where to incorporate (a free zone or the mainland), your licence activity, the true first-year and renewal cost, whether you need residence visas, and how you will open a business bank account. These guides walk through each one with honest figures and no sales spin, so you can decide before you pay anyone. Most free zone companies are formed in about 5 to 10 working days.
The guides most people need first when planning a UAE company.
Complete guide to forming a company in Dubai covering all free zones (DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, IFZA, Dubai South, and more) and mainland options. Includes costs, timelines, documents, and step-by-step process.
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Comprehensive comparison guide to help you choose between Dubai free zone and mainland company formation. Side-by-side comparison of ownership, costs, market access, tax benefits, and decision factors.
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Side-by-side comparison of Dubai's three most popular free zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan) for 2026: licence costs, visa quotas, office options, setup speed, and which suits your business. Sourced cost data and a clear decision framework.
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Does a free zone company pay 9% corporate tax if all its clients are abroad? An honest explainer of the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules, qualifying vs non-qualifying income, the de minimis limit, and why registration is mandatory even at 0%.
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The honest guide to opening a UAE business bank account: why no one can guarantee approval, what banks really screen (nationality, activity, substance), which banks suit new free zone companies, and how to prepare so you are not declined at compliance.
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Most Dubai setup consultants are legitimate, but the market has a trust problem: hidden fees, ghosting and lock-in. Five direct tests to apply before you pay anyone (the upfront-fee test, the NOC test, the total-cost test, the trade-license test, the transparency test) with the red flags to walk away from.
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Complete guide to UAE Golden Visa eligibility, application process, investment requirements, and benefits. Includes self-assessment checklist, investment comparison, timeline breakdown, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Comprehensive guide to UAE Corporate Tax including registration, rates, exemptions, filing deadlines, transfer pricing, and compliance requirements. Includes tax calculator and compliance checklist.
Read guideComplete guide to forming a company in Dubai covering all free zones (DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA, IFZA, Dubai South, and more) and mainland options. Includes costs, timelines, documents, and step-by-step process.
Read guideComprehensive comparison guide to help you choose between Dubai free zone and mainland company formation. Side-by-side comparison of ownership, costs, market access, tax benefits, and decision factors.
Read guideSide-by-side comparison of Dubai's three most popular free zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan) for 2026: licence costs, visa quotas, office options, setup speed, and which suits your business. Sourced cost data and a clear decision framework.
Read guideThe honest guide to opening a UAE business bank account: why no one can guarantee approval, what banks really screen (nationality, activity, substance), which banks suit new free zone companies, and how to prepare so you are not declined at compliance.
Read guideMost Dubai setup consultants are legitimate, but the market has a trust problem: hidden fees, ghosting and lock-in. Five direct tests to apply before you pay anyone (the upfront-fee test, the NOC test, the total-cost test, the trade-license test, the transparency test) with the red flags to walk away from.
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Detailed guide to mainland company formation in Dubai including local sponsor requirements, business activities, licensing, and compliance.
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Guide to multi-jurisdiction company formation across UAE, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other global jurisdictions.
Read guideDoes a free zone company pay 9% corporate tax if all its clients are abroad? An honest explainer of the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules, qualifying vs non-qualifying income, the de minimis limit, and why registration is mandatory even at 0%.
Read guideComprehensive guide to UAE Corporate Tax including registration, rates, exemptions, filing deadlines, transfer pricing, and compliance requirements. Includes tax calculator and compliance checklist.
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Understanding UAE Economic Substance Regulations: history, repeal, and what businesses must know in 2025.
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Comprehensive guide to Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) regulations in the UAE: definitions, compliance requirements, and best practices for 2025.
Read guideQuick, honest answers to the questions people ask most about forming and running a company in the UAE.
Our guides cover the essentials, but every business situation is unique. Speak with our advisors for tailored structuring, tax, and compliance recommendations.
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