Business Setup Dubai – Mainland & Free Zone
Mainland and Free Zone company formation enquiry support.
How SMART VISA can help
We can guide you through activity selection, jurisdiction comparison, licence application, ownership documentation and eligible visa-related steps. Authority, office and licence charges vary by case.
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Government fees and service charges depend on the selected service and current authority requirements. Quotations are indicative until confirmed in writing. No visa approval or processing time is guaranteed.
A Dubai mainland licence and a free zone licence differ in licensing authority, permitted activities, premises, visa arrangements and operating conditions. The right choice depends on your business activity and commercial plans. Choose your activities, ownership and legal structure, trade name, licensing jurisdiction, office or flexi-desk requirements where permitted, and the number of visas you may need. The process can involve activity and name selection, initial approvals where required, legal documentation, premises arrangements, licence issuance, establishment or immigration files and subsequent banking or tax-related steps. We can compare suitable formation routes, coordinate paperwork and explain the expected breakdown of government and professional service charges. Banking and licence approvals are not guaranteed. Costs depend on activity, jurisdiction, premises, visa allocation and renewal obligations. Compare total first-year and recurring costs. Rules depend on the activity and applicable licences or permits. Confirm the permitted operating model before choosing a jurisdiction. A business licence does not guarantee bank account approval; banks carry out their own compliance checks.Service guide
Mainland or free zone?
Key setup decisions
Typical formation journey
How SMART VISA helps
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper: mainland or free zone?
Can a free zone company trade in mainland Dubai?
Will company formation include a bank account?