What is the cheapest way to set up a company in the UAE?

The cheapest UAE setup is a free zone company in SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) or Meydan Free Zone, starting at AED 5,750–6,500 per year for a license without a visa. If you need a visa, add AED 7,000–10,000 for the investor visa package. IFZA and RAKEZ are the next tier at AED 8,500–12,000 with more activity flexibility. Mainland and DMCC/DIFC are significantly higher — AED 15,000–30,000+.

Can I set up a UAE company without visiting the UAE?

Yes. Most free zone applications — including IFZA, SHAMS, Meydan, and RAKEZ — can be submitted fully remotely. Mainland setup is mostly remote too, though some activities require an in-person step. You only need to enter the UAE once, for a 2–3 day trip, to collect your investor visa after the license is issued. Indian founders must apostille their documents via MEA India before submission.

Do Indian residents need FEMA or RBI approval for UAE setup?

Yes. Indian residents investing in a UAE company must file Form ODI-1 with an Authorised Dealer bank within 30 days of investment, followed by annual Annual Performance Report filings. Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year without prior RBI approval; manufacturing entities or larger amounts need RBI approval via the ODI route.

Should Indian founders choose a UAE free zone or mainland company?

Free zone companies offer 0% tax on qualifying income, full remote setup, and no minimum capital — best for founders billing international clients. Mainland companies give unrestricted access to the UAE local market and government contracts, but cost more (AED 15,000–45,000/year vs AED 5,750–35,000) and take longer (7–15 business days vs 3–7). Both allow 100% foreign ownership since 2021. About 23% of myHQ's free-zone clients later add a mainland or offshore entity as they scale.

How does UAE Corporate Tax affect a free zone company?

UAE Corporate Tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Free zone companies with Qualifying Free Zone Person status pay 0% on qualifying income — international-client revenue, other free-zone transactions, and passive income — but 9% on non-qualifying income such as mainland-sourced revenue. All UAE entities must still register for Corporate Tax with the FTA regardless of income level.

How long does UAE company setup take?

Free zone setup takes 3–7 business days once documents are submitted; offshore takes 3–5 business days; mainland takes 7–15 business days. The most common delay for Indian founders is the document apostille step via MEA India (5–7 working days). Visa processing adds 2–3 weeks, and bank account approval typically takes 3–6 weeks separately.

Is a local UAE sponsor still required for company setup?

Not for most activities. The UAE abolished the mandatory 51% local-sponsor requirement for mainland companies in most sectors in 2021, allowing 100% foreign ownership. A short list of strategic activities, defined by each emirate's Department of Economic Development, may still require a local partner or service agent.

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Build in the UAE.
Think Beyond Borders.

myHQ makes your UAE business setup simple. Tap into new markets, global clients and bigger opportunities.

Setup in 5 days, starting from AED 5,750

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100%Foreign ownership

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The right emirate can change your business

Dubai Global business hub

Abu Dhabi Capital & big business

Sharjah Affordable Business Gateway

Ras Al-Khaimah Smart Low Cost Setup

Ajman Value Focussed Setup

We assess your business activity, ownership needs, budget and expansion plans to recommend the right emirate and structure

Choose your licence type, business activities and visa requirements, with a clear fixed-price quote covering the full setup.

Share your passport, photo and application details. We coordinate any apostille or attestation requirements for Indian founders.

Passport

Photo & application details

MEA apostille

*For Indian founders

We handle the application with the relevant UAE authority and get your company legally established, typically within 5 - 10 days.

We initiate your investor visa, medical fitness, biometrics and Emirates ID process once your business licence is issued.

Investor visa

Medical Fitness certificate

Emirates ID

We introduce you to suitable UAE banks and guide you through account opening, typically completed within 3-6 weeks.

Get it in just 5 days

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We had a trade name conflict with an existing DET business. myHQ suggested three alternatives the same day and we were approved within 48 hours. The process I thought would take weeks took 3 days.

Priya Singh

Founder of Management Consulting Firm

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1 Hour: Response Time
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One UAE. Three ways to build

UAE Free Zone

Starts at AED 5,750

Build lean, operate globally

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UAE Mainland

Starts at AED 19,900

Build for the local UAE market

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UAE Offshore Company

Starts at AED 12,900

Hold assets beyond borders

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Starts at AED 5,750

Build lean, operate globally

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Starts at AED 19,900

Build for the local UAE market

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Starts at AED 12,900

Hold assets beyond borders

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Everything you need for UAE business setup, in one place

Best forBusinesses that value global credibility and connectivityWhen to AvoidCost is your primary & only consideration

Best forBusinesses seeking institutional networks and long-term scaleWhen to AvoidYou want a lean & lightweight setup

Best forFounders looking for flexibility without Dubai-level costsWhen to AvoidDubai address itself is important to your brand

Best forBusinesses prioritising value, space and operational efficiencyWhen to AvoidYour business relies on Dubai's ecosystem

Make the right decision for your UAE setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

UAE Investor & Employment VisasGet residency for you and your team

How it helps?Live and work in the UAE, freely

Apostille & Document AttestationPrepare Indian documents for UAE use

How it helps?Get documents accepted without the hassle

Annual Licence RenewalKeep your licence active in few clicks

How it helps?Company stays compliant & active without interruptions

UAE Business Bank AccountOpen and activate your UAE account

How it helps?Receive, pay and manage finances globally

Licence & Activity AmendmentsAdapt as your business grows

How it helps?Add activities, change structure or expand visas

Virtual Office & Mailing AddressEstablish a professional UAE presence

How it helps?Have a UAE address without a physical office

Make the right decision for your Dubai setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

Only International invoicing, Operating remotely, Founders with UAE residency

Documents included:Licence onlyVisa:-Office:Flexi-deskBank account:Digital Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Residency Visa for Shareholder, Hiring Local Team

Documents included:Licence, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Flexi-deskBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Full access to UAE market, Applying to Govt. Contracts

Documents included:Licence, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Physical OfficeBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

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Build in the UAE.
Think Beyond Borders.

The right emirate can change your business

UAE is quickly becoming world's business launchpad

Your roadmap to launching your UAE business

2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐

Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?

One UAE. Three ways to build

Everything you need for UAE business setup, in one place

Your next chapter awaits in UAE

Build in the UAE.Think Beyond Borders.

The right emirate can change your business

UAE is quickly becoming world's business launchpad

Your roadmap to launching your UAE business

1Find your best UAE setup

2Finalise your business setup

3Get your documents ready

4Get your UAE business licence

5Set up your UAE residency

6Activate your UAE banking

2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐

Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?

One UAE. Three ways to build

Everything you need for UAE business setup, in one place

Your next chapter awaits in UAE

Build in the UAE.
Think Beyond Borders.